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Early Pregnancy Symptoms - A Guide for Expecting Mothers
While pregnancy brings about numerous physical and emotional changes, there are several common early pregnancy symptoms that women often experience. Many of the symptoms can be seen in the first week of pregnancy itself. However, it is crucial to note that not all women will encounter these symptoms and the severity may differ from one woman to another.
Even before you miss your menstrual period, you can experience the first symptoms of pregnancy. Understanding and recognizing these symptoms can help you navigate this transformative period with ease and confidence.
When Do Early Pregnancy Symptoms Start?
The early pregnancy symptoms can be felt once implantation occurs and tend to diminish as the first trimester progresses. You may experience changes in your body within a week of conception. Others might not notice until they miss the periods.
First Signs of Pregnancy
Usually, morning sickness and missed periods are the early symptoms of pregnancy, but there are various other changes the female body goes through during the first weeks of pregnancy.
As discussed, pregnancy symptoms may vary from woman to woman. A woman may experience every symptom possible, a few of them, or none at all. It is advised to visit the best maternity hospital near you to get an early diagnosis of any problems you might face.
Listed here are some of the common signs and symptoms of pregnancy:
1. Missed Periods:
The most common sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Once conception happens, your body produces hormones called human chorionic gonadotropin. The hormone is responsible to maintain pregnancy and stop the ovaries from releasing eggs every month.
2. Morning Sickness:
Nausea or morning sickness usually begins around 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. It can occur at any time of the day or night. Some women feel nausea earlier, while some never experience it.
3. Spotting:
Spotting, often referred to as implantation bleeding, occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining. You can experience small spots of light pink to brownish blood stains that may appear 10 to 14 days after conception.
4. Lower Abdominal Pain:
During pregnancy, the increase in the flow of blood to the uterus causes minor cramping. This symptom is often confused with menstrual periods.
5. Bloating and Constipation:
It is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy that women feel soon after they conceive. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause you to feel bloated. Bloating is often accompanied by constipation.
6. Changes in the Breast:
The changes in hormones can contribute to breast tenderness, swelling, nipple soreness, and darker areolas. You may also notice your breasts and nipples growing. The changes will be visible one to two weeks after conception.
7. Fatigue:
Fatigue is common during the early stages of pregnancy. This is due to sudden changes in hormone levels. It is important to eat a healthy and balanced diet and get rest whenever you feel tired.
8. Frequent Urination:
During pregnancy, the growing uterus puts pressure on the urinary bladder, making you feel the need for frequent urination. It may start as early as two weeks after conception.
9. High Basal Body Temperature:
The basal body temperature remains elevated during pregnancy due to high levels of hormones. During this time, be sure to drink plenty of water and exercise cautiously.
10. Mood Swings and Headache:
Due to an increase in levels of hormones, mood changes can occur during pregnancy. Also, headaches and feelings of lightheadedness, and dizziness are common. If you feel anxious, depressed, or sad, contact a top gynaecologist in Gurgaon.
11. Increased Discharge:
The amount of cervical discharge may increase in the first few weeks of pregnancy. In case there is a bad smell or a burning and itching sensation, talk to your doctor.
Besides these symptoms, some women begin to experience food cravings, food aversions, smell sensitivity, metallic taste in their mouth, acne, or even pregnancy glow. It is important to note that each woman’s pregnancy experience is different, and while these symptoms are commonly reported, not all women will experience them in the same way.
Also, a lot of the early signs of pregnancy can be confusing as they often mimic menstrual symptoms. It is likely that you may not notice them right away. That is why it is impossible to tell whether you are pregnant from the symptoms alone. The only way to be sure is to take a pregnancy test or consult the best gynae in Gurgaon.
Taking Care of Early Pregnancy Symptoms
The early symptoms of pregnancy can be managed with care and lifestyle modifications.
- Eat a nutrition-rich diet packed with protein, carbs, and fiber.
- Take prenatal vitamins.
- Get a pregnancy scan done once every month to track the growth of the fetus.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Limit your caffeine consumption.
- Avoid raw fish, fish high in mercury, raw sprouts, processed foods, unpasteurized milk, or other dairy products.
- Exercise regularly.
- Stay hydrated.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Attend all your prenatal appointments.
When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?
You can know if you are pregnant one week after you have missed your period. Home pregnancy tests are widely available without prescription in stores and pharmacies. It works by testing the amount of hCG in urine.
Home pregnancy tests are reliable, but you may also get a wrong positive result. This occurs due to a variety of reasons, such as having an ectopic pregnancy or certain medications that can interfere with the result. If you get a positive result, visit a gynae clinic in Gurgaon for a blood or urine test to confirm pregnancy.
When Should you See a Doctor?
No matter what symptoms you are having, the only way to be sure is to make an appointment with your gynecologist. The doctor will prescribe a more sensitive test and perform a pelvic exam to confirm your pregnancy. Once pregnancy is declared, you can schedule regular prenatal visits throughout your pregnancy.
If you think you are pregnant and are experiencing any of the early pregnancy symptoms, then book a consultation with a gynecologist at Miracles Apollo Cradle. All our doctors are trained and have years of experience in the field.
