Subject : Health and Fitness : Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms, 10 Early Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms,Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first,Pregnancy signs and symptoms ,Signs and symptoms of pregnancy,Pregnancy Symptoms,14 Early Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms,Pregnancy Symptoms: 15 Early Signs
Even before you miss a period, your body gives off signals that a pregnancy might be in the works. Catching these very early signs of pregnancy may give you time to consider all your family planning options.
As Hormones Shift, Pregnancy Symptoms Start
An embryo is the tiniest thing—not even half an inch long in the first two months of pregnancy. But the changes it wreaks on a woman’s body right from the start are enormous. This is primarily due to the shifts in key hormones that start at the beginning of a pregnancy, says Sherry Ross, MD, a gynecologist and author of the books She-ology and She-ology, the she-quel.
These hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which multiplies rapidly at the start of a pregnancy.
When to Use Home Pregnancy Tests
Of course, the most accurate way to know that you are pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test. This test uses urine to measure hCG and is generally accurate as early as two days before your expected period, says Hugh Taylor, MD, chair of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine and its medical practice, Yale Medicine. (Remember that pregnancies are dated from the first day of your last menstrual period, which means that a woman with a regular monthly cycle might already be four weeks pregnant at this time.)
Of course, women who have irregular periods can find it harder to know when to test. If you get a negative test, repeat it the following morning the first time you use the bathroom, when the hCG is most concentrated, Dr. Taylor says. If it’s still negative and you haven’t yet gotten your period, test again a few days later.
While waiting for pregnancy test results, many women look to their symptoms to help determine if they have conceived. It’s important to note that symptoms are different for every woman. Some experience many signs, others just one or two—or even none. And many of the symptoms attributed to early pregnancy can also be caused by other situations and conditions.
Still, symptoms are the way many women know they are pregnant. Here are 10 of the most common early pregnancy signs you should look for:
1. A Small Amount of Bleeding, Which Could Be Implantation Bleeding
You may think that if you’re slightly bleeding or spotting it’s a sign your period is on its way, but this can actually indicate a fertilized egg implanting into your uterus or other normal effects of early pregnancy. A quarter of pregnant women experience this spotting, researchers published in the American Family Physician.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), spotting generally starts about 6 to 12 days after you conceive.
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This spotting may last a few days or can continue for several weeks, or even through the first trimester. Experts at the Cleveland Clinic note that this implantation bleeding might look like a brownish discharge or it may contain small drops of redder blood.
2. Round the Clock Peeing, Increased Urination
Bolting for the bathroom at every turn is something many women assume happens only in later pregnancy, when the uterus is big enough to press on their bladder. But it’s also a common symptom in the first few weeks, Dr. Ross says.
That’s because the hormone hCG increases blood flow to your pelvis, and the extra fluid volume can trigger the need to urinate more.
If the urinary frequency is accompanied by pain or cloudy urine, though, it’s possible you have a urinary infection and should be checked, Taylor says.
3. Feeling Beyond Tired, Fatigue
As early as a week after you conceive, you may find yourself getting extremely tired. Chalk that up to hormones as well as the support system the body starts setting up right away to house, feed, and grow a baby, Taylor says. Blood gets pumped to the fetus to deliver nutrients, and all those hormones start soaring — all of which can tax a woman’s body.
If you do feel fatigued, be kind to yourself and put your feet up. You might even take a daily nap, even if you haven’t nodded off in the daytime since childhood.
4. Pain in Your Boobs, Sensitive Breasts
“Breast tenderness if one of the earliest and most common signs of pregnancy. It occurs as a result of hormonal changes which start the process of getting your milk ducts ready to feed the baby,” Ross says.
Your boobs may feel as sore as they sometimes feel before your period, the Cleveland Clinic notes. But other changes may accompany this soreness: Nipples may darken and enlarge. And some women start busting out of their bra because the hormones enlarge breast tissue.
5. Nausea and Vomiting Symptoms
Whoever coined the term morning sickness obviously never had it, because nausea and vomiting can actually happen any time of the day.
