Top ways to tell if your wife is pregnant - maybe even before she does

Pregnancy is usually accompanied by a number of telltale signs. If your spouse is pregnant, these pregnancy symptoms will most likely let you know—much before a medical test confirms your happy suspicion. Read on about how to identify signs that could tell you that your spouse is going to become a mother.

• Your spouse may report increased sensitivity in her breasts. While some women experience this only around their nipples, in others, this feeling extends to the entire breasts.
  
  


• You may see a cluster of bluish veins appear around the breasts.
  
  


• The areola, or the dark circular portion around the nipples, may reveal small, lighter colored bumps.
  
  


• Your spouse's vaginal area may swell. She may also experience vaginal discharge due to the increased blood flow in this region.
  
  


• Changes in your spouse's skin may also be a pregnancy symptom. Acne, rashes, and drying or chapping of the lips is quite common during pregnancy.
  
  


• Many pregnant women also experience a dull cramping pain that is similar to what they experience before or during menstruation.
  
  


• Heartburn may be another sign that could suggest your spouse is pregnant.
  
  


• Morning sickness, characterized by nausea, is a common pregnancy symptom.
  
  


• Your spouse may become intolerant to many smells. Even smells she liked earlier may cause her nausea.
  
  


• Another sign of pregnancy is if your spouse suddenly starts complaining of increasing fatigue.
  
  


• The early stage of pregnancy may also be marked by heightened hunger pangs. At the same time, your spouse may actually develop an aversion for many foods that she relished earlier.
  
  


• Heightened emotional sensitivity is one of the other common pregnancy symptoms. Your spouse may display erratic mood changes during this phase in her life.

While these pregnancy symptoms are often reliable pointers, only a medical test will be able to confirm this.

Interactive Pregnancy Calendar

The presence of early pregnancy symptoms is an indication that your spouse needs to undergo a pregnancy test. If positive, it means your spouse is on her way to give birth to your baby.

However, pregnancy-divided into three trimesters-remains a mysterious period for most women. And as for the men, most expectant dads go through these months without a slightest clue as to what is expected of them. Here is a pregnancy calendar to prepare you on what to expect from your spouse and how best to help her.

Pregnancy Calendar: First Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The sudden hormonal rush during this phase may lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms and sensations for your spouse. Nausea (commonly referred to as morning sickness) and an aversion for certain foods items may become apparent. Weakness or fatigue is another common symptom at this stage.

What you can do:

As the full import of the pregnancy starts to sink in, you can discuss the baby with your spouse. You could also accompany her during her visits to the obstetrician. Make use of this relatively relaxed period by spending quality time together, at home and outside.

Pregnancy Calendar: Second Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The initial distressing symptoms such as nausea will now subside. However, your spouse's belly will continue to expand throughout this stage. This will restrict her movements considerably. Bleeding from the nose and gums, heartburn, indigestion, and the appearance of varicose veins or hemorrhoids are the other symptoms that she will have to bear with.

What you can do:

Her pregnancy will increasingly impede your spouse's capacity to live a normal life. You can help by taking over at least some of her domestic duties. This is also a good time to help her plan her pregnancy in detail.

Pregnancy Calendar: Third Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The developing baby will make further demands on your spouse's body: her weight will continue to increase and may lead to back and hip pain. Swellings on the ankles and face may also be present. Besides, even mild exertion during this period may leave her gasping for breath.

What you can do:

In this final stage of pregnancy, your spouse may become increasingly housebound. Try to find ways to make her feel comfortable and keep her spirits high-an occasional gentle massage will be highly appreciated. This is also the time to finalize arrangements for the birth of your baby.