How early can you tell if you’re pregnant. When should you take a pregnancy test. What are the first symptoms of pregnancy. What other symptoms can be early signs of pregnancy.

Understanding Early Pregnancy Signs: What Your Body Might Be Telling You

Pregnancy is a unique journey for every woman, and the early signs can vary significantly from person to person. While a pregnancy test remains the most reliable method to confirm pregnancy, many women experience subtle changes in their bodies even before a missed period. This article explores 16 early signs of pregnancy, providing insights into what you might experience in the initial weeks after conception.

The Timing of Early Pregnancy Symptoms: When Can You Start to Notice Changes?

The onset of pregnancy symptoms can be as diverse as the women experiencing them. Some may notice changes within a week of conception, while others might not suspect anything until they miss their period. It’s important to remember that the absence of early symptoms doesn’t rule out pregnancy, just as their presence doesn’t guarantee it.

When is the right time to take a pregnancy test?

Experts typically recommend waiting until after a missed period to take a pregnancy test. This is because pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that begins to build up in your body after conception. It usually takes about three to four weeks from the first day of your last period for hCG levels to be detectable on a test.

The Most Common Early Sign of Pregnancy: A Missed Period

For many women, a missed period is often the first and most obvious sign of pregnancy. Your menstrual cycle is your body’s way of preparing for a potential pregnancy each month. If you’re not pregnant, your uterus sheds its lining through menstruation. However, if conception has occurred, this lining remains intact to support the developing embryo.

It’s worth noting that a delayed or missed period doesn’t always indicate pregnancy. Factors such as stress or hormonal imbalances can also cause irregular menstrual cycles.

Implantation Bleeding: A Subtle but Significant Early Pregnancy Sign

Approximately one-third of women experience spotting or light bleeding as an early sign of pregnancy. This phenomenon, often referred to as implantation bleeding, is believed to occur when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining.

How does implantation bleeding differ from a regular period?

Implantation bleeding typically occurs 10 to 14 days after conception, just before or around the time your period is due. Unlike a regular period, implantation bleeding is characterized by:

• Light flow that may start and stop over a couple of days
• Pink, brown, or light red color
• Shorter duration compared to a regular period

In contrast, menstrual bleeding usually starts light but becomes heavier and darker red over time, lasting up to a week.

Cramps and Lower Abdominal Pain: Early Pregnancy or PMS?

While cramps and lower abdominal pain are often associated with an impending period, they can also be a sign of early pregnancy. These sensations, known as implantation cramps, may accompany implantation bleeding or occur on their own.

How can you differentiate between implantation cramps and menstrual cramps?

Implantation cramps often feel different from menstrual cramps:

• Implantation cramps: Mild to moderate prickling, pulling, or tingling sensations that come and go over a few days
• Menstrual cramps: Often described as a throbbing or dull ache, typically starting a day or two before your period

However, it’s important to note that every woman’s experience can be unique.

Hormonal Changes and Their Early Pregnancy Effects

Pregnancy triggers significant hormonal changes in a woman’s body, primarily increases in estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal shifts can lead to various early pregnancy symptoms.

How do hormonal changes affect basal body temperature?

If you’ve been tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) to increase your chances of conception, you may notice that your temperature remains elevated after ovulation instead of dipping back down. While this could be due to other factors, a sustained increase in BBT for more than a few weeks might indicate pregnancy.

What changes occur in cervical mucus during early pregnancy?

In the initial weeks of pregnancy, you may observe an increase in cervical discharge. This discharge often becomes stickier and whiter in consistency. However, it’s important to note that changes in cervical mucus can also occur due to other factors, so this sign alone is not a definitive indicator of pregnancy.

Breast Changes: An Early Sign of Hormonal Shifts

Many women experience changes in their breasts as one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. These changes are primarily due to the rapid increase in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone.

What breast changes might you notice in early pregnancy?

Common breast changes in early pregnancy include:

• Tenderness or soreness
• Swelling or feeling of fullness
• Tingling sensations
• Darkening of the areolas
• More pronounced veins on the breast surface

These changes can start as early as a week or two after conception and may continue throughout pregnancy.

Fatigue and Tiredness: Your Body’s Response to Early Pregnancy

Feeling unusually tired or fatigued is a common early pregnancy symptom. This fatigue can be overwhelming and may start as early as one week after conception.

Why does early pregnancy cause fatigue?

Several factors contribute to pregnancy-related fatigue:

1. Hormonal changes, particularly the rise in progesterone
2. Lower blood sugar levels
3. Increased blood production to support the developing fetus
4. Emotional stress and anxiety related to the pregnancy

While fatigue is common in early pregnancy, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and consult with your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing extreme tiredness.

