How do hormonal shifts affect mood in early pregnancy. What are the most common physical symptoms women experience in the first weeks of pregnancy. When should you take a pregnancy test if you suspect you might be pregnant. How can you calculate your estimated due date.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about numerous changes in a woman’s body, often manifesting within the first few weeks of conception. While each woman’s experience is unique, there are several common signs that may indicate early pregnancy.

Missed Period: The Most Common Early Indicator

A missed menstrual period is typically the first and most obvious sign of pregnancy for many women. However, this may not be as apparent for those with irregular cycles or those using certain forms of contraception that affect menstruation.

Physical Changes in Early Pregnancy

Beyond a missed period, women may notice various physical changes, including:

• Morning sickness (nausea and/or vomiting)
• Increased fatigue
• Food cravings or aversions
• Frequent urination
• Breast enlargement and tenderness

It’s important to note that the presence and intensity of these symptoms can vary greatly among women. Some may experience multiple symptoms, while others might feel relatively normal.

Emotional Changes: A Lesser-Known Sign of Early Pregnancy

Can hormonal fluctuations in early pregnancy affect your emotions? Indeed, the hormonal changes that occur during early pregnancy can have a significant impact on a woman’s mood. Many women report feeling more emotional and prone to crying easily during this time.

Understanding Mood Swings in Early Pregnancy

Mood swings are a common occurrence in early pregnancy due to the rapid hormonal changes taking place in the body. These emotional shifts can include:

• Increased sensitivity
• Heightened irritability
• Unexpected bouts of sadness or joy
• Anxiety about the pregnancy and upcoming changes

While these emotional changes are typically mild and manageable, it’s crucial to monitor their severity. If mood swings begin to interfere with daily life or become overwhelming, it’s advisable to discuss these feelings with a healthcare provider.

Confirming Pregnancy: Home Tests and Medical Verification

If you suspect you might be pregnant, how can you confirm it? The first step is often a home pregnancy test, which can be easily obtained from most supermarkets and pharmacies. These tests are designed to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy, in your urine.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

For the most accurate results, when should you take a home pregnancy test? It’s generally recommended to wait until after your missed period to take a home pregnancy test. This allows time for hCG levels to build up in your body, increasing the test’s accuracy.

Follow-Up with Medical Confirmation

If your home pregnancy test is positive, what’s the next step? It’s important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can confirm the pregnancy through a blood test and provide essential information and guidance for the early stages of pregnancy.

In cases where the home test is negative but you still suspect pregnancy, consulting with a doctor for a blood test can provide a definitive answer. Blood tests can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests and are more sensitive to hCG levels.

Calculating Your Due Date: Methods and Considerations

Once pregnancy is confirmed, one of the first questions that arises is, “When is my baby due?” Estimating the due date helps in planning for the pregnancy and monitoring fetal development.

Traditional Calculation Method

How is the due date traditionally calculated? For women with a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, the due date is often estimated by counting 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. This method assumes that conception occurred about two weeks after the beginning of the last period.

Considerations for Irregular Cycles

What if you have irregular cycles or can’t remember your last period? In these cases, or if you became pregnant while using contraception that affected your cycle, a dating ultrasound scan may be necessary. This scan uses ultrasound technology to measure the size of the fetus and provide a more accurate estimate of the due date.

Unplanned Pregnancy: Options and Support

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming. What options are available if you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant? There are typically three main paths to consider:

1. Continuing the pregnancy and parenting
2. Continuing the pregnancy and planning for adoption or foster care
3. Terminating the pregnancy (abortion)

Seeking Support and Guidance

How can you navigate this decision-making process? It’s crucial to seek support and gather information to make an informed decision. Consider discussing your options with:

• Your partner
• Trusted family members or friends
• Your healthcare provider
• A counselor or therapist specializing in pregnancy options

Remember, while it’s important to make a decision in a timely manner, especially if considering termination, it’s equally important to take the time you need to make the right choice for your circumstances.

Early Pregnancy Care: Promoting Health and Well-being

Regardless of your decision, what steps should you take to ensure your health during early pregnancy? It’s advisable to act as if you are pregnant while waiting for confirmation. This includes:

• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
• Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
• Taking a folic acid supplement
• Avoiding certain foods that may be harmful during pregnancy

The Importance of Prenatal Care

Why is early prenatal care crucial? Initiating prenatal care early in pregnancy allows for:

• Timely identification and management of any health concerns
• Proper monitoring of fetal development
• Guidance on nutrition and lifestyle choices
• Emotional support and resources for expectant mothers

Early prenatal care sets the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and can significantly impact both maternal and fetal outcomes.

