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Am I Pregnant?

There are certain classic signs that can make you suspect that you are pregnant before seeking confirmation.

Amenorrhoea*

Within two weeks of fertilisation, a woman may miss a period. Although pregnancy is the most common cause of amenorrhoea, it is not the only one, so a missed period should not be taken as an absolute sign of pregnancy. Several other factors such as jet lag, severe illness, surgery, shock, bereavement, or great stress also can cause amenorrhoea. Periods, however, do not always stop in pregnancy: some women have been known to have light periods up to the sixth month, and occasionally all the way through their pregnancies.

Frequency of Urination*

As soon as progesterone levels rise and the embryo starts to secrete hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin), the blood supply to the pelvic area increases, which leads to pelvic congestion. This is communicated to the bladder, which becomes irritable and tries to expel even the smallest quantity of urine. Most women therefore experience the desire to pass urine (micturition) more frequently than usual, although it may be in only very small quantities. This can happen as early as one week after conception.

Tiredness*

Fatigue is partly due to very high levels of progesterone, which has a sedative effect. During early pregnancy your metabolism speeds up in order to support your developing embryo and your vital organs, which have to cope with an enormously increased amount of work. This can lead to utter fatigue, which is sometimes so great that it is uncontrollable and you may just have to sleep. If so, you must – for your sake and for your baby’s.

Odd Tastes and Cravings*

The saliva often reflects the chemical content of the blood and, with rising hormone levels, the taste within your mouth can change, often being described as metallic. This can also make the taste of certain foods different from normal, with some that you may usually enjoy (coffee is a common example) even become intolerable. There is no real scientific explanation for cravings, which can occasionally be for very odd things such as coal, but they are thought to be the body’s response to deficiency in certain minerals and trace elements. Try to control or distract cravings for inedible substances as well as high-calorie foods that are low in nutritional value. Otherwise feel free to indulge yourself within reason.

Morning Sickness*

Most common in the morning, morning sickness can come on at any time of day especially when you do not eat often enough and your blood sugar is allowed to drop.

Smell*

Pregnancy often heightens your sense of smell, and you may find that common odours such as cooking smells make you nauseous. Perfume can also have a similar effect, and you may notice that the way your perfume smells also changes, owing to alterations in your skin’s chemistry.

Breast Changes*

Even at the start of pregnancy, breast changes may be quite obvious: your breasts can become quite lumpy and sore to the touch; the nipple area may become tender and sensitive, and will also deepen in colour; and veins can become enlarged over the surface of the breasts.

* Dr Miriam Stoppard MD FRCP, Conception, Pregnancy & Birth, Dorling Kindersley, Australia 2002