This sensation generally starts from two to eight weeks after conception, the NIH says, and it may continue throughout pregnancy, although most women improve after the first trimester.
Adjusting mealtimes and eliminating foods that especially make you nauseous are some ways to deal with morning sickness, advises the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
More severe cases, when women feel sick for several hours a day and vomit frequently, are known as the medical condition hyperemesis gravidarum. Fortunately, this affects only 3 percent of pregnancies, ACOG says. Women with this condition sometimes need to be hospitalized to restore crucial body fluids that are being lost.
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6. Craving or Avoiding Certain Foods
Most women don’t actually want that mythical pickles-and-ice cream combo, but food cravings do regularly occur, as does disliking a formerly favorite food.
A review of cravings in pregnancy published in Frontiers in Psychology lamented how little research exists for such a common symptom, which Ross says occurs in more than half of pregnancies. Cravings typically start in the first trimester. In one study the reviewers cited, three-quarters of women reported craving at least one food item by the thirteenth week of pregnancy.
What do women most want in early pregnancy? Mostly sweets, including fruits, juices, dairy, desserts, and, frequently, chocolate. But a small number of women prefer savory or salty fare, the review authors noted.
It’s not clear why these cravings happen. Some speculate it’s due to fluctuating hormones, which can change the sense of taste or smell, but others say it fills specific nutritional needs of the fetus or are brought on by cultural norms or other factors.
7. A Pounding Head
Headaches normally come on during the first trimester of pregnancy, according to the nonprofit organization March of Dimes, brought on by stress, lack of sleep, or other situations.
Of course, head pain can signal many things besides pregnancy — flu, sinus infection, and more — so it’s best to use this in concert with other early pregnancy symptoms when trying to determine whether you’ve conceived.
If you do get headaches early in pregnancy, the March of Dimes suggests drinking a lot of water, trying to get quality sleep at night, doing stress-reducing techniques like yoga or deep breathing, and identifying triggers such as eye strain or certain foods that you might avoid or limit.
8. Cramping in the Abdomen or Pelvis, Due to Implantation
Mild cramping in the pelvis, lower back, or abdomen commonly occurs early in pregnancy, as the embryo attaches itself to the uterus.
These cramps should feel more like discomfort than pain, the Cleveland Clinic cautions. Severe cramping or pain mostly on one side of the body could indicate an ectopic pregnancy or other complication. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience cramps like this.
9. Slightly Elevated Waking Body Temperature
Fluctuations in body temperature during a woman’s cycle are extremely subtle — with resting, or basal body temperature typically rising just ½ degree F at the time of ovulation. To catch a body temperature that might indicate early pregnancy, then, you have to be taking it every day.
There is no specific temperature that indicates an early pregnancy, states the period-tracking company Clearblue. However, basal body temperature is highest during ovulation and soon starts falling if an egg is not fertilized. If your basal body temperature has risen and stays up for the next 18 days, that’s a sign you may be pregnant, the company says.
To track basal body temperature, keep a thermometer on your nightstand because this temperature must be taken every morning, ideally at the same time, before getting out of bed. Record the temperature on a paper chart or a tracking app for easy comparison with prior days.
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10. Moodiness and mood swings
Sometime between weeks 6 and 10 you might notice shifts in your mood. This is common in early pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, points out Nemours Children’s Health System. Mood shifts are caused by — you guessed it! — shifting hormones, which can also alter brain chemicals that regulate mood. The fatigue and physical stresses brought on by early pregnancy likely also contribute.
Mood shifts are usually nothing to worry about, but if they drop you into a deep depression, or if you develop thoughts of self-harm, it’s crucial that you reach out to a professional, the Cleveland Clinic cautions.
Your Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week
Your body experiences a wide range of changes throughout pregnancy, from symptoms like breast tenderness in the first trimester to backaches in the third. For parents-to-be, these pregnancy-related symptoms can be expected or surprising.
Though every person and every pregnancy is different, there are some symptoms that are more common than others. Use this list of pregnancy symptoms by week to prepare for what might be on the horizon, but don’t worry if your pregnancy doesn’t follow this precise timeline. Much like life and the new baby you’re welcoming, pregnancy can be unpredictable. Of course, if you have questions or concerns about your symptoms, talk to a prenatal health care provider.