Nausea and Morning Sickness: Not Just a Morning Phenomenon

Nausea, with or without vomiting, is one of the most well-known early pregnancy symptoms. Despite being called “morning sickness,” this symptom can occur at any time of the day or night.

When does morning sickness typically start?

Morning sickness usually begins around the 6th week of pregnancy, but some women may experience it earlier. The severity and duration can vary greatly among individuals. While unpleasant, morning sickness is generally not harmful to the pregnancy and often subsides by the second trimester.

Food Aversions and Cravings: Your Changing Palate

Sudden changes in food preferences are common in early pregnancy. You might find yourself repulsed by foods you previously enjoyed or craving items you rarely ate before.

What causes food aversions and cravings during pregnancy?

While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, these changes are likely due to:

• Hormonal fluctuations affecting taste and smell
• The body’s increased nutritional needs
• Psychological factors related to pregnancy

These changes can start early in pregnancy and may evolve throughout the gestation period.

Mood Swings and Emotional Changes: The Hormonal Roller Coaster

Pregnancy can bring about significant emotional changes, even in the earliest stages. You might find yourself experiencing mood swings, feeling unusually emotional, or reacting differently to situations.

Are mood swings normal in early pregnancy?

Yes, mood swings are a normal part of pregnancy. They’re primarily caused by the hormonal changes your body is undergoing. Some women may experience:

• Heightened emotional responses
• Increased irritability
• Anxiety or worry about the pregnancy
• Sudden bouts of sadness or tearfulness

If you’re concerned about your emotional state, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your healthcare provider.

Frequent Urination: An Early Sign of Bodily Changes

If you find yourself making more frequent trips to the bathroom, it could be an early sign of pregnancy. This increased need to urinate often starts around 6-8 weeks into pregnancy but can occur earlier for some women.

Why does pregnancy cause frequent urination?

Several factors contribute to increased urination in early pregnancy:

1. Increased blood volume, which leads to more fluid being processed by the kidneys
2. The hormone hCG, which increases blood flow to the pelvic area
3. The growing uterus beginning to put pressure on the bladder

While frequent urination can be inconvenient, it’s a normal part of pregnancy. However, if you experience pain or burning when urinating, consult your healthcare provider as this could indicate a urinary tract infection.

Bloating and Constipation: Digestive Changes in Early Pregnancy

Many women experience digestive changes early in pregnancy, including bloating and constipation. These symptoms can start soon after conception and may persist throughout pregnancy.

What causes digestive changes in early pregnancy?

Several factors contribute to these digestive symptoms:

• Hormonal changes, particularly increased progesterone, which slows digestion
• The growing uterus putting pressure on the intestines
• Changes in diet and fluid intake
• Prenatal vitamins, especially those high in iron

To manage these symptoms, maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, stay hydrated, and engage in regular, gentle exercise as approved by your healthcare provider.

Headaches and Dizziness: Understanding These Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Headaches and dizziness are frequently reported early pregnancy symptoms. While they can be concerning, they’re often a normal part of the body’s adjustment to pregnancy.

Why do headaches and dizziness occur in early pregnancy?

Several factors can contribute to these symptoms:

1. Hormonal changes affecting blood flow and circulation
2. Increased blood volume
3. Changes in blood sugar levels
4. Fatigue and stress

If you experience severe or persistent headaches or dizziness, consult your healthcare provider, as these could potentially indicate other health issues.

Skin Changes: Early Signs of Pregnancy on Your Complexion

Pregnancy can bring about various changes to your skin, some of which may be noticeable in the early stages. These changes are primarily due to hormonal fluctuations and increased blood volume.

What skin changes might occur in early pregnancy?

Common skin changes in early pregnancy include:

• Acne or breakouts due to increased oil production
• A ‘pregnancy glow’ caused by increased blood flow to the skin
• Skin darkening, particularly around the areolas and on the face (melasma)
• Increased skin sensitivity or itchiness

While most of these changes are harmless and temporary, any severe or concerning skin changes should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Nasal Congestion and Nosebleeds: Unexpected Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Many women are surprised to experience nasal congestion or nosebleeds early in pregnancy. These symptoms, while less commonly associated with pregnancy, can start soon after conception.

Why do nasal symptoms occur in early pregnancy?

Nasal congestion and nosebleeds in early pregnancy are primarily caused by:

1. Increased blood volume, which can cause swelling of the nasal passages
2. Hormonal changes affecting the mucous membranes
3. Increased blood flow to the nose and sinuses

These symptoms are usually harmless but can be managed with saline nasal sprays or humidifiers. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy.

In conclusion, early pregnancy signs can vary greatly from woman to woman and even between pregnancies. While these symptoms can provide clues, a positive pregnancy test and confirmation from a healthcare provider are the only definitive ways to confirm pregnancy. If you suspect you might be pregnant, it’s important to take care of yourself, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek prenatal care as soon as possible. Remember, every pregnancy journey is unique, and what’s most important is ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

16 early signs of pregnancy

You’ve got one question on your mind: Could I be pregnant?

A pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure. But if it’s too early to take a test, you may be on the lookout for early signs – or maybe you think you’re already experiencing some early pregnancy symptoms.

Is it too early to tell if you’re pregnant? What symptoms may be the earliest signs of pregnancy? Below, we answer those questions and more.

How early can you tell if you’re pregnant?

Again, you’ll need to take a pregnancy test at the right time to confirm your hopes or suspicions. But when it comes to the first symptoms of pregnancy, everyone is different. Some people start to notice changes within a week after conception. Others might not notice anything until they miss their period.

When should you take a pregnancy test?

It’s usually recommended that you take a pregnancy test after you’ve missed your period. This is because pregnancy tests measure the level of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in your body, which is a hormone that starts to build up when you conceive. It can take around three to four weeks from the first day of your last period for there to be enough hCG in your body to show up on a test.

What are the first symptoms of pregnancy?

The most common sign of early pregnancy? A missed period.

Your menstrual cycle is your body’s way of preparing for a possible pregnancy each month. Part of that is the thickening of your uterine lining, which is where a fertilized egg would implant to begin a pregnancy.

If you’re not pregnant, your period is how your uterus sheds that extra lining. If you are pregnant, that lining stays put and you don’t get your normal flow. This is why a missed period is often the earliest sign of pregnancy.

Of course, a delayed or missed period doesn’t always mean you’re pregnant. If your body is under a lot of stress or you have a hormonal imbalance, you could be experiencing an irregular menstrual cycle.

What other symptoms can be early signs of pregnancy?

Every person – and every pregnancy – is different. So, if you are pregnant, you’ll likely experience a unique combination of common, not-so-common and sometimes overlapping symptoms. And, they may show up earlier or later than expected. Here are more than a dozen possible symptoms of early pregnancy.

1. Spotting or light bleeding

Many women are surprised to learn that spotting or light bleeding can be an early sign of pregnancy, but about one-third of women experience it. This is often called implantation bleeding because doctors believe it occurs as the fertilized egg attaches (or implants) itself into the uterine lining. This is different from bleeding that could occur from something like a miscarriage – which is usually heavier.

When does implantation bleeding occur?

Implantation bleeding typically occurs 10 to 14 days after conception, which is just before or right around the time your period is due. So, you may think you’ve gotten your period.

But implantation bleeding is a light flow, which may start and stop over a couple days. And while it can take on a range of colors, it’s more likely to be pink, brown or light red.

Your period, on the other hand, may start off light in flow and in color but after a couple days becomes heavier, changes to a crimson red color and lasts up to a week or so.

2. Lower abdominal pain or cramping

While cramps and lower-abdominal pain can signal a coming period, they can also be a sign of egg implantation.

What do implantation cramps feel like?

Implantation cramps can occur with or without spotting or bleeding, and may feel different from period cramps. For example, you might feel mild to moderate prickling, pulling or tingling that comes and goes over a few days.

But menstrual cramps can often feel like a throbbing or dull ache, and typically start a day or two before your period.

3. Higher basal body temperature

If you’ve been tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) to increase your chances of getting pregnant, you probably know that your BBT goes up slightly right after ovulation. If you’re pregnant, your temperature may remain elevated rather than dipping back down.

Of course, you could be running hot for other reasons, but if it lasts more than a few weeks, pregnancy may be the explanation.

4. Changes in cervical mucus

If you’ve already been checking your cervical mucus to figure out when you’re most fertile, here’s a reason to continue: In the first few weeks of pregnancy, the amount of cervical discharge may increase and become stickier and whiter.

5. Breast tenderness, swelling or tingling

When you’re pregnant, your body experiences big changes in hormones – specifically, increases in estrogen and progesterone – to support your growing baby. This change in hormones can contribute to many symptoms, including breast tenderness.

Oftentimes, increased breast tenderness, swelling or tingling start to become noticeable a few days before a missed period.

If you usually experience breast tenderness leading up to your period or shortly after it begins, pregnancy-related breast tenderness and swelling will likely be more intense than you’re used to and stick around. You may also experience nipple soreness.

6. Fatigue

Fatigue in early pregnancy is common, and some women might notice it before they know they’re pregnant. In fact, fatigue may set in as soon as one week after conception. This is thanks to those sudden changes in hormone levels, particularly increasing progesterone.

7. Frequent urination

If you’re making more trips to the bathroom than usual around the time your next period is due, it may be a sign of pregnancy.

Certainly, your drinking habits play a big role in how many times you pee in a day. However, pregnancy increases the amount of blood in your body, which gives your kidneys more fluid to filter and more waste to get rid of.

