pregnant signs
Although pregnancy tests and ultrasounds are the only way to know if you are pregnant, you can look for other signs and symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue, and so on.
 |
| Top 15 Early Signs of Pregnancy |
Despite sounding unusual, your first week of pregnancy is based on the date of your last period. Your last period is considered the first week of pregnancy, even if you were not yet pregnant.
The estimated due date is calculated based on the first day of your last period. For this reason, you may not experience any symptoms during the first few weeks of your 40-week pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you may notice common early indicators. These may include:
- Mild cramps and spotting
- Missed periods
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Tingling or sore breasts
- Frequent urination
- Bloating
- Mood swings
- Temperature changes
- Other signs may include:
- High blood pressure
- Extreme fatigue and heartburn
- Increased heart rate
- Changes in breasts and nipples
- Acne
- Noticeable weight gain
- Pregnancy glow
Around 10 to 14 days (week 4) after conception, you may experience implantation bleeding, which can be mistaken for light menstruation. However, this does not occur for everyone. If it does, it typically happens around the time when you would expect your period.
Signs of implantation bleeding include:
- Color: The color may be pink, red, or brown.
- Bleeding: It is often described as light bleeding that never develops into a flow or is not sufficient to require a pad.
- Pain: While generally less intense than menstrual cramps, it can lead to mild to severe cramping.
- Duration: Episodes of bleeding can last from a few hours to a few days.
If you suspect implantation bleeding:
Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs, as
these may be associated with heavy bleeding.
Absence of Periods in Early Pregnancy
After implantation, your body starts producing the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone, which helps maintain the pregnancy. It also signals the ovaries to stop releasing mature eggs each month.
You probably won't have your next period four weeks after conception. If you usually have irregular periods, you may want to take a pregnancy test to confirm.
Most home tests can detect hCG as early as 7 days after a missed period. A pregnancy test detects hCG levels in your urine and indicates if you are pregnant.
Be aware that a false negative is more likely than a false positive. If you get a positive result, make an appointment with a doctor to confirm it. If you are taking medication, ask a doctor if they pose any risks to the pregnancy.
High Body Temperature in Early Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, your basal body temperature may
be higher. Your core temperature can rise more easily when you exercise or when
it's hot. During this time, make sure to drink more water and exercise with
caution.
Fatigue in Early Pregnancy
Fatigue can occur at any time during pregnancy. This symptom is common in early pregnancy. The increase in the level of progesterone can make you feel sleepy.
The early weeks of pregnancy can leave you feeling exhausted. Try to get enough sleep if you can. Keeping your bedroom cool can also help you sleep better.
Increased Heart Rate in Early Pregnancy
Around weeks 8 to 10, your heart may start pumping faster and harder. Palpitations and arrhythmias are common during pregnancy. This is generally due to hormones.
You can see the topic: prenatal vitamins.
Your blood flow may increase by about 50% during pregnancy. This increases the workload on your heart.
It is best to discuss any underlying heart issues or
any medication you are taking with your medical team.
The first changes in the breasts
Changes in the breasts can occur between weeks 4 and 6. It is likely that your breasts will be sensitive and swollen due to hormonal changes. This will likely subside after a few weeks, as your body adapts to the hormones.
Changes in the nipples and breasts can also occur around the 11th week. Hormones continue to enlarge your breasts. The areola - the area around the nipple - may become darker and larger.
A comfortable, wire-free maternity bra offering good support can help alleviate breast sensitivity.
A bra with adjustable closures can provide room for "growth" in the coming months.
Breast pads that fit into your bra can reduce friction and nipple pain.
Mood changes in early pregnancy
Your estrogen and progesterone levels increase during pregnancy and may make you more emotional or reactive than usual. Mood swings are common during pregnancy and can cause feelings of:
Depression
Irritability
Anxiety
Frequent Urination and Incontinence in Early Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body increases the amount of blood it pumps. The kidneys then process more fluid than usual, leading to an increase in the amount of fluid in the bladder.
Hormones also play an important role in bladder health. During pregnancy, you may find yourself needing to use the bathroom more often or experiencing accidental leaks.
Drink about 300 milliliters (a little over a cup) of
extra fluids each day.
Plan your trips to the bathroom in advance to avoid
urine leaks.
Bloating and Constipation in Early Pregnancy
Bloating can occur in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes, which can also slow down your digestive system. You may feel constipated and blocked as a result.
Constipation can also increase feelings of abdominal
bloating.
Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy
Nausea and morning sickness typically begin between the 4th and 6th week of pregnancy and peak around the 9th week.
Although termed "morning sickness," these symptoms can occur at any time of day or night. The exact cause of nausea and morning sickness is not known, but hormones may play a role.
Many individuals experience mild to severe morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy. Symptoms may intensify towards the end of the first trimester but often subside at the beginning of the second trimester.
Keep a pack of saltine crackers near your bed and eat
a few before getting up in the morning to help alleviate morning sickness.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Consult a doctor if you are unable to tolerate fluids
or food.
High blood pressure and dizziness in early pregnancy
In most cases, blood pressure decreases in early pregnancy. This can also lead to feelings of dizziness as your blood vessels dilate.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension is more challenging to determine. Almost all cases of hypertension in the first 20 weeks indicate underlying issues. It can develop early in pregnancy but may also be present before.
A healthcare professional will likely take your blood pressure at your first doctor's visit to help establish a baseline measure of blood pressure.
Consider transitioning to pregnancy-appropriate
exercises if not already done.
Learn to regularly monitor your blood pressure.
A doctor can provide dietary advice to reduce
hypertension.
Drinking enough water and having regular snacks can help prevent dizziness. Rising slowly when getting up from a chair can also help.
Increased Sensitivity to Smells and Food Aversions in Early Pregnancy
Increased sensitivity to smells is a symptom of early pregnancy most commonly reported by women themselves. There is limited scientific data on olfactory sensitivity during the first trimester.
However, it could be significant as it may trigger nausea and vomiting.
According to research conducted in 2017, you may experience an increase or decrease in your sense of smell during pregnancy. This phenomenon is particularly common during the first and third trimesters. Increased sense of smell is more common than decreased sense of smell. Some odors that did not bother you before may become less pleasant or even trigger nausea.
The good news is that your sense of smell generally returns to its pre-pregnancy state after childbirth or within 6 to 12 weeks following delivery.
Weight Gain in Early Pregnancy
Weight gain may become more frequent towards the end of your first trimester. You may gain 1 to 5 pounds during the initial months.
Caloric recommendations for early pregnancy do not
change much from your usual diet but may increase as the pregnancy progresses.
Heartburn in early pregnancy
Hormones can cause relaxation of the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, allowing gastric acid to flow and cause heartburn. This allows gastric acid to flow, leading to heartburn.
Eating several small meals a day instead of larger
meals can help prevent heartburn.
Sitting upright for at least an hour after eating can
help with digestion.
If you need antacids, ask your doctor what is safe
during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy glow and acne in early pregnancy
Many people may start saying you have the
"pregnancy glow." Increased blood volume and hormone levels circulate
more blood in the vessels. Increased activity of the sebaceous glands gives
your skin a red and shiny appearance. On the other hand, you may also develop
acne.
How soon can I know if I am pregnant?
With a home pregnancy test, you can usually know if you are pregnant a week after your missed period.
Although you can take a test earlier if you wish, you may risk getting a false negative result. If you test too early, there may not be enough hCG in your urine for the test to detect.
Additionally, each person's body is slightly different. One person may get a positive result as early as the day after their period, while another may not see it until a week later.
Blood tests can often detect hCG at an earlier stage of pregnancy than urine tests. Blood tests can yield a positive result as early as 6 to 8 days after ovulation, whereas urine tests do so around 3 weeks after ovulation.
Healthcare professionals typically perform blood analyses.
Pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and breast
tenderness may sometimes occur even before a missed period. These symptoms may
make you feel like you are pregnant, but only a test can confirm it."
When should I take a pregnancy test?
If you think you might be pregnant, the best time to take a home pregnancy test is one week after the first missed period.
A blood test can often detect pregnancy much earlier,
but it should be done in a doctor's office or clinical setting.
Here's a breakdown of the key points:
Signs of Pregnancy:
- Missed period: The most common sign, but not always reliable.
- Implantation bleeding: Light spotting around the time of your expected period.
- Early pregnancy tests: Can be positive as early as a week after a missed period. Blood tests might be even earlier.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)
- Breast tenderness and changes
- Frequent urination
- Mood swings
- Bloating and constipation
- Increased sensitivity to smells and food aversions
- High blood pressure and dizziness
- Weight gain
- Heartburn
- Pregnancy glow or acne
Important to Remember:
- Not everyone experiences all these symptoms.
- Some symptoms can have other causes.
- A pregnancy test is the only way to confirm pregnancy.