First Signs of Pregnancy
The first sign of pregnancy has historical been considered a missed period or menstrual cycle. However, as science and medicine have paid closer attention to conception, pregnancy and fetal development greater insights have been made. The first sign of pregnancy is often implantation bleeding.
Implantation bleeding is caused by the fertilized egg implanting in the uterine wall which triggers a small trace of blood. This bleeding is usually spottier and lighter than a normal period; however it may linger for weeks.
It is common for women to not notice this symptom, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t see it even when you are watching for it.
Here is a list of some additional signs of pregnancy which may be the first sign of pregnancy that you experience:
- Abdominal cramps
- Breasts changes
- Fatigue or feeling more tired.
- Nausea or morning
- Dizziness or fainting
- Changes in appetite
- Headaches
- Increased basal body temperature
If you have been sexually active and experiencing any combination of these signs of pregnancy, it is recommended that you take a pregnancy test or visit with you health care provider.
Sources:
Cunningham, F., MD; Leveno, K., MD; Bloom, S., MD; Hauth, J., MD; Gilstrap, L., MD; and Wenstrom, K., MD, Williams Obstetrics 22nd ed.,
Duff, P., MD, Edwards, R., MD,
Scott, J., MD; Gibbs, R., MD; Karlan, B., MD; and Haney, A., MD, Danforth’s Obstetrics and Gynecology, 9th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,
Crombleholme, W., MD, “Obstetrics,” Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2003, 42nd ed.,
DeCherney, A., MD, and Nathan, L., MD, Current Obstetric & Gynecologic Diagnosis & Treatment, 9th;
Harms, R., MD, Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy,
Bankowski, B. MD., Hearne, A. MD, Lambrou, N. MD, Fox, H. MD, and Wallach, E. MD, The Johns Hopkins Manual of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2nd ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2002.