So if you’re pregnant, you may notice you’re peeing a lot more – a symptom that can start early on and (unfortunately) last throughout your pregnancy.

8. Nausea or vomiting

Morning sickness might be the most well-known of all pregnancy symptoms, taking the form of food aversion or nausea, and even vomiting for some. This symptom can set in as early as two weeks after conception, which is around the fourth week of pregnancy and right around the time you’d miss your period if you were pregnant.

But some may not experience nausea or vomiting at all. And despite its name, morning sickness can actually happen at any time of the day or night.

9. Darkening areolas

When you’re pregnant, your areolas (the areas round your nipples) will likely grow and darken. Usually, these changes are gradual and continue throughout pregnancy. However, some women notice these changes really early on in combination with other symptoms.

10. Bloating or constipation

We all experience bloating or constipation from time to time, but both are quite common during pregnancy. Once again, those changing hormones are the culprit. They slow down digestion, which can cause a buildup of air in the gut and lead to constipation.

Early on, bloating or constipation may be mild and accompanied with other pregnancy symptoms. But – as a heads up – if you really are pregnant, these symptoms may stick around throughout your whole pregnancy.

11. Metallic taste in your mouth

Many women report a metallic taste in their mouth during pregnancy. Once again, hormones are to blame – specifically, estrogen.

Typically, this symptom (as well as changes in taste overall) is common in the first trimester but may occur at other times too – including before a missed period.

12. Sensitivity to smell

Many women report that sensitivity to smell was one of their first signs of pregnancy. In fact, as many as two-thirds of women become more sensitive or reactive to the smells around them during pregnancy.

And oftentimes, this heightened sense of smell can stick around through the first trimester or beyond, and contribute to other symptoms such as nausea, and food cravings or aversions.

13. Mood changes

From a stressful day at work to the natural wonders of your menstrual cycle, there are a lot of things that can affect your mood. But changes in mood are very common during pregnancy – and they may be especially noticeable early on as your body gets a sudden burst of estrogen and progesterone.

If you are pregnant, any mood changes you’re experiencing are likely coupled with other symptoms such as fatigue or nausea. You may feel more sensitive or weepy. Or perhaps your fuse is a little shorter and you’re more easily annoyed.

14. Headaches

Headaches are a part of life. They come with colds and allergies. They come with stress or fatigue, or when you cut down on caffeine to help prepare your body for pregnancy. But they can also come with pregnancy.

Headaches can happen thanks to the increasing blood volume and hormonal changes that occur in early pregnancy. You can also get headaches if you’re dehydrated as a result of nausea.

15. Dizziness

As blood flow increases during pregnancy, blood pressure can also decrease and lead to dizzy spells. Usually, dizziness is more of a second trimester symptom, but some women may notice it very early on, too.

16. Nasal congestion

A lot of people are shocked to learn that nasal congestion can be a pregnancy symptom. You may wonder if you’re coming down with something or your allergies are acting up. But if you’re noticing a stuffy or runny nose along with other pregnancy signs, you might be taking a pregnancy test in the near future.

The mucous membranes in the nose are also affected by hormones and increased blood flow throughout your body. This can cause blood vessels to swell, resulting in congestion and even sneezing.

Could you have early pregnancy symptoms and not be pregnant?

Yes. As we’ve mentioned, many early pregnancy symptoms can overlap with symptoms of other conditions, especially premenstrual symptoms. So, the best way to know if the symptoms you’re experiencing are pregnancy related is to try to relax and patiently wait until it’s time to take a pregnancy test.

When should you see a doctor about a new pregnancy?

If you’ve taken a pregnancy test and it’s positive, go ahead and make your first prenatal visit right away. This is also a great time to start looking into educational resources like the myHealthyPregnancy app.

At the first prenatal visit, you’ll get a physical exam and other tests to make sure everything is looking healthy, and you’ll learn about the rest of your prenatal appointment schedule. You’ll also get to talk through any expectations and questions you have, such as which foods to eat and avoid while pregnant.

Pregnancy care | HealthPartners & Park Nicollet

Choose a doctor for pregnancy care

Choosing the right person for prenatal care is an important first step as they will help guide you through pregnancy. Everyone has a different idea of what the coming months will hold. We can help you find someone who’s the right fit to honor your choices, support you and guide you along the way.

OB-GYNs

OB-GYNs are doctors who specialize in treating all conditions that affect women’s reproductive systems. Our OB-GYNs and nurse practitioners work together to provide exceptional medical care for all types of pregnancies, including high-risk pregnancies. You’ll get to know the nurse practitioners who work with our OB-GYNs during some of your prenatal appointments. Choosing an OB-GYN for pregnancy care can also help you develop a long-term relationship with a doctor who can care for you beyond pregnancy.

