EARLY SIGNS OF PREGNANCY

   Are you wondering if you might be pregnant? Although the only way to
know for sure is by taking a home pregnancy test or a blood test at your Ob-Gyn office. But pay close attention to your body! there are early symptoms of pregnancy that may point to the possibility, because the hormones released as soon as you conceive may start causing subtle changes even before they're detectable on a home pregnancy test.
   Checkout these early signs of pregnancy and see if any of them feel familiar. But you should know the fact that you notice some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you are pregnant, these symptoms may be caused by other things besides being pregnant. So the only way to tell for sure is with a pregnancy test.

1. Spotting and Cramping
   One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is spotting (Bleeding), sometimes cramping. This is as a result of the fertilized egg attaches itself to wall of the uterus a few days after conception. The bleeding is called implantation bleeding because, it is triggered by implantation. The cramps resemble menstrual cramps , so some women mistake them and the bleeding for the start of their period. The bleeding and cramps, however, are slight. It occurs anywhere from six to 12 days after the egg is fertilized. So if you notice that your "period" seems way shorter or different from usual, it may be a sign of pregnancy.

2. Breast Changes
   A woman's hormone levels rapidly change after conception. Because of the changes, you might experience swollen, soreness or tingling in breast.
The breast will fill out and change shape early in pregnancy as they prepare to produce milk. They become heavier, fuller and very tender and sensitive to touch for a few months
  Hormones can cause the areolas the area around the nipples, to widen and darken during pregnancy. This occurs as the body prepares itself for
breastfeeding.

3. Missed Period
   This is the most obvious indicator of pregnancy. A missed period can be as a result of stress, diet or an irregular schedule it doesn’t always mean a baby is on the way. So it’s best to get tested to be sure.

4. Smell Sensitivity
   Heightened sense of smell is one of the most common early signs that you could be pregnant. Some researchers have speculated that it might be to protect women from eating spoiled or tainted foods, thus protecting the baby from any harmful toxins.

5. Nausea
  Nausea during pregnancy is caused by an increase in hormone levels. It
affects up to 85 percent of all pregnant women,.

6. Peeing more often or Constipation
   During pregnancy the uterus presses directly on the bladder leading to more frequent urination. The added pressure and intestinal changes may also cause constipation. The more a baby grows, the more the uterus presses against the bladder and other organs.
   Also because your digestive track is slowing down now, food may not pass through as quickly and this can lead to constipation.

7. Bloating
   Ramped-up levels of progesterone slow down your digestive track and may make your tummy feel puffier than usual, you might fit into your clothes anymore, especially those skinny jeans. But bloating also happens during PMS and goes away when your period arrives,

8. Unusual Hunger or Cravings
   Since your overtired body may demand extra carbs now to grow the baby, some women find themselves craving food they would never
normally dream of eating, while others simply feel hungry all day long.Pregnant bodies are working hard and need about 300 extra calories a
day.

9. Headaches
   Increasing blood volume may trigger frequent but mild tension headaches in the first few weeks of pregnancy. The frequency of the headaches can increase with pregnancy. This sign of pregnancy should let up as your body adjusts to elevated hormone levels.

10. Fatigue
   It takes lots of energy to create a baby, so, many women feel very tired early in pregnancy .If all you can think about at work is taking a nap or if you're too exhausted to keep up with everyday activities like hitting the gym, then you might be pregnant. If you are pregnant, chances are you’ll start to feel less tired around week 12, when the placenta is fully formed.

11. Metallic Taste in the mouth
    Some women complain of an odd metallic taste in their mouths during pregnancy. For some it can last throughout their entire pregnancy.

12. Mood Swings
    As levels of hCG hormones increase, you're feeling massive amounts of fatigue, which makes you more prone to moodiness. Many women experience emotional mood swings throughout pregnancy. It’s natural to go through a variety of emotions as hormones are adjusting and the body is changing.

13. Feeling faint or dizzy
   Changes in hormones, combined with the heart beating faster to pump more blood through the body can cause blood pressure to gradually decrease early in pregnancy. This can result to pregnant women feeling  dizzy or lightheaded.