How can you tell if you are pregnant? There are a number of signs and symptoms to watch for. Chances are you will only experience a portion of the symptoms. Each pregnancy is different, and the same mom to be can experience different pregnancy signs each time she gets pregnant. Pregnancy symptoms can begin for some mothers immediately after conception. Some pregnancy signs require that you chart your cycle, noting your daily basal body temperature.

A missed period is one of the foremost pregnancy symptoms. Usually in these circumstances you miss your periods or bleeding is less than normal. As mentioned, your body undergoes hormonal changes and the growing uterus that presses against the bowel results in initial pregnancy symptoms like backaches, cramps, constipation and missed period and so on. Your breast tends to become tender and there is darkening of nipples. This is one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy and usually occurs as early as one week after conception and continues thereafter.

Exhaustion or tiredness is usually associated with pregnancy health related concerns. Pregnancy requires you to take rest as much as you can. Feeling tired or exhaustive is not a temporary phase. It occurs after one to six weeks of conceiving and can last till the entire pregnancy period. You tend to feel extremely hungry and there is a craving for food. Usually, there is no restriction on the amount of food you can have during these days but it is very important that your diet should be healthy and nutritious. Your doctor can be your best guide regarding the kind of diet you should maintain during pregnancy.

Women become extremely sensitive to smell and this is one of earliest pregnancy symptom. Frequent urination due to growing pressure on the bladder, lower abdominal cramps is all pregnancy symptoms. Headaches, nausea and vomiting usually occur after two to ten weeks of conceiving. Generally termed as “morning sickness”, nausea can occur at any time of the day and in extreme cases it will be full fledged vomiting. All these pregnancy symptoms are attributed to hormonal changes in the body.

Pregnancy test is the ultimate way to confirm your pregnancy. Your doctor can always confirm the fact after you are done with your tests. Today, pregnancy tests are very reliable and can give you result as early as ten to fourteen days of fertilization. When you are experience any one or few of these pregnancy symptoms, make it sure that you do not neglect your health. Any tobacco products and alcohol should be totally avoided during pregnancy. Since, your behavior can also be irrational sometimes, it is always better that you give outlet to your emotions in a weekly pregnancy calendar that cover your entire pregnancy journey. Your life will never be the same once you make it a point to enjoy the journey of pregnancy.

Track your pregnancy week-by-week, chat with other moms and moms-to-be, and find answers to questions on toddler development, baby development, and pregnancy symptoms from the author of What To Expect When You’re Expecting. You’ll find plenty of both at WhatToExpect.com, the online companion to the What to Expect books. Join author Heidi Murkoff and a whole community of moms and dads who know exactly what you’re going through — friends to share the excitement and anticipation, the miraculous milestones, the surprising symptoms, and the wonderful (and often unexpected) experience of pregnancy and beyond. Sign up for free today!