Am I pregnant? Pregnancy signs and symptoms

You may be feeling a little strange and suspect you could be pregnant... When you are pregnant you are likely to experience one or many of these symptoms:

Missed period

This is the first major indication that you may be pregnant.

Tender, swollen breasts

The veins may show up more, and the areola (skin around the nipples) may darken.

Headaches

This is a common early pregnancy complaint caused by hormonal overdrive. These usually disappear by your second trimester.

Nausea or vomiting

Coupled with the missed period this is a reliable sign you are pregnant. Morning sickness affects around 50% of pregnant women and, while worse in the morning, can hover around all day. It usually starts easing off by 12 weeks.

Increased sensitivity to odours

Smells that were once appetising make you feel ill, while others are suddenly quite appealing.

Cravings

Again, foods you once loved you may now have an aversion too, while others you simply have to have. Coffee in particular seems to make moms-to-be ill, while craving lemons may be a sure sign.

Fatigue

Your body is adjusting to being pregnant. Remember that amazing things are taking place within, which causes all your systems to work harder, such as your heart, lungs and kidneys.

Frequent urination

More urine is created due to increased blood flow to your kidneys.

Positive pregnancy test

And finally, the ultimate proof is a positive pregnancy test! (Blood tests are required in order to be certain, though urine tests or home testing kit are pretty reliable).