Midwives

Our certified nurse midwives guide mothers who have low-risk pregnancies through the birth process. When you choose a midwife for your pregnancy, they can support you, your partner and family through all different types of birth plans, including water births, hypnobirthing and natural birth. They’re here to offer guidance and emotional support as you prepare for birth.

Family medicine

Some of our family medicine doctors can also care for women during low-risk pregnancies and will coordinate with our team of OB-GYNs, if needed. This is a great option if you would like to have all your care provided by one person or would like one doctor to see your whole family.

Prenatal care

We can help you get your pregnancy off to a healthy start with prenatal care. Prenatal care includes appointments throughout your pregnancy where your doctor will track baby’s growth and provide you with guidance on nutrition, sleep, exercise and any questions you have.

Our doctors and midwives provide expert prenatal care and flexible scheduling options to help you learn what to expect during pregnancy and delivery.

We also offer midwife-led group prenatal care for you and your loved one where you can connect with others due to deliver around the same time as you.

Your first prenatal visit

While your first visit is typically around six to twelve weeks, you’re welcome to schedule a pregnancy appointment at a clinic near you as soon as you know you’re expecting.

Your first prenatal visit is an important milestone in your pregnancy. In this appointment, we focus on you and preparing you for the coming months. It’s typical in this first appointment to receive both a routine physical exam and additional care specific to pregnancy, including a pelvic exam and advice on dietary changes recommended during pregnancy.

We’ll also be able to determine your due date, provide helpful information about choosing a birth center and prenatal classes, and spend time answering your questions.

Labor and delivery options

You deserve to have the delivery you want. We’ll help you understand your care and delivery options and answer all your questions while providing outstanding care for you and your family.

Vaginal birth

A vaginal birth is the most common and usually has the shortest recovery time. We can help relieve some of the pain and discomfort experienced during labor through a variety of options, including everything from epidurals to aromatherapy during labor and delivery. We’ll discuss pain relief options and help you choose what works best for you, whether that’s an unmedicated, natural birth or an epidural – or something in between.

Water birth

Some women choose to deliver in a warm tub of water supported by a midwife. This is called a water birth. Warm water can help soothe discomfort and calm both you and your newborn baby. Some women who aren’t having water births still choose to labor in a tub to help reduce pain and pressure. With modern water birthing suites at our birth centers, we’re here to help make you and baby feel as comfortable as possible while we guide you through labor and delivery.

Cesarean (C-section)

A cesarean delivery, often called a C-section, is when a baby is delivered through a surgical procedure. C-sections are usually recommended if there is a concern about your health or your baby’s health during labor. They are also recommended if baby isn’t positioned properly for a vaginal birth. Our birth teams work with you to provide a family-centered C-section, which means you and your partner will be involved in the process, with skin-to-skin bonding time and breastfeeding, if you would like.

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)

Many women who’ve given birth via C-section want the option to have a vaginal delivery with their next pregnancy – up to 80% of women have successful VBAC deliveries. We’ve helped thousands of women successfully deliver with VBAC.

Maternal-fetal medicine

We support and care for you during even the most complex pregnancies and deliveries. Our team of board-certified maternal fetal medicine specialists provide expert, specialized care for mom and baby during high-risk pregnancies. If the expertise of a maternal fetal medicine doctor is needed, we’ll help connect you with one so you and your child get the comprehensive care you need at every step of your pregnancy.

Choose a birth center for your baby’s delivery

Choosing a birth center is one of the most important parts of your pregnancy. We’re always working to make labor and delivery more comfortable for moms and babies with our modern facilities, numerous amenities and a variety of birthing options to choose from. We welcome partners, family and doulas in all our birth centers, so you have the support you need. Volunteer doulas are also available at some locations if you decide you’d like a doula by your side after arriving.

We are proud to provide many locations for you to choose from across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin:

Methodist Family Birth Center

Located in St. Louis Park, our Methodist Family Birth Center provides a comfortable, calm environment for you and your family while providing the exceptional care you deserve. The center was designed using the latest scientific research about what works best for deliveries and input from moms. With four water birthing suites, larger postpartum rooms and recommended classes for new moms including the Lactation Café, we have everything you might need as you welcome your new baby.

Regions Hospital Family Birth Center

At Regions Hospital Family Birth Center in St. Paul, the happiness, health and comfort of you and your family are our top priorities. We focus on honoring your choices and making you and your family comfortable. We offer private birthing suites complete with a private bathroom and soaking tub so you can enjoy the life-changing experience of birth with your loved one by your side. We’re equipped to handle everything from water births to C-sections with skill and compassion.

