Pregnancy Symptoms: The Possible, Probable And Positive

There are many signs of pregnancy, ranging from those that make you wonder to those that even your caregiver considers proof positive. Here's a look at the signs and symptoms you may experience, and how likely each one is to be correct.

woman shocked by pregnancy test

Presumptive signs

These are the symptoms and sensations that, while possibly indicating pregnancy, also could be caused by any number of other conditions. These are also some of the earliest pregnancy symptoms.

  1. Absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
  2. Nausea and/or vomiting (morning sickness)
  3. Unexplained fatigue
  4. Frequent urination
  5. Breast tenderness and changes
  6. Excessive salivation (ptyalism)
  7. Skin changes
  8. A sensation of movement in abdomen (quickening)

Probable signs

Most of the time, these do indicate pregnancy -- but, in certain cases, they might be false or caused by another condition.

  1. Positive pregnancy test (presence of hCG detected, by blood or urine test)
  2. Softening of cervix at six to eight weeks (Goodell's sign)
  3. Bluish coloration of cervix, vagina and vulva at six to eight weeks (Chadwick's sign)
  4. Enlarged abdomen
  5. Braxton-Hicks contractions
  6. Passive movement of the fetus during an exam (ballottement)

Positive signs

These can't be mistaken for any other condition. They're considered absolute evidence that you are, in fact, pregnant. They rely on the senses -- sound, sight and touch -- as interpreted by your caregiver.

  1. Fetal heart sounds heard by Doptone or Doppler
  2. Fetus visible on ultrasound
  3. Fetal movements felt by caregiver
  4. Fetus visible on X-ray, MRI or other diagnostic imaging device (Note: Use of these devices is not recommended during pregnancy)

The value of these signs

Even the presumptive signs are important to know because of the value of prenatal care. As soon as you suspect even that you might be pregnant, start taking extra-good care of yourself: Avoid alcohol and cigarettes, eat well, and start taking prenatal vitamins. Make an appointment with a qualified caregiver to find out what else you need to do to grow a happy and healthy baby.

More about early pregnancy

When will you start to show
When should we tell people about the pregnancy?
Super-early signs that you may be pregnant

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Comments

virginia lloyd March 20, 2013
what can i look for kidney trouble//
FUCKER March 09, 2013
dont fuck me please
Anonymous March 09, 2013
PREGNANCY WITH ORAL FUCKING
Anonymous March 09, 2013
EARLY SIMPTOMS WEN SHE IS FUCKING
Anonymous March 09, 2013
STROKE SIMPTOMS
pamela March 07, 2013
can someone help me & tell me more about the symptoms when u dont know if your really pregneat ? .. the only stuffs that occur me is Headache,My stomach hurts, i feel something moving in it, and feel super tierd & sleepy ?
kadeen February 19, 2013
i see my period januray 24 me an my husband bee having sex from feb 2 my breast is tender and i been urinating a lot sleeping a lot i keep wondering if am pregnant
Christian Vicnent February 17, 2013
Can I get information on pregnancy? blueandorange47@gmail.com
michael February 08, 2013
wht does it mean whn are are pregnant lease then a mouth and you feel something moving in your belly my girlfriend is having tht feeling
Madison January 31, 2013
Well my daughter is ten and she had sex with her boy fried at his house so what kind of signs do i look for
Andie December 19, 2012
Greeting,
I dont know how to rap my head around this, confused at the moment I need to know why my breast are getting bit bigger then before and sore on each side and everytime I touch them side on or rub em they hurt why? I got my periods yesturday 19th Dec I dont understand why my breast are like this? Need help!! Cheers.