Physical Signs of Pregnancy

During the next 9 months, you are bound to see a variety of physical changes throughout your pregnancy. Some of these may begin before you know that you are pregnant. Though you may experience these physical signs, it is important to remember that they could be caused by other conditions. Only a pregnancy test can confirm that you are pregnant.

  1. Early Pregnancy

    • Several days before a home pregnancy test confirms a pregnancy, you may still experience early signs that a delivery is due in nine months. Many of these may be missed because they mirror menstruation signs. During this time, you may experience swollen breasts, backaches and headaches, and darkening of the areola, which is the skin around your nipples, according to the American Pregnancy Association. You may also find yourself fighting off nausea, or "morning sickness," as well as fatigue and more frequent urination. Some women may also experience implantation bleeding, or spotting, several days before a period is due, according to Baby Center.

    First Trimester

    • During the course of the first trimester, up through week 12 of pregnancy, many of the symptoms experienced earlier on may grow more pronounced, according to Planned Parenthood. You may gain a few pounds during the first 3 months, and your areolas may continue growing larger and darker. If you had problems with acne prior to pregnancy, this problem may surface again during the first trimester.

    Second Trimester

    • Week 13 marks the beginning of the second trimester. While your little one's hair is growing and the baby's sex can sometimes be seen at this point, mothers-to-be will find relief as pregnancy symptoms like nausea begin to fade, according to Planned Parenthood. Other physical signs of pregnancy, like larger breasts, shortness of breath, nosebleeds and sore, bleeding gums may begin during the second trimester. As you prepare for the third trimester, your breasts may begin producing colostrum, baby's first milk. You may also experience Braxton-Hicks contractions, a normal tightening of the uterus, during your sixth month of pregnancy.

    Third Trimester

    • Week 28 marks the beginning of the third trimester, but while the pregnancy may be nearly finished, many physical changes still occur. Shortness of breath may grow more pronounced as the uterus expands, and swollen veins may appear on the mother-to-be's legs, according to Planned Parenthood. Stretch marks may appear on your stomach, breasts and other areas of the body that have expanded to accommodate the pregnancy. Hormonal changes may also leave your hair looking thicker than usual.

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