More hospitals and birth centers in Minnesota and western Wisconsin:

Our doctors also deliver at many other hospitals in Minnesota and western Wisconsin:

• Amery Hospital Birth Center (Amery, WI)
• Hudson Hospital Birth Center (Hudson, WI)
• Hutchinson Health BirthCare Center (Hutchinson, MN)
• Lakeview Hospital Birth and Women’s Center (Stillwater, MN)
• Westfields Hospital Birth Center (New Richmond, WI)

108″>Partner hospitals and birth centers:

• Family Birth Center – Maple Grove Hospital (Maple Grove, MN)
• The Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern and Children’s Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)
• The Mother Baby Center at Mercy with Children’s Minnesota (Coon Rapids, MN)
• St. Francis Family Birth Place (Shakopee, MN)
• The Birthplace at M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital (Burnsville, MN)

Choose a doctor for your baby

Baby will need their first pediatric visit within a week of being born. As part of the largest pediatrics practice in the Twin Cities, we care for kids of any age at many clinics throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Finding a doctor for your baby who you can trust is important for your child’s development and well-being. The right pediatrician will be there to listen to your concerns, answer questions and offer guidance as your child grows. While in the hospital, your baby will be cared for by one of our pediatricians.

Our services

Each pregnancy and delivery is unique. We provide a variety of different services to help you find support and guidance as you prepare for motherhood. Some of the services we provide include:

BabyLine, our 24/7 OB-GYN nurse line

Whether you’re in the heart of the Twin Cities or don’t have a pregnancy care center near you, help is just a phone call away. Our OB-GYN nurses are here to guide you throughout your pregnancy and after you bring baby home, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You can call us with questions about pregnancy symptoms, activities and foods to avoid, postpartum essentials, breastfeeding concerns and when to seek care for yourself or your little one.

Local: 612-333-2229
Toll free: 800-845-9297
TTY/TDD: 711

Breastfeeding support

If breastfeeding is right for you, we offer the education and support you need to make breastfeeding a positive and rewarding experience for you and your baby.

• Lactation consultation – Our board-certified lactation consultants and registered nurses work with you to provide personalized support for you and your baby. Make an appointment with a lactation consultant by calling 952-993-5124.
• Breastfeeding Center – We rent and sell electric breast pumps, and provide complimentary, professional instruction. We also offer manual breast pumps, replacement parts and supplies, including nursing bras. Call 952-993-3121 for more information about breastfeeding products.
• Lactation Café – We provide free breastfeeding support groups where you can connect with other new moms and share tips on how to care for your babies. Here, you’ll be able to spend time feeding baby while enjoying a snack yourself. Join a class at one of our many locations at HealthPartners Como Clinic, Methodist Hospital, Lakeview Hospital or Amery Hospital & Clinic.
• Breast Milk Depot – Methodist Hospital offers a Breast Milk Depot that connects women with an abundant supply of breast milk for babies in need. If you’re interested in becoming a donor or purchasing donor milk, contact the Breastfeeding Center at 952-993-5124.

Virtual pregnancy classes for Black women

Our “Expecting Together: Your Pregnancy from Start to Finish” is a virtual class series that brings together Black women at each stage of their prenatal or postpartum journey. Together, you’ll learn about the medical care that happens throughout the timeline of your pregnancy. Each class is guided by one of our OB-GYNs.

Healthy Beginnings

The Healthy Beginnings program provides support to patients during pregnancy who face challenges with substance abuse, mental health, homelessness, poverty, domestic violence and other complex issues. The program offers education, referrals and resources, as well as provides the medical team with case consultation and support.

Postpartum screenings

Pregnancy and birth can be emotional, and some women experience changes to their emotional and mental health. We care about your emotional and mental health as much as your physical health. After you give birth, we make sure you have a screening for postpartum depression so we can connect you to support groups and our mental health experts if needed.

Track your pregnancy with our free app

Download our free myHealthyPregnancy app powered by YoMingo for important anytime, anywhere parent education and fun extras for every stage of pregnancy, newborn care and more.

Are you pregnant? Early signs of pregnancy.

Finally! Your period is delayed. If you want a baby, there is great hope that you will get pregnant this time. A pregnancy test will soon show you more. At the same time, you can observe yourself – perhaps you have already noticed any changes. Your body usually clearly shows you that fertilization has taken place. Most of the symptoms are associated with an increase in hormone levels.

Of course, not every sign means you are pregnant. But the more typical symptoms you notice, the more likely it is. However, in the end, only a doctor can make the final decision: “You’re pregnant – congratulations!”