Week 1
Since doctors calculate your due date from the first day of your last period, week one begins with the start of the last period you have before you conceive. That’s to say that you are not technically pregnant yet. You can, however, expect to experience your typical menstrual symptoms including bleeding, cramping, sore breasts, mood swings, etc.
Week 2
Ovulation typically occurs during what’s considered week two. Your ovary will release a mature egg that travels into the fallopian tube, where it awaits fertilization with sperm. Symptoms of ovulation can include twinging lower abdominal pain (mittelschmerz), breast tenderness, slippery discharge that resembles egg whites, and increased basal body temperature.
Week 3
During week three, the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining. Some people experience mild abdominal cramping or light spotting known as “implantation bleeding.” Call your doctor if you’re bleeding heavily or have intense pain; this could indicate an ectopic pregnancy where the embryo implanted outside of the uterus (usually in the fallopian tube).
Week 4
Your at-home pregnancy test can come back positive as early as this week—congratulations! Breast tenderness, one of the earliest signs of pregnancy in some people, might make your bra feel extra uncomfortable at this time. Some also experience a heightened sense of smell or taste, fatigue, constipation, bloating, and mood swings. But don’t worry if you don’t have any pregnancy symptoms at all; they might take a few extra weeks to show up.
Week 5
Hormone-induced mood swings can bring on a lot of feelings starting at week five. Your emotions may change from happy to depressed to angry for no conceivable reason. Other early pregnancy symptoms—like fatigue, breast tenderness, and even nausea—can kick in this early too.
Week 6
For some, week six brings one of the most dreaded symptoms: morning sickness (although it may start further along in your pregnancy or not at all). Your heightened sense of smell can further exacerbate this queasiness, which sets the stage for food cravings and aversions. Morning sickness might stick around until the second trimester, so it’s best to find ways to cope now, such as eating smaller meals, consuming ginger, wearing acupressure wristbands, and avoiding triggering foods.
Week 7
Frequent urination is another early pregnancy symptom. It’s caused by a few factors: the pregnancy hormone hCG, increased fluids in your body, your kidneys working extra hard to eliminate waste, and eventually, your growing uterus compressing your bladder. Plan for plenty of bathroom breaks!
Week 8
For many, pregnancy symptoms appear in full force by now: nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination, mood swings, bloating, etc. Another unusual symptom is extra saliva in your mouth, which sometimes lasts until the end of the first trimester. Headaches are also common thanks, in part, to hormonal surges.
Week 9
Did you know that pregnancy can affect your digestive system? Pregnancy hormones can change the motility of your intestines, leading them to move more slowly than usual. Many people experience constipation and excess gas, in addition to the nausea that accompanies morning sickness. Plus, as your baby grows, the more your digestive system slows, so talk to your doctor about stool softeners if needed.
Week 10
Are you glowing? Some people will experience a radiant “pregnancy glow” in the first trimester, but it’s also common to experience hormone-induced acne. You’ll also notice your breasts—and your belly—getting bigger each week.
Week 11
Your growing baby bump might cause aches and cramping around your abdomen. This round ligament pain can be mildly uncomfortable or downright painful. You might also notice a clear or creamy discharge (known as leukorrhea) in your underwear that signals your body is attempting to clear bacteria, which is a normal during pregnancy.
Week 12
Did you know that blood volume increases by about 50 percent during pregnancy? One side effect is visible veins on the skin, which are especially noticeable in lighter-skinned people.
Week 13
As you near the end of the first trimester, many early pregnancy symptoms will diminish. You might start to notice, however, that you feel dizzy throughout the day. You can thank hormonal shifts, reduced blood flow, and lower blood pressure for these dizzy spells. Combat them by taking deep breaths with your head between your knees and changing positions slowly.
Week 14
You’re officially in the second trimester of pregnancy, which most deem to be the “easiest” trimester. Many people report increased appetite, renewed energy, and higher sex drive during the next few weeks. If that’s you, take advantage of this “feel good” trimester by starting a doctor-approved fitness routine and preparing your house for baby.
