Thursday, May 22, 2008

Didn't know I was pregnant

...until I took a home pregnancy test - twice.

A friend once told me that Hormonal Imbalance often mimics the symptoms of pregnancy. I thought I was just having the first one because I have history of hormonal imbalance and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) so I always rule out pregnancy. But having surrounded by friends and relatives who are in medicine (lucky me!) I was somehow able to find out bits of information about symptoms of pregnancy. Special thanks to Doctors Willie and Leo, Babe Grace, Auntie Aida (Pedia) and Auntie Nilda (OB), sister-in-law Grace, and babiesonline.com.

Bleeding. Or more commonly known as Implantation Bleeding is the earliest pregnancy symptom. Some women will experience spotting as well as cramping. In this stage the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall so the bleeding occurs. I cleary remember having this symptom last April 5 and lasted for two days.

Other Explanations: Actual menstruation, changed in birth control pills, or infection.

Delayed Menstruation. This is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. This has always been normal to me since I am ever since irregular but the one that triggered me to take a home preg test is the unusual morning sickness I had for the first time in two consecutive mornings until now.

Other Explanations: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing brith control pill.

Swollen/Tender Breasts. Swollen or tender breasts is a pregnancy symptoms which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks of conception. This is also a sign for an upcoming menstrual period.

Other Explanations: Hormonal Imbalance, Impending PMS, and birth control pills.

Fatigue/Tiredness. Feeling tired or fatigued is a pregnancy symptom which can also start as early as the first week after conception. I can go on window-shopping and endless walking for the whole day but for the past few weeks, I find comfort in the soft sofa seats of Macy's and Nordstrom.

Other Explanations: Stress, Depression, Common cold/flu.

Nausea/Morning Sickness. This well-known pregnancy symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with this and unfortunately I'm not one of them. My morning sickness is the worst!

Other Explanations: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.


Backaches. Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy, however it is common to experience a dull backache throughout an entire pregnancy. Luckily, I haven't experience this yet.

Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.


Headaches. The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy. I encounter this usually at the end of the day.


Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation, eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.


Frequent Urination. Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom. And I thought because I drink too much water. Could be.


Other Explanation: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics.


There are more symptoms on the list but I'm just posting the most common ones that usually appear in the first trimester. What I'm feeling right now? Scared and excited. Well, it's a mixture of both of course having a baby is the next best thing to happen after getting married. Can't wait to be mom!







































































































































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