From fatigue to nausea and weight gain, several symptoms can indicate pregnancy. The entire pregnancy can last for about 40 weeks, and for some women, it may even sound scary. Having said that, understanding the symptoms of pregnancy and what to expect during this period can help make this period smooth and comfortable for women.

Common symptoms of pregnancy

Among the first things women should know are the signs that can help them understand that they are pregnant. Although the symptoms of pregnancy may differ among women, here’s a list of the most common ones:

• A missed menstrual cycle: The most common and among the earliest signs of a pregnancy is a missed menstrual cycle. However, this is not a sure sign as irregular or delayed menstrual cycles can also be a result of ill health.
• Tender breasts: Tender and sensitive breasts can also be a sign of pregnancy as they are caused by hormonal changes that occur during the early stages of pregnancy.
• Nausea and vomiting: Nausea is a common symptom of pregnancy, and it generally starts a month after a woman conceives. However, it may occur earlier for some women, while others may not develop this symptom at all. This symptom is commonly known as morning sickness, but women may experience it at any time of the day.
• Increased urination: Increased urination is another common symptom of pregnancy as a result of increased blood flow in a woman’s body. This leads to the kidneys working overtime to process more fluid and eliminate toxins, which increases the urge to urinate among pregnant women.
• Fatigue: Exhaustion and fatigue are among the most common signs of pregnancy. The production of progesterone increases significantly among women during the early stages of pregnancy, which causes fatigue and sleepiness.

Other than these symptoms, pregnancy may lead to bloating, mood swings, cramping, constipation, and sudden dislike for certain foods among women, even to the extent of throwing up at their sight or smell.

Stages of pregnancy
The stages of pregnancy are known as trimesters. By the 12th week, the baby starts developing muscles and nerves, along with the head. The second trimester lasts from week 13th to 28th, and the bone marrow of the baby starts creating blood cells during this time. Also, fingerprints and footprints form, the hair on the baby’s head starts growing, and the baby grows to around 12 inches long in the second trimester. In the third trimester, the organs of the baby start functioning on their own.

Prevention of unwanted pregnancy
Several birth control methods can be used by women with an active sex life if they do not wish to conceive. The most common contraceptive methods are condoms, cervical caps, oral contraceptive pills, and IUDs.

If a woman notices any of these symptoms of pregnancy, she must take a pregnancy test. Modern home pregnancy tests can give a 99%-accurate result, but visiting a doctor can help women get a confirmation. The urine or blood test performed by a medical professional can confirm a pregnancy.