Managing Early Pregnancy Symptoms: Tips and Strategies

How can you alleviate common discomforts associated with early pregnancy? While every woman’s experience is unique, there are several strategies that may help manage early pregnancy symptoms:

Combating Morning Sickness

• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day
• Avoid strong odors that trigger nausea
• Try ginger tea or ginger supplements
• Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks

Dealing with Fatigue

• Prioritize rest and sleep
• Incorporate short naps into your daily routine
• Maintain a balanced diet to keep energy levels stable
• Engage in light exercise, such as walking or prenatal yoga

Managing Mood Swings

• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
• Maintain open communication with your partner and support system
• Consider joining a pregnancy support group
• Engage in activities you enjoy to boost mood

If symptoms become severe or significantly impact your daily life, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can offer additional strategies or treatments to help manage these symptoms effectively.

The Role of Prenatal Vitamins in Early Pregnancy

Why are prenatal vitamins crucial in early pregnancy? Prenatal vitamins play a vital role in supporting fetal development and maternal health from the earliest stages of pregnancy. These supplements are designed to fill nutritional gaps and provide essential nutrients that are particularly important during pregnancy.

Key Nutrients in Prenatal Vitamins

What are the most important nutrients in prenatal vitamins? While prenatal vitamins contain a range of essential nutrients, some of the most critical include:

• Folic Acid: Crucial for preventing neural tube defects
• Iron: Supports the increased blood volume during pregnancy
• Calcium: Essential for fetal bone development
• Vitamin D: Aids in calcium absorption and bone health
• DHA: An omega-3 fatty acid important for fetal brain and eye development

When to Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins

Is it ever too early to start taking prenatal vitamins? Ideally, women should start taking prenatal vitamins before conception. If you’re planning to become pregnant, it’s recommended to begin taking a prenatal vitamin at least one month before conception. For those with an unplanned pregnancy, start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you suspect or confirm pregnancy.

Remember, while prenatal vitamins are important, they should supplement a healthy diet, not replace it. A balanced, nutritious diet remains crucial for both maternal and fetal health throughout pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy and Exercise: Staying Active Safely

Is it safe to exercise during early pregnancy? In most cases, exercise during early pregnancy is not only safe but beneficial. Regular physical activity can help manage pregnancy symptoms, improve mood, and prepare your body for the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth.

Benefits of Exercise in Early Pregnancy

• Reduces the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia
• Helps manage weight gain
• Improves sleep quality
• Boosts energy levels and mood
• Enhances overall fitness and stamina

Safe Exercise Options for Early Pregnancy

What types of exercises are safe during early pregnancy? Generally, low-impact activities are recommended, such as:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Prenatal yoga
• Stationary cycling
• Low-impact aerobics

It’s important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or continuing any exercise regimen during pregnancy, especially if you have any health concerns or high-risk factors.

Exercises to Avoid

Are there any exercises that should be avoided during early pregnancy? While most exercises are safe, it’s advisable to avoid:

• Contact sports or activities with a high risk of falling
• Exercises that involve lying flat on your back after the first trimester
• Hot yoga or hot Pilates
• Scuba diving
• Exercises at high altitudes (unless you’re accustomed to them)

Remember, the goal of exercise during pregnancy is to maintain fitness and well-being, not to reach peak performance or lose weight. Always prioritize safety and comfort, and don’t hesitate to modify exercises as needed throughout your pregnancy.

Early signs of pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

Early signs of pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

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Most women will have some symptoms of early pregnancy within a few weeks of becoming pregnant.

The most common symptom of early pregnancy is a missed period. This may be less obvious to women with irregular cycles or who are using a type of contraception that affect their periods. These women may not notice a missed period. It’s also common to notice physical changes such as:

• morning sickness — nausea and/or vomiting that may come and go throughout the day
• tiredness
• food cravings and/or aversions
• needing to pass urine more frequently
• an increase in breast size
• sore breasts

Some women will experience many of these changes, while others won’t feel very different to usual. If you are having severe symptoms, ask your doctor about things you can do to help you feel better.

The hormonal changes in early pregnancy can also cause changes to your mood. You may feel more emotional and cry more easily. These feelings are very common in early pregnancy, but if they become severe and start to affect your daily life, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor or pregnancy care provider.

What should I do if I think I’m pregnant?

If you think you may be pregnant, you can check using a home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are easy to use and you can get them at most supermarkets and pharmacies.

If your home pregnancy test is positive, you should see your doctor to confirm your pregnancy with a blood test, and get information and advice about what comes next.

