Getting pregnant is one of the most happiest moments of your life but it can also be unnerving if you do not know what to expect. Here below are some of the symptoms you might notice in early pregnancy.
Does Every Women Get The Symptoms Of Early Pregnancy?
The experience of every woman is different when it comes to pregnancy. Women can have different symptoms from one another or even from one pregnancy to another.
Early signs of pregnancy are often similar to the early symptoms of menstruation therefore it might be tricky to recognize them.
Here below is a description of the symptoms most commonly experienced during early pregnancy. But do keep in mind that these symptoms can also be due to some other reason so if you are experiencing those does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant the best way to find out is to do a pregnancy test.
1. Cramps And Spotting
When you conceive, after a few days the fertilized egg gets attached to the uterus wall. This process can cause spotting and cramps one of the early signs in pregnancy. It is known as implantation bleeding and occurs between the first and second week after fertilization. These cramps are similar to menstrual cramps so can be easily mistaken for the beginning of periods but these are very slight.
Apart from bleeding a milky white vaginal discharge may also be noticed. This can happen due to the thickening of the walls of the vagina which starts right after conception. The discharge is caused due to this increase in the growth of the cells lining the vagina. The discharge can continue during pregnancy, it is harmless and requires no treatment unless it gives of foul smell and starts to burn or itch then you should see your doctor to see if it is a yeast infection or bacterial.
2. Changes In Breast
Another early sign of pregnancy is the changes in breast. After conceiving the hormone levels in a woman’s body change rapidly and due to these changes the breasts may get sore and swollen after one or two weeks. They may also feel fuller and heavier or tender to the touch. The areola (area around the nipple) can also darken.
Changes in breast can be due to several reasons but if these changes are due to pregnancy it may take several weeks to get use to the new hormone levels but as soon as it does the pain eases up.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue is also an early sign of pregnancy. This can start as early as after one week of conception. This is often related to the high level of the hormone called progesterone, other factors such as a boost in blood production, lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure can also contribute.
If you are getting fatigued due to pregnancy it is important to eat foods rich in protein and iron and get plenty of rest.
4. Morning Sickness
Nausea or most commonly known as morning sickness during pregnancy is also a famous symptom. But it does not happen to all pregnant women. The exact cause is unknown but it is most likely to be caused by the pregnancy hormones. Although nausea may occur at any time during the day it most commonly occurs in the morning.
Women may also crave for certain foods or be repulsed by some during pregnancy. This is also due to hormonal changes. This effect can be sometimes so strong that even the thought of once favorite food can make a woman’s stomach turn.
This nausea, craving and food repulsion can last through the entire pregnancy but for many women luckily it can lessen after the 13th or 14th week of pregnancy.
Meanwhile make sure you eat healthy to give your developing baby the necessary nutrients. You can take advice from your doctor on this.
5. Missed Period
This is the most obvious early sign of pregnancy which prompts women to go for a pregnancy test. But a missed or delayed period is not always due to pregnancy.
Women during pregnancy can also experience some bleeding. If you get pregnant you should get information from your doctor about bleeding in pregnancy that is when it is normal and when it is a sign of emergency.
Apart from pregnancy you can also miss periods if you have gained or lost a lot of weight, fatigue, stress, hormonal problems. Some women when stop taking birth control pills can also miss periods but if you are late and pregnancy is possible you should get a pregnancy test done.
6. Frequent Urination
This symptom can start around sixth or eighth week after conceiving. It can also be due to diabetes or an infection in the urinary tract but if you are pregnant it is most likely due to the levels of hormones.
7. Constipation
High levels of progesterone hormone during pregnancy can cause constipation. The progesterone hormone makes the food pass more slowly through the intestines. This problem can be eased by drinking lots of water, eating foods high in fiber and by doing exercise.
8. Mood Swings
Mood swings are also due to the changes in hormone levels and are common in the first trimester of the pregnancy. This roller coaster of hormones will pass once your body gets used to the new hormones.
9. Headaches And Backaches
Early signs of pregnancy also include headaches which are also caused by the changes of hormones. If these are due to pregnancy, than take a pregnancy safe painkiller to relief the pain. During pregnancy the loosening of ligaments may cause backaches and this may continue throughout pregnancy as you gain weight.
10. Fainting And Dizziness
Fainting and dizziness can be related to the dilating blood vessels, low blood sugar level and low blood pressure. Make sure you eat and drink enough.
During pregnancy you may experience all of these symptoms or just one or two. But if any one of these becomes problematic you should consult your doctor.