Week 15
The second trimester can also come with a few strange symptoms. You might experience a stuffy nose (thanks to an increase of blood in the mucus membranes), leg cramps, and sensitive gums. As the hormone relaxin loosens your ligaments, you might also feel extra clumsy at this stage of pregnancy.
Week 16
About 90 percent of pregnant people experience a darkening of the skin around the nipples, inner thighs, armpits, and navel. Sometimes the darkening extends to the cheeks and nose (known as “the mask of pregnancy”)—especially if you have a darker complexion.
Week 17
Backaches are very common while expecting (you can thank pregnancy hormones yet again!). And if you’re feeling more forgetful than normal, blame the so-called “pregnancy brain” that many experience. As a plus, many expectant parents start feeling their baby kick between weeks 16 to 25, so be on the lookout!
Week 18
By now, your belly likely looks pregnant—and your breasts have begun to increase in size to prepare for making breast milk. Expect to gain weight regularly until delivery (usually about 1 pound per week). Stretch marks might appear as well, anywhere from to your stomach to your hips and breasts. Even foot size can increase during pregnancy!
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Week 19
During the second trimester, some pregnant people experience heartburn. This is because pregnancy hormones relax the muscles of your lower esophageal sphincter (LES). If you experience this uncomfortable symptom, try eating smaller meals, staying upright after eating, and avoiding anything acidic, greasy, or spicy. Constipation might also occur as your baby presses against your intestines.
Week 20
By now, your little one might be kicking up a storm! The first kicks feel like fluttering in your stomach. Also common during this time are leg cramps, swelling in the hands and feet, dry eyes, varicose veins, and trouble sleeping. If you haven’t already, try using a pregnancy pillow for a better night’s rest.
Week 21
Although you might’ve had round ligament pain for a while, it tends to increase as the baby grows. You may feel sharpness in your hip, groin, and abdomen as they stretch to accommodate your growing uterus. Your uterus can also put pressure on your lungs, causing shortness of breath.
Week 22
Pregnancy often results thicker, shinier hair and fast-growing nails thanks to increased progesterone and your body stocking up on extra nutrients (so don’t forget to continue taking your prenatal vitamin). You might notice your locks feel stronger and more bountiful than usual. But you might also get dry, irritated skin on your stomach, since it’s constantly being stretched.
Week 23
Your ever-growing belly can turn an “innie” belly button into an “outie,” but rest assured it will return to its normal state after delivery. During this time, you’ll probably continue dealing with leg cramps, brain fog, backaches, increased vaginal discharge, constipation, headaches, stretch marks, and other second trimester pregnancy symptoms.
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Week 24
While some pregnant people still have a high sex drives, others notice a dwindling libido. They might feel too sore and tired to do the deed. Other pregnancy symptoms include tingling hands and bleeding gums, as well as snoring from swollen membranes and pregnancy weight gain.
Week 25
Do your hands and fingers feel tingly? You may be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, which when experienced during pregnancy, is often a result of normal swelling and fluid retention. This numb sensation should go away after you give birth. In the meantime, avoid sleeping on your hands, and try shaking out your wrists throughout the day.
Week 26
Sleep might not come easily as you near the third trimester, whether it’s because of anxiety, leg cramps, frequent urination, or general discomfort. You might also experience itchiness in your hands and feet. Mild itchiness is usually benign, and it can be treated with antihistamines, ointments, or calming lotions. Intense itching, however, could signal a liver disorder called cholestasis of pregnancy that requries medical care.
Week 27
As if backaches and leg cramps weren’t bad enough, some people get hemorrhoids during the second trimester. These itchy, swollen veins pop up in the rectum because of increased blood flow and pressure, and they can get worse with the straining that often accompanies constipation. Relieve hemorrhoid pain and bleeding with ice packs, sitz baths, or witch hazel pads.
Week 28
Welcome to the third trimester! As you near the finish line, you may start feeling physically exhausted and generally uncomfortable. Aches and pains are commonplace, and some will have symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), which happens when the ligaments around the pubic bone become soft and unstable.
