Confused whether the symptoms are of pregnancy or just PMS. You can confirm your good news by pregnancy tests and ultrasound, but there are a lot of early symptoms that you can look for.
The symptoms of pregnancy can be very different from woman to woman. Each symptom has its own time to appear. Your pregnancy week one starts from the first day of your last period.
Here is everything you need to know about the early symptoms of pregnancy.
The symptoms of pregnancy can be very different from woman to woman. Each symptom has its own time to appear. Your pregnancy week one starts from the first day of your last period.
Here is everything you need to know about the early symptoms of pregnancy.
(1) Implantation Bleeding
- Implantation bleeding is one of the very first pregnancy symptoms. Up to 25-30% of women experience this during their first trimester.
- After fertilization, the embryo travels to the uterus from fallopian tube and implants into the lining. Sometimes it causes a little bleeding. You can experience this between 6-12 days after conception.
- At the very first the fertilized egg creates a fluid-filled group of cells (Blastocyte), that further develops into the baby’s organs.
- You don’t have to worry about this bleeding as it doesn’t cause any harm to your baby. The color of your spotting may be red, pink, or brown.
- During implantation bleeding the flow of blood is not as heavy as the menstrual period. You will notice this only when you wipe.
- Tips: – During this very first stage of pregnancy avoid heavy work, heavy exercises, lifting heavyweight, or drinking alcohol, as all these can harm your embryo.
(2) Nausea and Vomiting
- Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are commonly known as morning sickness. It is a very common sign of early pregnancy. Approximately 75% of pregnant women experience this.
- It occurs because of high hCG.Generally, morning sickness doesn’t cause any harm to you or your baby.
- Extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This can be harmful. (For more details read our article on Morning Sickness).
- Tips: – Drink ginger, lemon, peppermint tea.
- Drink more water to avoid dehydration.
- If you are having HG (Hyperemesis Gravidarum), see a doctor.
(3) Increased Basal Body Temperature
You will notice a rise in your basal body temperature even before you missed your period. You can measure your body basal temperature in the morning before leaving the bed.
There are 3 ways to measure your BBT- Vaginally, Orally, or rectally.
Tips: –
- Drink more water to control body temperature.
- Avoid heavy exercises.
- Avoid hot places.
(4) Breast Enlargement and Soreness
- Your breasts may feel swollen, sore, and sensitive during early pregnancy. It happens because of hormonal changes in the body.
- Estrogen promotes the secretion of prolactin and helps to grow breast duct cells. Prolactinstimulates milk production and progesterone supports the formation and growth of milk glands.
- These changes occur generally 4-6 weeks of conception. The areola (area of the nipple) also becomes darker.
- Tips: – Wear a supportive maternity bra.
- Use breast pads to reduce friction.
- Using a hot towel also can be helpful.
(5) Food Aversion
- During the first trimester both Estrogen and hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) rises. This rise in hormones and the development of strong taste and smell in pregnancy causes food aversion.
- Food aversion means unliking certain food items. This happens at the same time as morning sickness. So this can also increase the experience of nausea and vomiting.
- Tips:
- Avoid food items that you are feeling not to eat.
- Try to eat alternative healthy food options to get all the nutrition.
(6) Frequent Urination
- Excessive urination is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy.
- As weeks pass the frequency of urination also increases. It happens because of the pregnancy hormone hCG. This hormone increases the blood flow to your kidney and pelvic area which leads to frequent urination.
(7) Bloating and Constipation
- Bloating and constipation are very common and one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. The main reason for bloating is excess of the Progesterone hormone that relaxes the body muscles and slow down digestion.
- Another reason for bloating and constipation is your growing uterus that puts pressure on your abdominal cavity and stomach.
Tips:
- To get relief from bloating and constipation maintain a well-balanced diet.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Use Saunf, Ajwain after every meal to improve digestion.
(8) Missed Period
- A missed period is a classic early sign of pregnancy. If you had unprotected sex during your ovulation days and missed your period, probably your good news is waiting for you.
- After implantation of the embryo, your body starts producing hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). It is a protein-based hormone and helps the body to maintain a healthy pregnancy. It also helps in the production of progesterone and allows ovaries to stop realizing mature eggs.
Tips:
- If you have a missed period it is advisable to visit a doctor.
- Use a pregnancy test kit to confirm your good news.
(9) Mood Swings
Your pregnancy is a roller coaster ride of hormones. Also, morning sickness and fatigue are very common signs of pregnancy. This all together affects the mood of pregnant women, that converts into mood swings.
Tips:
- Read good books, listen to your favorite music. This will help you to boost your mood.
- Make sure to get enough sleep.
- Always listen to what your body says. As a pregnant woman, you may experience all of these symptoms or maybe one or two. A healthy pregnancy means a healthy mom and baby, other pregnancy symptoms may vary from woman to woman.