Pregnancy can be a daunting process from the day of conception and symptoms that could mean anything – to what to do to keep the pregnancy healthy. It is important to have a guide to reference so you can make a wise and educated choice about your pregnancy in every stage. So how do you know you could be pregnant? See the following article.
Symptoms of Being Pregnant
| Symptoms | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Missing a Period |
This is the obvious one so it is best to keep track and know if you are regular or not. |
| Nausea |
Those hormones are going to start changing and nausea is one of the common symptoms. |
| Tender and Swollen Breasts |
If you period hasn’t started and your breasts are still tender and swollen—chances are you’re pregnant. |
| Tingling and Prickling Nipples |
Sounds like some form of torture and boy it can feel sensitive in a bra. This is a sure sign in combination with others. |
| Darker Areolas |
If the area around your nipples is getting darker then you may be pregnant as there are not many other conditions that would cause such a thing. |
| Spotting |
If you experience spotting and you are ten days after conception—this could mean an implantation bleed. If it does not lead to a regular period, then you may be pregnant. |
| Frequent Urination or Constipation |
This is caused by the stretching of the uterus on the bladder and bowel causing these symptoms. |
| Sensitive Nose |
You may have a heightened sense of smell. |
| Food Cravings |
You may want some weird things at some weird hours so you need to be watchful of that. |
| Headaches |
Pressure on the brain by water gain and hormonal changes may cause some headaches. |
| Emotional Swings |
You can bet on some mood swings that those hormones are going to cause. |
| Dizziness |
This is in line with why headaches happen. Although it is goo to check blood pressure. |
| Fatigue |
Even in early stages your body will be using resources for the baby causing mom to feel tired and cranky. |
| Metallic Taste |
This is a taste in the mouth that is also spawned by hormonal imbalance during pregnancy. |
| Vivid Dreams |
Yes, you are even affected in your sleep. Your brain and hormones are in overdrive. |
| Positive Home Pregnancy Test |
There are a lot of these on the market that are very sensitive. If it comes out positive you only have to confirm with other symptoms here. |
| Other Symptoms |
Back ache, shortness of breath, itchy skin, tingling and numbness in hands, leg cramps, varicose veins, and vaginitis. |
Cautions During Pregnancy
| Item | Avoid or Not | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol |
Avoid |
Low birth weight-birth defects |
| Caffeine |
Avoid or limit |
Miscarriage risk |
| Unpasteurized food and Drink |
Avoid |
Bad bacteria risk |
| Raw Foods |
Avoid |
Bad bacteria risk |
| Certain fish: Shark, Tuna steaks, Swordfish, Tile fish, King mackerel |
Avoid |
Severe food, born illness |
| Kitty Litter |
Avoid |
Toxoplasmosis—same as fish illness |
| OTC and Prescribed meds |
Avoid some |
Contact physician about any type you are considering |
| Recreational Drugs |
Avoid |
ALL |
| Smoking |
Avoid |
Miscarriage risk |
| Computers |
No |
N/a |
| Flying |
Avoid |
When due date is near or upon doctor’s orders |
| Hair Dyes |
No |
|
| High Impact Exercise |
Avoid |
Stick to aerobic low-impact |
| House hold chemicals |
Avoid |
Some so consult physician on which pose a threat |
| Bug Sprays |
Avoid |
Miscarriage risk |
| Lead |
Avoid |
Miscarriage risk |
| Microwaves |
No |
|
| Hot tubs etc. |
Avoid |
Dangerous temp and infection risk |
| Self-tanning |
Maybe |
No real proof-inconclusive |
| Sex |
Maybe |
Only in high risk pregnancy’s |
| Tap water |
No |
|
| Teeth whiteners |
Maybe |
Inconclusive evidence |
| Vaccinations |
Yes |
Check with physician on which ones |
| X-rays |
Maybe |
Check with physician |
Using Common Sense in Pregnancy
These lists may sound like a stress-maker. However, most of it is common sense. The baby is part of your body and anything you are exposed to—the baby will be exposed to—it’s that simple. The lists are there for several reasons. They are there to remind you of things you may not have thought of that you do each day. We don’t go about the day trying to harm our baby but we also all have habits. Some of these habits are obvious to us as a threat to an unborn baby and some are not. The list is also there because we cannot possibly know every chemical compound or potential contaminant in our food and drink. It helps to have a reference for a new mother to refer to and make an educated decision about.