If your home pregnancy test is negative, but you still think you may be pregnant, you can see your doctor for a blood test to check whether you are pregnant.

To find a GP clinic near you that is open now, use the Service Finder tool.

While you are waiting to confirm whether you are pregnant, it’s a good idea to behave as you would if you were pregnant. This means you should avoid alcohol and cigarette smoke, and ensure you eat a healthy diet, including a folic acid supplement.

Early signs of pregnancy

Learn more about the most common signs of early pregnancy.

How do I work out my due date?

Most babies are born about 38 weeks after conception. Since many women ovulate (release an egg that may then be fertilised) and conceive about 2 weeks after their last period, this is often about 40 weeks since the beginning of their last period. That’s why people often talk about pregnancy lasting for 40 weeks.

Women with a regular 28-day cycle can calculate an estimated due date for their baby by counting 40 weeks from the first day of their last period. This may not be so simple or accurate in other situations, such as if you have long or irregular cycles, don’t remember when you had your last period, or if you became pregnant while taking contraception that affected your cycle.

Use the due date calculator to calculate your estimated due date.

If you’re not sure when you conceived, your doctor or midwife may refer you for a dating scan that uses ultrasound to estimate your due date based on your baby’s size.

What should I do if I didn’t plan to fall pregnant?

Unplanned pregnancies happen to people of all ages and backgrounds.

If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you may choose to:

• continue the pregnancy
• plan for adoption or foster care after the baby is born
• terminate the pregnancy (abortion)

Pregnancy is an emotional time, especially if your pregnancy was unplanned. It can be helpful to discuss your options with someone you trust, such as your partner, a family member or close friend. Your doctor or local family planning clinic can also give you information and advice.

You don’t need to decide what to do right away, but it’s still a good idea to see your doctor as soon as possible. If you choose to terminate the pregnancy, it’s best to have the procedure done as soon as possible. If you decide to continue the pregnancy, your doctor can give you information and advice to maximise your health and wellbeing, as well as your baby’s.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Sources:

Royal Women’s Hospital
(Common concerns in early pregnancy),
PANDA
(Anxiety and Depression in Pregnancy & Early Parenthood),
RACGP – Australian Family Physician
(Does it matter if I’m ‘just’ pregnant?),
Family Planning NSW
(I think I am pregnant),
Family Planning NSW
(Unplanned pregnancy: abortion),
NSW Government – Western Sydney Local Health District
(Fact Sheet- Ultrasound in early pregnancy (before 12 weeks) Dating Scan)

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: November 2021

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Related pages

• Due date calculator
• What are the early signs of pregnancy?
• Ovulation signs

Need more information?

Morning sickness – MyDr.com.au

Many women experience morning sickness (nausea and vomiting) in early pregnancy, and the symptoms can actually occur at any time of the day or night.

Read more on myDr website

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting experienced by many women during pregnancy. It affects between 70 to 85 per cent of pregnant women.

Read more on WA Health website

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is a feeling of nausea or the experience of vomiting during pregnancy. Find out why some women get it and what you can do to relieve it.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Molar pregnancy

A molar pregnancy is a type of pregnancy where a baby does not develop. A molar pregnancy can be either complete or partial.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pregnancy – signs and symptoms – Better Health Channel

All women experience pregnancy differently, and you will experience different symptoms at different stages of your pregnancy.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Support for Girls – Brave Foundation

Yes, it sounds like in the movies, but food cravings sometimes can be a sign of pregnancy

Read more on Brave Foundation website

Pregnancy at week 6

By week 6, your baby is growing quickly and you may notice the early signs of your pregnancy, such as feeling nauseous.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Week by week pregnancy- antenatal care at 7 weeks pregnant

Your doctor can look at your foetus’s features to determine how old they are – find out how. You need to talk to your doctor if you experience very severe morning sickness as you may not be getting all the nutrients you and your baby need or early pregnancy spotting (spot bleeding) as you may be at risk of miscarriage.

Read more on Parenthub website

Multiple pregnancy (triplets or more)

Learning you’re pregnant with triplets or more can be a shock, but overall, most parents find having multiple babies to be a positive experience.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Anxiety in Pregnancy

Understanding perinatal anxiety – Pregnancy is a period of significant change, future planning and lots of anticipation, so some stress and worry is normal and expected. There is much uncertainty for prospective parents about when their baby will be born, what the birth will be like and how they will manage early parenthood.

Read more on Gidget Foundation Australia website

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Am I pregnant? Early signs and symptoms | Pregnancy articles & support

If you’ve not done a test yet but you suspect you could be pregnant, here are the signs that could spill the beans.

