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10 signs of pregnancy that you're not aware of
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Do you know these signs that indicate you're pregnant? - photo by Melinda Fox
I'm consistently flabbergasted that so many women don't realize that they're pregnant until they're in labor. This is so common that there's even an entire television series dedicated to the tales of women who never knew they were pregnant until they were giving birth.

So other than having a growing abdomen, what are some signs that there's a human growing inside you? I've collected information on some of the less obvious signs of pregnancy. I'm sharing it here so that you can be aware of some of the lesser known indications that you are pregnant.

1. Bleeding

Many women believe that if they are experiencing vaginal bleeding, they aren't pregnant. However, it is fairly common for women to excrete blood from their vagina during the beginning stages of pregnancy. In fact, according to a study published in American Family Physician, about 25 percent of women bleed in their first trimester.

If you are bleeding the amount of a regular period, you probably aren't pregnant. However, slight spotting that is generally a lighter color than menstrual blood is typical in the first 6-12 days after conception.

2. Increased sex drive

Your body is making so many changes when you're pregnant and many of your body parts are becoming more sensitive. For example, you have increased blood flow in the lower parts of your body and your vulva is more engorged. Not only that, but the increase of hormones can make you hungry for sex. So if your libido is suddenly through the roof, you may want to purchase a pregnancy test.

3. Metallic taste in your mouth

Believe it or not, hormones play a role in your sense of taste. When your body experiences an increase in hormones from pregnancy, it can take a while for them to even out and make flavors normal again. Many pregnant women complain of weird tastes in their mouth after eating or tasting a distinct metallic flavor.

4. Vivid dreams

Many women admit to having striking dreams while they're pregnant, even women who had trouble remembering their dreams when they woke up before being pregnant. There are a number of theories trying to understand the cause for these dreams. Some scientists cite hormones as the cause, while others say that general sleeplessness makes dreams more common. No matter the cause, if you are suddenly having vibrant dreams, it may suggest you are pregnant.

5. Tender breasts

During pregnancy and especially during the first trimester, it's common for your breasts to be sensitive. In fact, they may even ache agonizingly.

Besides that, your nipples may protrude more than usual, the area around your nipple may become larger and darker, and the blue veins on your chest may become more obvious.

If you notice any of these changes in your breasts, this may indicate that you are pregnant.

6. Dark spots on skin

Dark spots on your skin, or what is referred to as "melasma," occurs in 50% of women during pregnancy. Hormone levels cause both increased sensitivity to the sun and changes in your skin's pigmentation.

7. Fatigue

Fatigue is common during pregnancy because your body is producing more blood so it can carry nutrients to your growing baby. Your hormone levels are shifting, and your body is experiencing many physical and emotional changes, which can wear your body out.

If you are feeling more worn out than normal, it could be an indication that you are expecting.

8. Frequent urination

If you suddenly find yourself fleeing for the bathroom more often than used to be necessary, this may indicate that you're pregnant. When you get pregnant, your body starts to hold more fluid, your kidneys start working harder, and you produce more human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that increases blood flow to the pelvis. These changes may make you need to head to the bathroom more often.

9. Headaches

Increased headaches are common during the first trimester of pregnancy. At this time, your body is increasing the amount of blood it creates as well as receiving additional hormones. Because of these changes in your body chemistry, you're more prone to headaches.

10. Mood swings

If you're a roller coaster of emotion going unexpectedly up and then down, it's possible that it's a result of pregnancy hormones. In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the amount of the hormones estrogen and progesterone increases. The additional surge of these hormones can leave you feeling upset and irritable.
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New Medicare cards are in the mail and scammers are on the prowl
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has begun mailing new Medicare Health Insurance ID cards. The program no longer uses Social Security numbers to identify people. - photo by Lois M Collins
The federal government is beginning to send out new ID cards to the 58 million Americans who benefit from Medicare. But since many of the people who will receive them don't know they're coming or why, scammers are already gearing up to take advantage.

An AARP survey shows as many as three-fourths of Americans 65 and older have no idea the cards are coming, so some individuals may be duped with claims that they're supposed to pay a fee or provide personal information that will be used, instead, to defraud them.

The new cards are the first reissue in years, and the most striking part of the redesign is that the cards no longer carry the beneficiary's Social Security number. Congress mandated the removal of that number as an identifier for Medicare beneficiaries by next April. Instead, the card has a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier number, an 11-digit combination of numbers and letters.

The new Medicare cards are now being mailed out in batches, starting with the Eastern seaboard and moving west. Most Medicare beneficiaries will receive their cards over the next six months, as long as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has their correct mailing address. Once the cards are in hand, people can share the new identification number with their health care providers. During a transition period, either card is valid.

The old cards, which used Social Security numbers as the personal identification number, should be destroyed.

AARP recently launched an education campaign to warn consumers about scams related to the new Medicare cards.

The membership organization's "Fraud Watch" consultant, Frank Abagnale reformed con man, scammer and the subject of the movie and book "Catch Me If You Can" tells senior citizens the only time they need to carry the actual Medicare card is to health care appointments. Otherwise, it should be left in a safe place. If they want to carry one in their wallet or purse, he says, make a copy and black out the first seven numbers.

Since the cards were announced, scammers have already:

  • Called seniors and asked for their bank account information so that money on their old card could be returned. There is no money on the old card and CMS never asks for personal information over the phone.
  • Offered to send the new card after Medicare beneficiaries pay a $25 fee to cover expenses related to the card. The card is free.
  • Said the card will be mailed out as soon as the older person verifies his or her Social Security number, mailing address and other personal information. CMS already knows the beneficiary's Social Security number and it's no longer being used in conjunction with health care.
AARP and the Federal Trade Commission will hold a free online seminar about the cards and the fraud attempts they have spawned on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. EDT. Register at: www.aarp.org/FraudWebinar. CMS also offers a "frequently asked questions" guide to the new cards.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network says consumers can sign up for its Watchdog Alert emails that deliver breaking scam information, or call a free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with volunteers trained in fraud counseling. Abagnale also hosts a weekly podcast for AARP, called The Perfect Scam.
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