Understanding the Dozen Discomforts and Complications of Pregnancy

There is a degree of uncertainty in the mind of a woman, during early pregnancy, as to whether conception has occurred. In fact, she may not know until her enlarging abdomen makes the situation obvious. There are three common clues of early pregnancy: 1) the missing of a regular menstrual period, 2) "morning sickness", and 3) tenderness and beginning enlargement of the breasts.

The reason for some doubt about whether a woman is pregnant, even though she misses a menstrual period, is that factors other than pregnancy can account for a missed period. Some examples of the factors that can interfere with menstruation are excessive emotional strain, a serious illness, or disturbances of the endocrine organs. In some women, "morning sickness" occurs soon after pregnancy begins. They experience nausea and some vomiting typically in the morning, although these may also occur at other times of day. This symptom usually disappears after the third month. As for tenderness and beginning enlargement of the breasts, these are natural responses to the hormones that control the events of pregnancy. The gland tissue within the breasts must develop gradually in preparation for producing milk after the child is born. [Read Full Article]