Pregnancy is one fulfilling moment in a woman’s life. The early pregnancy signs differ from every woman. Some may have symptoms as early as the first week, and others may not feel anything at all. Consequently, it is of importance that you learn early of pregnancy in so that you will be able told when you are pregnant and then take proper measures.
First and foremost sign is missing your period. This is commonest and traditionally accepted sign of pregnancy. This will prompt a woman to go for a pregnancy test. If the result is positive, then, definitely, a new life is growing in her womb. Bleeding may occur as a result of the implantation of the embryo at the wall of the uterus. This happens 6-7 days after fertilization.
During the first and second weeks of pregnancy, a woman will notice that her breasts are tender to touch. It is swollen and may feel sore. This is caused by increasing levels of hormones during pregnancy, which may be relieved after the 1st trimester of pregnancy. By then, the pregnant body has adapted to these hormonal changes.
Nausea and vomiting is felt usually during the first to third month of pregnancy. This is a common symptom to all pregnant women. It is sometimes called morning sickness. But this is not true for all expectant mothers. Others have it in the afternoon or evening. But majority of the pregnant women experience it in the early morning hours.. Again, while other women won’t experience this, some would feel nauseous all throughout their pregnancy. To relieve nausea and vomiting, doctors advice their patients to eat soda crackers and drink milk.
At one and a half month of pregnancy to about two months after conception, another early sign occurs. This is more visits to the comfort room to urinate. This normally happens at nights, in between sleeps. This is caused by hormonal changes, raising the rate of blood flow through the kidneys, and filling up the bladder more quickly. Thus, frequent urination is the aftermath of this process.
Lower backache is also a sign of the early stages of pregnancy. Actually, this will persist all throughout the pregnancy as the expectant mother gains weight.
Fatigue is also an early sign of pregnancy. Right after about a week after conception, feelings of tiredness occurs. Exhaustion is aggravated by backaches, lack of sleep because of frequent urination plus nausea. During the 2nd trimester, energy levels are increased and they will feel more relaxed. However, fatigue will come back at the last days of pregnancy, due to the heavier weight of the baby inside and other discomforts while nearing delivery date. Depression due to pregnancy issues can also cause fatigue.
Headaches during pregnancy are believed to occur as a result of rising levels of the hormones called progesterone as well as estrogen.
Food cravings as well as aversions are also early pregnancy signs. One may have sudden cravings for sour foods like pickles, to sweet and creamy foods maybe, or any other foods that appeal to one’s taste while conceiving. Not only that, favorite foods may suddenly be unappealing to one’s taste. These cravings and aversions may last throughout the 9 months.
Sensitivity to smells and certain aromas are also early pregnancy signs. Certain perfumes, foods, household cleaners, shampoos, cigarettes, coffee to name a few, suddenly make her gag.
Fainting or dizzy spells is also one early sign of pregnancy. The uterus during pregnancy compresses the arteries in the legs causing the blood pressure to drop and makes one dizzy. Fainting may also happen as a result of low blood sugar which happens when a pregnant woman goes without food for some while. The baby’s nourishment inside the womb depends solely on the blood sugar. It is then best to stock up on healthy foods and fruits rich enough to keep blood sugar up. Also, take in vitamins and food supplements as prescribed by the obstetrician-gynecologist.
Not to forget, mood swings and irritability. These are because of thoughts of new responsibility, delivery issues, expenses, hospital to go to and many other issues.
A higher body temperature during the first weeks is also an indication that one is pregnant. The body temperature feels warmer than usual. If a higher temperature is consistently measured for 18 days, chances are that one is pregnant.
Lastly, heartburn and constipation is also one of the early pregnancy signs. This symptom occurs as a result of the growth or the swelling of the uterus, and pushing against the stomach and the other organs of the body. Again the increase in hormones slows down digestion to allow absorption of vitamins and supplements needed by the body. Slow digestion in turn causes the release of acids that help in digestion which then brings about heartburn.
Please be guided accordingly.