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Uncertain early signs of pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy are as varied as they are vague. Often the early signs of pregnancy appear even before the missed period. These Could Be Early Pregnancy Symptoms:

– Nausea and vomiting

– Lead fatigue and fatigue

– Frequent urination

– Increased food cravings and unusual eating habits

– Sensitive breasts and darkened nipples 90 005

– Changes in smell and taste

– Spasms in the abdomen, slight bleeding and discharge

– Growth of hair and nails

– Skin changes

– Forgetfulness

– Mood swings

– Bloating or constipation

– Bad sleep

Nausea and vomiting

You’ve seen the most famous first sign of pregnancy a thousand times in the movies: the heroine runs away in a hurry, she suddenly feels sick. She doesn’t know she’s having a baby yet, but everyone in the movie theater has already taken the hint.

In fact, nausea is not so typical. Some women feel very ill, others tend to feel a little sick.

“Lead” tiredness and fatigue

Are you as tired during the day as if you had sat up all night? The sofa is calling you at noon, and your eyes start to close as if by magic? A huge need for sleep is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. If you notice unusual tiredness or fatigue, you may be pregnant.

Frequent urination

You constantly have to run to the toilet, even if you do not drink more than usual. This can be another early sign of pregnancy: once the embryo is implanted, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is released, which makes you go to the toilet more often.

Food cravings and unusual eating habits

Is your body just screaming for chocolate or would you get up at night to buy greasy chips at the gas station? Or do you have other unusual eating habits ? Bingo! It is possible that you are pregnant. Many women report strange eating habits as early signs of pregnancy : for example, they pour hot salsa straight out of a can or, being vegans, feel an irresistible craving to bite straight from a stick of hearty salami.

Sensitive breasts and darkened nipples

Your breasts may also show early signs of pregnancy. Pay attention to the following symptoms: the breast begins to thicken and fill up, as before menstruation. To the touch, the mammary glands are more plump and large and very sensitive to touch. Your areola often looks darker than usual. The opposite symptom – discoloration – can also be caused by a hormonal imbalance or a previous pregnancy.

Changes in smell and taste

Every day you find that detergent smells unbearably . Or you complain to your husband that he has been bathing in cologne lately. Are you familiar with this? Hypersensitivity to odors is commonly observed in early pregnancy. Some women get a strange metallic taste in their mouths . Another early sign of pregnancy can also be a sudden aversion to alcohol or tobacco.

Abdominal cramps, slight bleeding and discharge

Pulling in the abdomen, as if menstruation is about to begin. You think disappointedly: “It didn’t work out with the child again!”. Or you even notice a small spot or highlights. But day after day passes, and there are still no periods. Then these symptoms may be early signs of pregnancy. These symptoms are usually harmless and are caused by the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. If you want to be on the safe side, try not to strain yourself and avoid exercise. If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor.

Elevated basal body temperature

You can find out if you are pregnant by regularly measuring your basal body temperature: if in the morning after waking up for eighteen days your temperature is higher than usual , then most likely you are pregnant.

When do the early signs of pregnancy appear?

It is impossible to say exactly in which week of pregnancy certain symptoms of pregnancy appear. When the first signs of pregnancy appear and whether they appear at all depends on the individual woman. However, the early symptoms of pregnancy can be roughly attributed to the following weeks.

4th week: implantation pain and slight bleeding, breast tenderness.

5th and 6th week: mood swings, fatigue, hunger, nausea and vomiting

7th and 8th week: nausea, circulation problems, dizziness, low blood pressure, insomnia , frequent urination,

9th and 10th weeks: breast changes, nausea, shortness of breath

11th and 12th weeks: bloating, constipation

The three surest signs of pregnancy

There are many early symptoms of pregnancy, but the surest signs of how to understand that you are still pregnant:

1. Cessation of menstruation.

This is the surest sign of pregnancy. Sometimes stress, hormonal fluctuations or an organic disease are to blame, but it is better to take a pregnancy test.

2. You suffer from nausea.

A few days after conception, you may feel slightly unwell. Some women experience nausea only in the morning (morning sickness), others more frequently during the day. This is caused by the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

3. Your pregnancy test is positive.

Congratulations! – then rather contact your gynecologist and start looking for an obstetrician-gynecologist for childbirth.

Remember: If anything seems unusual, see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if the pregnancy test is positive, make an appointment with your doctor.

first signs of pregnancy in the first days

11/28/2019Updated 09/30/2021

A pregnancy test or ultrasound examination is not the only way to determine pregnancy. There are early signs of pregnancy that you should also pay attention to.

But first, it is important to remember the differences between fetal and obstetric periods. The latter, for example, is counted from the first day of a woman’s last menstruation due to a simpler calculation, because it is rather difficult to determine the exact date of conception, as well as ovulation.

At the same time, embryonic pregnancy is the most accurate in terms of symptoms, which means it is worth paying attention to the first signs of pregnancy before the delay. Despite the fact that a woman often confuses the symptoms of pregnancy with signs of upcoming periods, especially if conception was not planned.

