Many women who are or desire to become pregnant, want to know about the symptoms of pregnancy especially in the early part, so that they know what they should expect from their body in the pregnant state. Moreover, having the knowledge of symptoms of pregnancy will prevent any anxiety associated with noticing new symptoms and getting confused whether it is a usual feature of pregnancy or it is caused by some disease. So here are some common symptoms of early pregnancy:

1. Cessation of menses

Also called as amenorrhea, is produced by increased level of estrogen and progesterone hormones as a result of conception. Therefore it is a very reliable indicator of pregnancy in women who usually have regular menstrual cycles. In those women who have irregular cycles, it's not a reliable indicator. Menses may also be delayed in case of emotional disturbances, chronic diseases, some medications, some hormonal disorders and certain tumors of genitourinary tract.

In some women, spotting may occur because of bleeding at the implantation site in the uterus from about six days after fertilization to 35 days after the last menstrual period. Strangely, some women experience cyclic bleeding throughout their pregnancy which can not be explained.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

In 50 percent of the pregnant women, this symptom occurs and is more prominent at around 2 to 12 weeks of gestation. It is usually more severe in the morning (therefore called 'morning sickness') but may occur at any time of the day. It may be precipitated by cooking odors and other pungent smells. In case of twin pregnancy and molar pregnancy, it is more severe. Prolonged vomiting can cause dehydration requiring hospitalization and proper medical treatment of vomiting.

These symptoms can be controlled with small frequent foods which are light and dry. There is some role of high dose vitamin B6 therapy. These symptoms are caused by high level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone.

3. Changes in Breasts

An important symptom is breast tenderness or mastodynia which may be in the form of mild tingling to frank pain. The cause of this is the high level of hormones acting on the mammary glands with resultant venous prominence and engorgement of the breasts.

It may be amazing to know that there are some 'secondary' breasts also present in some women, like in the armpit. These hidden breasts may also enlarge. This may for instance, produce a feeling of lump in the armpit.

Enlargement of the glands around the nipple also called as Montgomery's tubercles usually takes place around 6-8 weeks of gestation and again is because of hormonal stimulation. Colostrum secretion may begin after gestation of 16 weeks.

4. Quickening

The perception of movement of the fetus is called quickening. This occurs around 18-20 weeks in the first pregnancy and around 14-16 weeks in second or later pregnancy. Movement of the bowels may be confused with quickening; therefore perception of fetal movement alone is not a reliable symptom of pregnancy.

5. Urinary Tract

Because of increased circulation of urinary bladder and pressure from the enlarging uterus there is bladder irritability resulting into increased frequency of urination, even at night.

The above symptoms occur in pregnant women with various degrees because of individual variation of anatomical, physiological and hormonal profile. These symptoms are experienced more in the first pregnancy. It is a general observation that if you know and expect these symptoms, you are less likely to suffer and more likely to enjoy your pregnancy.