 Are you or aren't you? | If you've been trying to conceive for some time you're probably on hyper alert for early pregnancy signs. The problem with the waiting game, other than the mental torture associated with wondering if you are, or aren't going to have a baby in nine months? The most common early pregnancy symptoms, including tender or swollen breasts, an increase in urination, fatigue and some mild cramping, are pretty similar to what many of us feel right before our menstrual cycle is set to begin. But aside from those early pregnancy symptoms that are hard to decipher from typical PMS, there are some unusual signs that you're pregnant. Here are just a few of the less "well publicized" signals to watch out for, that might signal your family (and belly!) is about grow. Heightened sense of smell. Smells and potential nausea go hand in hand in the first trimester of pregnancy (and for some women, well beyond that time). But a heightened sense of smell can also signal that you're pregnant, thanks to increased estrogen in your system during pregnancy. Though there are some scientific studies linking this a superpower smell in early pregnancy to a greater propensity to morning sickness, it's not a guarantee that your nose will work against you in the coming weeks. Yeast infection. Experts at BabyCenter explain that yeast infections can be an early sign of pregnancy, again due to higher levels of estrogen in your system. Because of it, your body produces more glycogen, which creates a perfect home for an overgrowth of bacteria that causes the infection. If you think you might be pregnant and you have a yeast infection, contact your OB-GYN before you self-treat. Your doctor can ensure that you treat the infection in a way that is safe for your (possibly) growing baby. While your'e in the office, he or she can do a pregnancy test that will confirm whether you're pregnant, even if it's too soon to detect with an over the counter pregnancy test. Vivid dreams. Your sleep patterns can fluctuate wildly throughout pregnancy, ranging from nights of glorious deep sleep, to wake-filled bouts of pregnancy insomnia. But an early pregnancy symptom can be vivid dreams that you "experience" deeply in sleep, and recall clearly when you wake. (I had vivid dreams of a family of whales so clear that five years later, I still remember it). A cold. Sometimes a runny or stuffy nose is just a common cold, but other times, it's a symptom of early pregnancy, thanks to a depressed immune system while your body is busy taking care of other things! In fact, hormones can impact your nasal passages throughout pregnancy, making you more likely to produce mucous, on top of the fact that you may not be able to take allergy or cold medicines you may rely on to clear your congestion. If you suspect you're pregnant, try a nasal rinse instead of popping an over the counter cold medicine, which may not be safe in pregnancy. Share with other moms! What early pregnancy symptoms did you have? |
