Symptoms Of Pregnancy
A lot of people think they know how to tell when a woman is pregnant in just a few weeks or even if they don’t see any early pregnancy symptoms. Guys would brag that they can tell when a woman is pregnant by just touching her arms – they’re supposed to be softer than usual. Some would say when a woman is always pale and thin, she might be pregnant. But then again, she might just have poor nutrition, or her menstrual cycle has changed! So what are the early symptoms of pregnancy?
Other Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Do you easily notice that pregnancy symptoms start in the first few weeks? What are the earliest signs of pregnancy?
Each woman experiences different symptoms and signs of pregnancy. During early pregnancy, one may be plagued with nausea, implantation bleeding, and vomiting, while another might be lucky enough not to feel dizzy at all throughout her term. Also, some women may think their leg cramps are just their usual warning sign that their menstruation is coming but will later realize that this brownish or light pink blood was the result of the fertilized egg that clings to the uterine lining, and it wasn’t just a light spotting but it is called implantation bleeding because they’re pregnant.
Signs of pregnancy are not consistent for all women. That’s a fact. Some other signs might include frequent urination, an increase in blood production, sudden food cravings, and nasal congestion. A stuffy nose or metallic taste in the mouth can also be early indicators of a possible pregnancy. To confirm these symptoms, a blood test or urine test can provide more definitive answers, and expecting mothers should consider eating frequent meals to maintain energy and support the body’s increased nutritional needs.
Below is a list of the most common early pregnancy signs and symptoms, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Keep in mind, though, that these early signs of pregnancy are not exclusive and might be because of other conditions, hormonal changes, or perhaps missed periods. Therefore, if you feel some of these things listed below, it doesn’t necessarily point out immediately that you are pregnant or in your early pregnancy stage. A clinic or home pregnancy test would be the most appropriate way to determine early pregnancy.
- Swollen, Painful, Or Bigger Breasts
Are your breasts sensitive? As talked about by the MayoClinic, this is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy, as the breasts are affected by the increase in hormonal levels when a woman gets pregnant. She may feel bloated, that her breasts have become fuller and are more sensitive and painful. The areola or the area surrounding the nipples becomes darker in most women. These are only a few of the several signs and symptoms of hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy. However, some women report having swollen breasts and breast tenderness when they have an erratic menstrual cycle.
Swollen breasts can also mean other things, but if it is an early sign of pregnancy, then the breast changes you experience will continue for weeks.
2. Muscle Cramping
During the first three months, a woman usually experiences cramping in her feet and legs along with light bleeding. Dr. M.D. Mazumbar, SM Polyclinic Senior Consultant, explains that cramps develop due to a change in how a woman’s body processes calcium. Instead of the pregnant mom receiving all the calcium, most of it is passed on to her unborn baby to help build its teeth, bones, and other vital organs. The decreased share of calcium that the mother is receiving causes muscle weakness, owing to the cramps. This is not one of the most common signs of pregnancy, although some complain about having them after the first semester because of weight gain.
3. Generalized Fatigue
This is a normal manifestation in pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. Pregnancy hormonal changes or alterations in the menstrual cycle, such as an increase in the hormone progesterone, are still the most accurate reason for this feeling tired and laziness. Other reasons may also include increased blood flow, reduced blood pressure, and reduced blood sugar levels. To counteract this symptom and other symptoms of pregnancy, pregnant women are advised to get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet rich in protein.
4. Nausea And Vomiting
These are common signs that are almost always associated with pregnancy, although they may mean other things like gastrointestinal conditions or simply hormonal changes from menstruation. One in 100 women experiences these signs throughout their pregnancy, although they may lessen in frequency over time. If vomiting or morning sickness becomes worse, consulting your doctor is necessary. It is also significant to note that some pregnant women feel nausea earlier than usual and that these instances may last for the entire pregnancy.
5. Fluctuating Mood
Also caused by the increased estrogen and progesterone levels (part of pregnancy hormones), mood swings are commonly seen in the first trimester due to fluctuating hormone levels and become less prominent eventually. This is an early symptom many women experience. Expectant mothers are emotionally unstable. They can be very happy now but will burst into tears later after watching a certain movie. Her moods may be erratic because of these hormone changes or simply because conceiving a baby and bringing her into the world can be overwhelming, and one type of emotion is not enough to express how she truly feels. Mood swings are common among young and adult pregnant moms.
6. Missed Period
One of the most obvious and alarming signs that drive women to think they are pregnant is a missed period. This is particularly true for women who have regular monthly menstruations. Some may not have their menstrual period for the month because of sudden weight gain or over-fatigue, while others complain of missing their menstrual period when they abruptly stop taking their birth control tablets. Some may just have an irregular menstrual cycle. However, many women do experience vaginal bleeding or light bleeding. Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining. If you are doubtful of the reason for missing your expected menstrual cycle, especially if this is accompanied by morning sickness, the best move is to take a pregnancy test. If you get a positive pregnancy test, then you can better take care of yourself.
7. Exaggerated Cravings
NHS reports that when a woman is pregnant, her senses are magnified, especially taste and smell. She might be looking for green mangoes or certain foods more frequently than usual. On the contrary, her love for her husband’s perfume has turned into loathing, and she may never want even the slightest smell of it near her—or just until she delivers her baby.
Other symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose due to mucous membranes swelling, bloating, and food aversions. These symptoms do get easier as your body adjusts. Not all women experience the exact same symptoms. If you’re experiencing the first signs of being pregnant or are trying to conceive, it’s a good idea to start taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid and iron to fill any nutritional gaps you might have.
Conclusion
Pregnancy definitely changes a woman – physically, physiologically, and emotionally. She may experience all the symptoms described above or maybe just two or three. She may feel it during early pregnancy or in her middle or late stages. What is crucial to remember is that if these symptoms of early pregnancy become bothersome, especially during early pregnancy, they should not be taken lightly. The doctor’s intervention should be of paramount importance. Besides, you might not be pregnant after all!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are The Main Pregnancy Symptoms?
Can You Feel Pregnant After Two Days? What Are The Most Common Signs?
How Can I Make Sure I’m Not Pregnant? Can I Take A Test At Home?
How Soon Do Early Signs Start Happening?
How Can I Tell If I’m Pregnant After A Week?
Why Do I Think I’m Pregnant?
How Do I Know I’m In My Early Pregnancy Without Taking A Home Pregnancy Test?
How Does Your Lower Stomach Feel In Early Pregnancy?
Where Do You Feel In Your Stomach When Pregnant?
How Can You Tell If You’re Pregnant By Touching Your Stomach?
What Color Is Pregnancy Discharge?
How Late Can A Period Be?
What Does Pregnancy Urine Smell Like?
What Do Early Pregnancy Cramps Feel Like?
Am I Bloated Or Pregnant? Are These Signs Of Pregnancy?
Last Updated on May 9, 2023 by Bernadine Racoma
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