Pregnancy Symptoms (cont.)
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. In this Article
 Changes in nipple colorWomen may notice a deepening of the color of the area surrounding the nipple, called the areola and/or a dark line going down from the middle of the central abdomen area to the pubic area (known as the linea nigra). Some degree of darkening of the areola persists after pregnancy in many women, but the linea nigra typically disappears in the months following delivery of the baby. Melasma (darkening of the skin)Some women may develop a so-called "mask of pregnancy" in the first trimester, referring to a darkening of the skin on the forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip, or cheeks. The darkened skin is typically present on both sides of the face. Doctors refer to this condition as melasma or chloasma, and it is more common in darker-skinned women than those with lighter skin. Melasma can also occur in some conditions other than pregnancy. Women who have a family history of melasma are at greater risk of developing this sign of pregnancy. Mood swings and stressMood swings and stress are common symptoms reported by many women in the early stages of pregnancy. Many women in the early stages of pregnancy describe feelings of heightened emotions or even crying spells. The rapid changes in hormone levels are believed to cause these changes in mood. Pregnant women may also notice more rapid and drastic changes in their moods. As with other nonspecific symptoms, mood swings can be caused by a number of conditions other than pregnancy. Headaches
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Some women report suffering from headaches early on in their pregnancy, which may be related to corresponding changes in hormone levels. These headaches are nonspecific, usually not involving just one side of the head, and are not accompanied by changes in vision. REFERENCE: MedscapeReference. Pregnancy Diagnosis. Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on 10/1/2012 Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Pregnancy Symptoms - First Symptoms
Question: What were your very first signs or symptoms of pregnancy? Did you suspect you were pregnant before taking a test?
Pregnancy Symptoms - Week By Week
Question: How did your pregnancy symptoms vary week by week?
Pregnancy Symptoms - Food Cravings
Question: What were the foods you craved early in your pregnancy?
Pregnancy Symptoms - Nausea and Vomiting
Question: What remedies were effective in treating your nausea and vomiting early in your pregnancy?
Pregnancy Symptoms - Headaches
Question: If you experienced headaches in the early stages of your pregnancy, what remedies did you find effective?
Pregnancy Symptoms - Experience
Question: Please describe your pregnancy symptoms.
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