Every pregnant woman has heard stories about what is supposed to happen and not supposed to happen during pregnancy. The truth is that while sometimes what you have heard may be accurate, just as often it can be wrong, or only apply to some women and not others. The truth is that many of the symptoms of pregnancy vary from woman to woman. Below we have prepared a guide to help you understand the truth of what to expect during pregnancy, what may or may not apply in your situation, and also what you can do to make yourself as comfortable as possible while reducing your stress and anxiety.

Understanding the Symptoms of Pregnancy

The most common early sign of pregnancy is missing your period. However, it is important to know that some women experience bleeding very early in pregnancy when the fertilized egg first attaches to the lining of the uterus, and some women confuse this bleeding with a menstrual cycle. Note also that some women continue to have their period throughout the various stages of pregnancy. Additionally, in early pregnancy many women experience uterine cramps which are very similar to menstrual cramps. So, do not let the presence or absence of your period be the only factor you consider.

Along with the probable change in your menstrual flow are the feelings feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or faint. Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) are two of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy. While most women start to feel the symptoms of morning sickness at about 4-8 weeks after conception, it is not uncommon to have these symptoms as early as two weeks after conception.

Other early sings of pregnancy include fatigue, tender and swollen breasts, sore nipples, food cravings, or aversions to certain foods.

Weight gain is also a common early pregnancy sign. You will gain a significant amount of weight during your pregnancy and the weight gain often starts very early. Putting on weight slowly and steadily is best. Gaining too little or too much can be harmful to you and your baby. Gaining the right amount by eating a healthy, balanced diet is a good sign that your baby is getting all the nutrients needed and is growing at a healthy rate. The "right" amount of weight gain for you can be determined by you in consultation with your health care provider. Click here for information on eating and nutrition.

You may also have heartburn or find yourself needing to urinate more frequently. In fact, more than 50% of first time pregnant women and 85% of second time mothers develop bladder weakness. Additionally 50% of all pregnant women experience constipation.

Moodiness is another common symptom that accompanies pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes that affect the chemicals in your brain, you may experience heightened emotions. In the normal course of pregnancy, this moodiness occurs at around 6-10 weeks into the pregnancy, eases up during the second trimester, and then appears again in the later stages of pregnancy.

Back pain or back discomfort is present in approximately 50-75% of pregnant women. While lower back pain may be experienced during any point of your pregnancy, it is most common later in pregnancy as the weight of the baby increases.

You can be pregnant without ever experiencing the above signs or symptoms and you may have these signs but not be pregnant. If you believe you are pregnant you should contact your health care provider or take a pregnancy test.

For more detailed information please visit the link early signs and symptoms of pregnancy. You may also find the website link Womens-health to be helpful.

Additional Information

If you are pregnant and don't know where to turn to actually start prenatal care or you don't know how you can afford it, call your local hospital and you can always contact us at Adoption Services (phone: 1-800-943-0400) so we can help you.

As emphasized in a different section of this website, do not ignore the above symptoms. You should contact your health care provider or take a home pregnancy test. If you have these symptoms and are not pregnant, you should contact your health care provider to find the cause of the problem. If you are pregnant it is important for you and your baby to start prenatal care as soon as possible. For additional information on pregnancy, labor, delivery, and a whole range of pregnancy related issues visit the website PregnancyAndChildren and National Women's Health Information Center website.