Week 29
As your body prepares to feed your baby after birth, you might notice yellowish colostrum leaking from your breasts. This fluid serves as a precursor to mature breast milk, and it helps your little one’s body adjust to life outside the womb.
Week 30
If you have experienced itchiness, swelling, aching, and heartburn, it probably hasn’t subsided yet. If you have stretch marks like the majority of pregnant people, they are probably getting more pronounced as well. These red, pink, purple, or even dark brown streaks can’t be prevented—in fact, they are usually genetically-determined—but they’ll fade significantly with time.
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Week 31
Perhaps you were thrilled to put first trimester pregnancy symptoms behind you, but now some of them might make a comeback. For some people, they may have never left. For example, your breasts may become tender again as they start producing colostrum; you’ll likely need to pee frequently because of the pressure of your uterus against your bladder; and you may become extremely exhausted after only minimal effort. Hang in there.
Week 32
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, your body might produce “practice” contractions called Braxton Hicks. They’re characterized by a sporadic hardening or tightening of the uterus—and they come more often as the pregnancy progresses. Braxton Hicks contractions usually last between 30 seconds and two minutes, and they’ll stop if you change positions. While Braxton Hicks are expected, call your doctor if you experience contractions that get stronger and more frequent, as that can be a sign of premature labor.
Week 33
Your baby is getting bigger, and they’re still pressing against your internal organs. The result? The potential for a leaky bladder, shortness of breath, heartburn, and general discomfort.
Week 34
You’re getting closer to delivery, but remember: Every day counts for your baby’s development during the last few weeks of pregnancy, so you’ll want to let your baby continue growing as long as it’s medically safe. You may notice some decreased movement as your baby grows and gets into position for birth, but always contact your doctor if you have any concerns or notice significantly less movement.
Week 35
As labor quickly approaches, you’ll notice more regular Braxton Hicks contractions. Make sure you know how to differentiate these practice pains from actual contractions. Your weight gain might also begin to plateau around week 35, and many people find that insomnia comes in full force.
Week 36
Your little one is on the move! About two to four weeks before delivery, your baby will begin “dropping” into your lower pelvis (also called lightening or engagement). This move may take some pressure off your internal organs, allowing you to breathe easier.
Week 37
Your little one’s new position might lead to pelvic discomfort and increased abdominal pressure. You might notice a little spotting after sex, but you shouldn’t worry: This is probably a result of your sensitive, enlarged cervix. Call your doctor if you’re bleeding heavily, though, since this could indicate problem with the placenta.
Week 38
Around week 37 or 38, most pregnant people lose their mucus plug. The mucus plug blocks the opening to your your cervix to protect your baby from germs. It typically gets released anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks before labor, and it looks like thick pink or blood-tinged discharge.
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Week 39
If your water breaks, you may notice a gush of fluid or a slow trickle. Other early signs of labor include regular contractions, pelvic pressure, dull back pain, and a feeling of restlessness. Early labor tends to last for hours. Many doctors recommend that first-time parents wait this phase out and head to the hospital when contractions come every four or five minutes, last for one minute, and continue in this pattern for an hour (the 4-1-1 or 5-1-1 rule), but your provider may have a different recommendation for you.
Week 40
You’ll likely keep experiencing pregnancy symptoms like insomnia, swelling, frequent urination, and pelvic discomfort until your baby arrives. If you’ve scheduled an induction or C-section, it may happen within the next few days or weeks.
Week 41
After 40 weeks, your baby is considered “overdue” as they’ve passed their due date, but in most cases, this is perfectly fine and it’s actually quite common. Even so, an overdue baby can cause some anxiety and restlessness, but hang in there and watch for signs of labor. Your little one will be here soon!
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Week 42
Most babies are born within two weeks of their due date (before or after), so while reaching week 42 might be exhausting, it’s not uncommon. If your doctor is concerned, they may recommend inducing labor. In the meantime, continue to take care of yourself—your baby will be in your arms before you know it.
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