Early signs of pregnancy

Alright, I need all of the mother's help. I'm trying not to jump to conclusions, but I feel like I set myself up for this. There is a chance I might be pregnant, but it is slim. I have been on birth control pills for 5 years, I have on been sexually active for 1.5 years. Last month my pack ran out and I ended up not being able to get a refill for a week after I was supposed to start the new pack. My boyfriend and I had un-protected sex (No lectures please, i'm aware of the consenquences). Beforehand, I had spoken to my mom, she is a medical assistant, about if I should be ok or not. She of course reccommended using condoms for a month just to be sure, but also told me the chances of getting pregnant only being a week behind were very slim. Which is why I decided to go Au Natural.

Now, my dilemma. I have been freaking out since we had sex worried that i could possibly get pregnant. The past couple days 1.5 weeks since our rendezvous, I've noticed that my breasts feel a lil heavier on my body then usual. I have felt a slight bit of fatigue and random moments of light cramping. I've read articles about all of the early signs of pregnancy, and now i think i'm being a hypochondriac about my symptoms and chalking it up to pregancy out of guilt and worry. I'm not due to start my period for another two sundays... so a pregnancy test is out of the question.

So, Mothers, tell me before your missed period... How did you know you were pregnant?

Again, please no lectures on un-protected sex, I'm an adult and am perfectly capable to handle a pregancy. 

 

 Source

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/early-signs-of-pregnancy-453138/

How can diet and nutrition affect early pregnancy?

The developing fetus receives its nutrition from the mother's blood. Therefore high fat diets and some vegetarian diets are discouraged during pregnancy because they may not provide all the nutrition needed for the developing fetus. Bulimia, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders in the mother are addressed and treated. Weight reduction diets are avoided. Excess intake of sugar, alcohol, megavitamins, and caffeine are also avoided Because a "safe" amount of caffeine has never been confirmed to date, it is best to avoid caffeine entirely. Women who feel strongly that they need some coffee are advised to drink no more than one cup per day. There is no proof that 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily cause pregnancy complications.

Listeria is a type of bacteria found in contaminated food that can cause miscarriage and other problems to a fetus. Because of the danger of getting a listeria infection, pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, cold cuts, and undercooked or raw animal foods. In addition, fruits and vegetables should be washed completely prior to consumption.

Phenylketonuria is an inherited disease that affects the utilization of a certain protein component in foods. This disorder can be detected by a blood test. Mothers with phenylketonuria may give birth to developmentally disabled children unless their diets are strictly controlled to exclude phenylalanine.

Megavitamins contain double or even triple the recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals. High doses of vitamin A have been implicated in producing birth defects. The better idea is to avoid megavitamins and instead follow the recommendation that has proven benefit: take a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid.

Folic acid intake in the mother prior to, and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects involving the brain and spinal cord. The United States Public Health Service recommends folic acid for all women of child–bearing capacity. Studies have shown that if folic acid is begun at least 4 weeks prior to conception, the risk of birth defects of the spinal cord and skull can be reduced by more than 70%. In women with or even without a history of having infants with birth defects of the spinal cord or skull, folic acid should be taken one month before conception and continued through the 12th week of pregnancy. In fact, continuing prenatal vitamins through pregnancy and even through nursing is probably wise. These prenatal vitamins are available over–the–counter. If a particular brand makes you feel nauseated, simply switch to another brand or try taking the vitamin at night.

Because of the risks of mercury poisoning and nervous system damage in the fetus from contaminated fish, pregnant women are advised to eliminate consumption of certain types of fish that are known to be high in mercury, including shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel. Tuna steaks, made from large tuna, may also have high mercury levels. Canned tuna is made from smaller fish that typically have lower levels of mercury than larger fish.

How can diet and nutrition affect early pregnancy?

The developing fetus receives its nutrition from the mother's blood. Therefore high fat diets and some vegetarian diets are discouraged during pregnancy because they may not provide all the nutrition needed for the developing fetus. Bulimia, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders in the mother are addressed and treated. Weight reduction diets are avoided. Excess intake of sugar, alcohol, megavitamins, and caffeine are also avoided Because a "safe" amount of caffeine has never been confirmed to date, it is best to avoid caffeine entirely. Women who feel strongly that they need some coffee are advised to drink no more than one cup per day. There is no proof that 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily cause pregnancy complications.

Listeria is a type of bacteria found in contaminated food that can cause miscarriage and other problems to a fetus. Because of the danger of getting a listeria infection, pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, cold cuts, and undercooked or raw animal foods. In addition, fruits and vegetables should be washed completely prior to consumption.

Phenylketonuria is an inherited disease that affects the utilization of a certain protein component in foods. This disorder can be detected by a blood test. Mothers with phenylketonuria may give birth to developmentally disabled children unless their diets are strictly controlled to exclude phenylalanine.

Megavitamins contain double or even triple the recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals. High doses of vitamin A have been implicated in producing birth defects. The better idea is to avoid megavitamins and instead follow the recommendation that has proven benefit: take a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid.

Folic acid intake in the mother prior to, and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects involving the brain and spinal cord. The United States Public Health Service recommends folic acid for all women of child–bearing capacity. Studies have shown that if folic acid is begun at least 4 weeks prior to conception, the risk of birth defects of the spinal cord and skull can be reduced by more than 70%. In women with or even without a history of having infants with birth defects of the spinal cord or skull, folic acid should be taken one month before conception and continued through the 12th week of pregnancy. In fact, continuing prenatal vitamins through pregnancy and even through nursing is probably wise. These prenatal vitamins are available over–the–counter. If a particular brand makes you feel nauseated, simply switch to another brand or try taking the vitamin at night.

Because of the risks of mercury poisoning and nervous system damage in the fetus from contaminated fish, pregnant women are advised to eliminate consumption of certain types of fish that are known to be high in mercury, including shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel. Tuna steaks, made from large tuna, may also have high mercury levels. Canned tuna is made from smaller fish that typically have lower levels of mercury than larger fish.