The Early Signs of Pregnancy
One of the great joys in life is having a child. It changes your perspective on life as well as your perspective on how to take on the future. It's one of those rare events that you can say is both rewarding as well as a challenge.
Of course, one of the things about pregnancy is knowing what signs to look for that indicate that you are pregnant. This may sound like common knowledge, but it's actually something that a lot of men and women aren't too aware of beyond some basics. The team at our fertility center would like to take a few moments right now to cover the basics of those early signs of pregnancy.
Common Early Signs of Pregnancy
Some of the most common early signs of pregnancy include:
- Late period
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Sensitive sense of smell
- Sudden aversions to certain foods
- Sudden cravings for certain foods
- Shortness of breath
- Tenderness of the breasts
- Swelling of the breasts
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Heightened body temperature
How soon will women notice these signs?
It varies from person to person, but women will often notice these signs after two weeks to a month. The late period is a sure symptom to look out for, so if you notice any of the above in addition to a late period, it's important to get tested. The team at our Houston and Sugar Land fertility centers provide patients with this information to find out if fertility treatment has proven successful.
If I notice these symptoms, does that mean I'm pregnant?
Not necessarily, though the likelihood may be quite high. Whether you have experienced these symptoms through intercourse or as a result of treatments for infertility, you can't be 100% sure until you get a pregnancy test. The above signs and symptoms may be coincidental with another change in your body or a systemic condition of some kind.
Testing for Pregnancy
While over-the-counter pregnancy tests can prove somewhat reliable, it's best that you visit your doctor and undergo a professional pregnancy test just to make sure.
Fertility Treatments and Pregnancy Detection
After a patient has undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination, it's important that they monitor themselves and look out for these signs of pregnancy. As we mentioned above, these signs or pregnancy will help us determine if a treatment has been successful. By running tests, we will confirm pregnancy or if it's a false alarm and then proceed with treatment as needed.
What else should I know about pregnancy?
The most important thing that we always communicate to patients is that they should not feel ashamed or embarrassed if they are unable to become pregnant through intercourse. There are so many factors that can result in infertility or non-pregnancies. Whether it's a matter of timing or a matter of infertility, we can help you on your path to starting the family of which you've always dreamed.
Schedule a Consultation for Fertility Treatment
For more information about pregnancy detection and various assisted reproduction options, be sure to contact our Houston area fertility practice today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and engaging in a meaningful dialog about all of your concerns.
