Pregnancy Symptoms

The symptoms associated with pregnancy tell you one of three things: You're pregnant, your pregnancy is progressing normally, or there may be a problem that requires medical attention.

Missed period

The earliest and most common symptom of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period. This is usually the first clue that you're pregnant. In some cases, a missed period results from another cause, such as rapid weight loss or your choice of contraception. Always follow up with your doctor if you miss a period.

Once your doctor confirms your pregnancy, you will begin nine months of symptoms that change, disappear and sometimes come back. In most cases, these symptoms are signs that your body is adjusting to the baby's growth and nourishing the baby sufficiently.

The following description of symptoms is a guide. You may not experience all of these symptoms, or you may experience them during a different trimester than that noted and still have a healthy pregnancy. Every woman is different, so talk with your provider if you have a question.

First trimester

During the first trimester (the first three months), many woman experience mild nausea and occasionally vomiting . Although this has been dubbed "morning sickness," a pregnant woman can experience nausea at any time of day, and sometimes all day. You can expect nausea to subside within 14 weeks. Other symptoms seen in the early stages of pregnancy are breast tenderness (as the body prepares for breast-feeding); fatigue; mood swings; headaches; constipation and hemorrhoids; and a darkening of the pigmented area around the nipple called the areola.

Second trimester

During the second trimester (months four through six), your body will show signs the baby is growing. You may have to urinate more frequently as the uterus grows and presses on the bladder below. The growing uterus also stretches the ligaments that hold it in place. When these ligaments stretch, you may feel discomfort or pain lasting for several minutes. As the body enriches the mucous tissue of the uterus, it cannot distinguish between tissue in the uterus and tissue in other areas of the body, so excess blood may result in nosebleeds or bleeding gums. Other symptoms of the second trimester are weight gain; heartburn; a dark line between your belly button and pubic area (linea alba); and dark shading on your face (melasma or chloasma). Most women begin to feel the baby move (quickening) at some point during the second trimester.

Third trimester

In the third trimester (months seven through nine), your body begins to prepare for the upcoming delivery. The baby is now so big it may compress your lungs and cause shortness of breath. You can also see the baby's movements when you watch your belly. Because the baby is filling the uterus more than in earlier months, movements that were once frequent and flowing change to a few punches and kicks. Other symptoms of the third trimester are backaches; false contractions called "Braxton-Hicks"; a change in your walk as you compensate for the baby's size and the increased weight hanging in front of your normal center of gravity; and continued enlargement of your breasts.

At any time after you discover you are pregnant, your body may send a sign that something is wrong. The most obvious sign of a problem is vaginal bleeding, although this can be normal in the first few weeks of pregnancy about the time when your normal period would be due.

Talk with your doctor

If a symptom is unfamiliar to you, causes severe pain or marks a sudden change from how you've been feeling, contact your doctor. It is often difficult and frustrating for women to tell the difference between a symptom that is normal and a symptom that signals a problem. Take comfort in knowing that most unpleasant symptoms are a sign that your pregnancy is healthy. Many of the symptoms of pregnancy will resolve as the pregnancy progresses. Still, trust yourself when you have a concern and call your doctor with your question.

Self-care Steps for Pregnancy Symptoms

• To ease the nausea of morning sickness, drink plenty of fluids and eat small amounts of food through the day. Pressure bands used for sea sickness may provide relief. You can expect morning sickness to resolve within the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

• For breast tenderness, buy a larger bra to ease pressure but still provide support. You may need to purchase another larger bra as your pregnancy continues.

• To eliminate fatigue, listen to your body and take a nap if your schedule allows. Even a short rest can help restore strength and energy.

• For swellingin the lower extremities, lie on your left side for an hour to keep the uterus from pressing on blood vessels in the abdomen. If you have access to a pool, float in it. Immersion in water pushes fluid back into the bloodstream.

• To avoid heartburn, pass up large meals and fried, spicy or acidic foods that can trigger heartburn. Try to remain upright after you eat. It is safe for a pregnant woman to take over-the-counter antacids. In fact, many antacids contain calcium, which is a plus for you and your baby.

• To treat hemorrhoids, soak in a warm bath. Add fiber and fluids to your diet to avoid constipation.