If you need a timely and accurate pregnancy diagnosis from a qualified gynecologist, contact our private clinic R + Medical Network. We have the best specialists who are always ready to provide a full range of medical services.

When the first signs of pregnancy appear

The first signs of pregnancy are not identical for everyone. This is primarily due to the sensitivity of the woman’s body to hCG, a hormone produced by the embryo at the beginning of the second week of development.

Therefore, in very rare cases, there is a complete absence of the first symptoms for several weeks.

However, these are not all reasons. The menstrual cycle is also not all with the same duration. Because of what, women may not feel the characteristic “bells” of the corresponding position at all.

But still, in the vast majority of cases, it is difficult not to notice when the first signs of pregnancy appear. Since, in addition to the presence of morning sickness, a metallic taste in the mouth, bloating, dizziness, there are a few of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy that you should pay attention to. However, these are not all the reasons. The menstrual cycle is also not all with the same duration. Because of what, women may not feel the characteristic “bells” of the corresponding position at all.

5 first symptoms of pregnancy

• Drawing pain in the lower abdomen;
• Atypical fatigue and drowsiness;
• Breast tenderness;
• Changes in skin condition;
• Frequent urination.

These symptoms can also include mood swings, changes in taste preferences, discomfort in the lower back (as with menstruation), and sometimes even spotting spotting.

It is practically impossible to check pregnancy at the 1st week. The ultrasound machine will definitely not record any changes, and it is more rational to carry out a pregnancy test at least 10-14 days after the alleged conception.

That is why the very first signs of pregnancy can be recognized by you.

Can there be pregnancy during menstruation?

According to the leading and competent gynecologists of the R + Medical Network private clinic, discharge in the early stages is possible and almost always, without knowing about pregnancy, women confuse them with the onset of menstruation itself.

However, this kind of discharge stops a little earlier than menstruation, and this happens due to the fact that the fertilized egg, attaching to the wall of the uterus, can cause small blood discharge.

Therefore, to the question of whether there can be pregnancy during menstruation – definitely not. If it was menstruation that went, this means that the egg that comes out of the ovaries every month was not fertilized. But those discharges that a woman perceives as “monthly” are not at all like that.

At the same time, the delay is also not the main reference point in pregnancy. Firstly, not all women can determine the delay on time, since many of the menstrual cycles are unstable. Therefore, the question of whether there can be a pregnancy during menstruation is definitely not. If it was menstruation that went, this means that the egg that comes out of the ovaries every month was not fertilized. But those discharges that a woman perceives as “monthly” are not at all like that.

Secondly, the delay in menstruation may not be related to pregnancy at all, but the reason lies in hormonal failure, stress and other health problems. And first of all, gynecological.

Therefore, if you start taking care of your health, listen to yourself and visit a gynecologist on time, you will not be able to miss either the first symptoms of pregnancy, or pathologies associated with reproductive function and hormonal levels.

What to do if you find the first signs of pregnancy

If you find 100% signs of pregnancy in the first weeks after the intended conception, you should consult a gynecologist.

If your pregnancy status is confirmed, the first thing to do is stop worrying, whether it’s a planned pregnancy or not.

And secondly, you should immediately give up bad habits (if you have them), smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.

Next, you need to adjust your diet and follow the doctor’s recommendations.

During pregnancy, regardless of the period, it is necessary to completely refuse from hot baths, taking medicines (in agreement with the doctor), excessive physical exertion, weight lifting, etc.

But, and besides the fact that you need to change your lifestyle (nutrition, frequent walks in the fresh air, strengthen the immune system), your meetings with the gynecologist should also become more frequent throughout the entire period of pregnancy. And how often – the gynecologist will decide based on your general condition and well-being.

Scheduled appointments: Ultrasound, tests, control, are also within the competence of the gynecologist leading your pregnancy.

The first ultrasound can be done at 8-14 weeks, depending on the individual case.

In general, during the entire gestation period, three planned ultrasounds are expected:

1. From 8 to 14 weeks.
2. From 20 to 24 weeks.
3. From 32 to 34 weeks.

Of course, additional unscheduled ultrasound examinations can also be carried out on an individual basis. This should not frighten a woman, as it is necessary to make timely decisions in order to avoid various complications.

If, during a confirmed pregnancy, a woman has an incomprehensible discharge, especially bloody, this is a reason to contact a gynecologist urgently to prevent possible risks.

Every woman should have her own gynecologist, whom she could trust at any time of the day or night.

Therefore, we are waiting for you in the private multidisciplinary clinic R + Medical Network, where the best gynecologists of Ukraine work and the entire modern range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including innovative methods of treatment and technologies, is assembled.

All this allows us to carry out conservative, surgical treatment, minimally invasive manipulations, pregnancy management – at the highest professional level.