Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

The signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman. Usually the most obvious sign is a missed period. However, some women continue to have bleeding even while pregnant.

While each woman may experience the signs of pregnancy differently, the following are the most common initial signs of pregnancy:

  • Fatigue
  • Sore and swollen breasts
  • Nausea or vomiting (also called morning sickness)
  • Frequent urination
  • Certain food cravings or aversions
  • Bloating of the abdomen
  • Darkening of the skin around the nipples (also called the areola) 

These early signs may not positively indicate pregnancy, but may actually signal another process occurring within the body. A pregnancy test can provide more accurate results.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a doctor call (314) 996-5433 or email us.

What is a pregnancy test?

Pregnancy is confirmed with a pregnancy test. A pregnancy test can be performed on either urine or blood. Pregnancy tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta about 10 days after fertilization. Levels of the hCG hormone approximately double every two days during the first 60 days of pregnancy. Pregnancy tests that are performed using the woman's blood are done by a doctor and are usually performed to obtain a very early diagnosis of pregnancy or to confirm an at-home pregnancy test. Blood tests are very accurate and can detect pregnancy by the second week after conception.

Women can conduct an at-home pregnancy test by testing a sample of urine about two weeks after conception, or about the time a period is due. If used correctly, most home pregnancy tests are 97 to 99 percent accurate.

Always consult your health care provider to confirm a positive at-home pregnancy test with a more reliable pregnancy test and physical examination. If your at-home pregnancy test results are negative, but you think you are pregnant, you should also consult with a doctor.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a doctor call (314) 996-5433 or email us.