How early should these early signs of pregnancy make any manifestation in a woman’s body? Research suggests these signs are evident as soon as the implantation period, or the time when the sperm successfully met the egg and fertilized.
Here are the top 9 pregnancy symptoms experienced by most women for the first few days or weeks of their conceiving, pregnant for the first time or not.
1. Spotting And Cramping
Spotting and cramping are one of the most common early signs of pregnancy, especially during the implantation stage. Light bleeding typically occurs 6 to 12 days after conception when the embryo is in the uterine lining. The spotting is accompanied by light cramping as if you’re on another monthly period.
Most women would regard this light bleeding and cramping as a sign of not being pregnant. However, this spotting is not the usual menstruation when the egg was not fertilized and started to dissolve. In this case, the embryo is now being implanted in the lining. Also, the bleeding will be lighter and shorter than that of the usual monthly cycle.
2. Fatigue And Backaches
These two signs of pregnancy may not be easily regarded by many future mothers to be symptoms of a ‘baby on the way.’ The fatigue during early pregnancy is usually the feeling of extra tiredness that you have to drag yourself out of bed to prepare for work and other everyday responsibilities. This level of fatigue will continue until the first trimester but eases a little for the following periods.
The hormone levels also change as you start conceiving. This change in the hormone levels gives rise to relaxin, the hormone responsible for preparing your joints for giving birth and loosening your spine ligaments. As your spine ligaments loosen up, you will start experiencing back pains.
3. Frequent Urination
Expectant mothers are always bothered by this fact as one of the early pregnancy symptoms. The reason behind it is simple: there is growing pressure on bladder due to growing uterus; hence, frequent peeing.
The unusual bathroom breaks are also influenced by the hormonal changes which cause your kidney to fill your bladder more often than usual. This condition is also best explained that 50% more blood is circulating in your system now that you are pregnant. Your kidneys are busier than usual with the volume of blood flow that passes through them during pregnancy. This sign among the common early signs of pregnancy brings about significant adjustment for expecting moms.
4. Sudden Food Dislikes And Cravings
These early pregnancy symptoms do not stop at the physical aspect of a woman’s being. Sudden aversion to food with strong smells is a given trait of pregnant women, and hormonal change is a cited reason. They may even dislike the snacks that they used to like.
Though doctors, experts, and researchers are still baffled by this fact, food cravings are the most common ‘whim’ among women in this phase of their lives. Theories suggest cravings occur because of the certain nutrients lacking in a woman’s body that needs to be addressed now; she is eating for two. Among the common early signs of pregnancy, this usually happens during the initial stage.
5. Frequent Mood Swings
Symptoms of pregnancy can also touch the emotional aspect of a woman. Pregnant women become moody (sometimes more moody or more extreme than when they were on their usual monthly period) because of the fluctuating and sudden hormonal changes. The influx of new hormones is also the reason why you are smiling one minute and crying the next for an intense emotional feeling.
6. Unusual Sense Of Smell
Having a heightened sense of smell is also one of the common symptoms of pregnancy. Perhaps you have already heard of stories about how pregnant ladies would comment about the smell of the kitchen or even complain about passing by restaurant-filled streets. It is one of the common early signs of pregnancy, but it doesn’t happen to everyone. This heightened sense of smell is what scientists cite as one of the triggers for morning sickness and nausea.
7. High Body Temperature
This early pregnancy sign is once again best explained by the higher volume of blood circulating in a woman’s system now that she is carrying another being inside her. The increased blood flow creates more body heat. As if having a regular fever, you may experience shivering, sweating, headaches, and aching muscles.
During pregnancy, your immune system is on full and double duty to protect you and your baby. Your systems are functioning at their best, so it’s crucial you are eating correctly and receiving the right nutrition the moment you know a baby is on the way.
8. Sore or Swollen Breasts
Your breasts may feel more weight than usual, with your areolas looking a bit darker than before. The higher blood flow and the increased production of progesterone and hCG (Human chorionic gonadotrophin) hormones cause your breasts to suddenly feel tender, like when you were on a PMS, and a little sore when being touched. Most of the time, you will feel breast pain, but it should ease as you and your pregnancy go along.
9. Constipation
The previous pregnancy symptoms may constitute the common and hundreds of lists about the telltale signs of being pregnant, but constipation rarely makes it on the top list. Regular bowel movements may now become hard to come by and maintain. Bloating and feeling a little gassy are also other signs accompanied by this symptom.
The hormones associated with pregnancy also affect a woman’s digestive system. These hormonal changes slow down the system, hence, constipation and the hard (or sometimes painful) bowel movements. Make it a habit of drinking more glasses of water (not just any liquid). Also, add more fiber to your diet to ease your bowel problem.
The early signs of pregnancy discussed in this article may be experienced or not by many pregnant women. You still have to understand that the symptoms will be different from woman to woman. These may happen not as early as the implantation period. You can feel these symptoms as late as when you are already weeks or months pregnant. Most of the symptoms are also not that noticeable, especially for first-timers. Hence, if you are indeed trying to conceive, don’t lose hope. Visit your doctor as soon as you feel these symptoms for further advice and proper remedies for relief.
FAQs On Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Last Updated on January 12, 2023 by Mary Cimeni
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