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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is not an early sign of pregnancy?

Early signs of pregnancy come from hormonal changes after conception. Nausea, a missed period, and breast tenderness are classic early signals because they reflect rising hormones such as hCG, progesterone, and estrogen that affect the uterus, digestive system, and breasts. Edema, or swelling in the hands, face, feet, and legs, does not typically appear in the very early weeks. It tends to develop later as pregnancy progresses, due to increased blood volume, fluid retention, and the growing uterus affecting circulation. In some cases edema can be related to conditions like preeclampsia, which is a later-pregnancy concern. So edema is not an early sign of pregnancy, making it the best answer.

Early signs of pregnancy come from hormonal changes after conception. Nausea, a missed period, and breast tenderness are classic early signals because they reflect rising hormones such as hCG, progesterone, and estrogen that affect the uterus, digestive system, and breasts. Edema, or swelling in the hands, face, feet, and legs, does not typically appear in the very early weeks. It tends to develop later as pregnancy progresses, due to increased blood volume, fluid retention, and the growing uterus affecting circulation. In some cases edema can be related to conditions like preeclampsia, which is a later-pregnancy concern. So edema is not an early sign of pregnancy, making it the best answer.