9 Early Pregnancy Symptoms: First Signs You Might Be Pregnant
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Early pregnancy symptoms often begin around weeks 4 to 6 of pregnancy, counted from your last period. Most pregnant women have some of them, but their duration, intensity, and severity may vary during the first trimester, the second trimester of your pregnancy as well as the third trimester. Symptoms are often strongest in the first and third trimesters.
A full-term pregnancy lasts about 280 days, or 40 weeks. Symptoms vary from week to week as hormones change and the baby grows.
Why these early pregnancy symptoms are important? Why they appeared in pregnant women? These all are normal?
Here is the answer. These symptoms appear because of rapid changes in pregnancy hormones. Mild symptoms are usually normal. If they are severe, consult your doctor as soon as possible, because they might signal another problem.
EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS OVERVIEW
One or two weeks after conception, some physical changes may begin to give a clue that you are pregnant. These changes are usually mild, but see a doctor if they are severe. Some important changes are discussed below.
1- A Missed period
A missed period is the classic early sign of pregnancy, but it isn't proof. Periods can be late for other reasons, such as stress or an irregular cycle. If you have missed a period, take a pregnancy test to find out.
2- Nausea & Vomiting
Nausea is very common in early pregnancy, with or without vomiting. It is linked to hormone changes. Despite the name morning sickness, it can happen at any time of day, and strong smells can trigger it.
It usually clears up by weeks 16 to 20. If it is severe or you can't keep fluids down, contact your health care provider.
3- Breast swollen & Tender
Rising pregnancy hormones make the breasts swollen and tender. The nipples may enlarge, and the areola (the darker area around the nipple) may darken. The breasts grow as they prepare to make milk. This is a very common early pregnancy symptom.
4- Abdomen Enlarged
Early on, a bigger-looking belly is usually due to bloating, not the baby. The uterus is still small in the first trimester. The baby bump becomes more noticeable in the second and third-trimester Pregnancy.
5- Mood Swings
The flood of pregnancy hormones in early pregnancy can make you unusually emotional and weepy. Extra support from a partner, family or friends can help. Mood swings are common, especially in the first trimester. If low mood or anxiety lasts, talk to your doctor.
6- Headache
Headaches are common in early pregnancy, mainly because of hormone changes. If a headache is constant, severe or getting worse, consult your doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine.
7- Fatigue
Tiredness is a common early pregnancy symptom. Rising progesterone can make you sleepy, and your body is working hard to support the pregnancy. You may feel tired after doing very little.
8- Constipation
Constipation is another common symptom of pregnancy and can continue into the second and third trimesters. An increase in the progesterone hormone causes the food to pass more slowly through the intestines which can lead to more absorption of the water from it. Hard or solid stool left behind which passes out with difficulty and causes constipation. Drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods. If it is severe, consult your doctor.
Why Do I Feel Pregnant When I'm Not?
Many early pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness, bloating, tiredness, mood swings and cramps, are also common before a period. Stress, illness and some medicines can cause similar changes.
Symptoms alone can't tell you if you are pregnant. A home test is most reliable 1 to 2 weeks after a missed period. If the test is negative but your period still doesn't come, test again in a few days or see your doctor.