When you think you could be pregnant, it’s natural to obsess over signs. Do you normally have that much discharge? Is that nausea really because of how much spag bol you devoured?

What are the early pregnancy signs and symptoms?

Here are the pregnancy signs that could give the game away:

1. Changes of appetite
2. Feeling of sickness, nausea and vomiting
3. Strange taste in your mouth
4. Constipation
5. Needing to wee more often
6. Headaches
7. Breast changes
8. Tiredness
9. Mood swings
10. Spotting
11. Cramps. (Healthline 2018)

This video looks at the early pregnancy symptoms and signs:

 

“The best way to confirm though is to pick up a pregnancy test”.

Changes of appetite

In the early stages of being pregnant, you may crave certain foods or go off others (Patient, 2017; NHS Choices, 2016).

The morning cuppa that you used to love might seem repulsive now, while you’re pining for Marmite despite previously being a hater (NHS Choices, 2016).

Things should settle back to normal in your second trimester. So as long as you’re getting a reasonable amount of nutrition, it won’t harm you to go with your new (and sometimes quirky) preferences (American Pregnancy Association, 2018).

Sickness, nausea and vomiting

If you’re sitting in meetings fighting the urge to vomit, you’re definitely not alone. About 50% to 80% of pregnant women will throw up or feel nauseous (Koren et al, 2002). That can start happening any time from two to eight weeks after you conceive your baby.

The most likely cause is fluctuating levels of pregnancy hormones (Fantasia, 2014).

Oh, and the term morning sickness is a bit misleading too. Nausea or vomiting can happen at any time during the day (American Pregnancy Association, 2018).

A small number of women might find themselves with a severe form of nausea and vomiting called hyperemis gravadarum (HG).  HG can lead to pregnancy complications like dehydration, weight loss and electrolyte imbalance so you might need to be admitted to hospital (Fantasia, 2014; RCOG, 2016).

Strange taste in your mouth

Some women get a strange metallic taste in their mouth when they’re pregnant (NHS Choices, 2016; Patient, 2017), which can be an early sign.

Sensitivity to smells 

You might also notice that you’re more sensitive to the smell of food or cooking (NHS Choices, 2016; Healthline, 2018). This can make you a little queasy and might put you off some foods.

Constipation

In a lot of women, being pregnant can lead to constipation and bloating (Li et al, 2015). This could be because you’re producing a large amount of progesterone so your digestive system slows down (Li et al, 2015; Mayo Clinic, 2017). For more on how to prevent constipation in pregnancy, see here.

Going to the toilet a lot

When you’re pregnant, the urge to wee will come over you often, sometimes even leaking out before you get there.

This happens as your body pumps more blood than normal when you’re pregnant. That means the kidney processes more fluid than usual, leading to more fluid in your bladder (Healthline, 2018).

In the later stages of pregnancy, you’ll run to the loo even more often because of the increased pressure of your baby’s head (Mayo Clinic, 2017; Patient, 2017).

Headaches

One of your earliest pregnancy symptoms can be headaches, which might be down to rising hormone levels. It could also be because of increased blood flow (American Pregnancy Association, 2018).

Speak to your midwife if you’re suffering as in some cases, they can be a sign of something more worrying. Your midwife will also advise you on what you can and can’t use to treat your headaches when you’re pregnant (Negro et al, 2017).

Breast changes

Because of the changes in – you guessed it – hormone levels, changes in your boobs can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. You might find your breasts change between four and six weeks of pregnancy.

These changes can include:

• breasts getting bigger (see our article about bras for pregnancy if your old bras are getting too tight)
• breasts feeling tender
• breasts tingling
• veins becoming more visible
• areola (area around your breast) darkening. (NHS Choices, 2016; Healthline, 2018)

Tiredness

Anyone fancy a nap? Yep, tiredness and fatigue are some of the most common symptoms in early pregnancy. Try to make sure you get as much rest as you can.

Your sleepiness is caused by increased levels of progesterone (NHS Choices, 2016; Mayo Clinic, 2017; Patient 2017; Healthline, 2018). But if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, see our article about how to sleep better during pregnancy.

Mood swings

Changes in your hormone levels during pregnancy can make you feel irritable and moody (Patient, 2017; Healthline 2018). So yes, you do have an excuse. Because your oestrogen and progesterone levels are up, you might feel more emotional or feel depressed, anxious and even euphoric (Healthline, 2018).

Spotting

In early pregnancy, some women get a small amount of blood or spotting, known as implantation bleeding (Mayo Clinic, 2017; American Pregnancy Association, 2018).

Implantation happens when the fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus 10 to 14 days after you conceived your baby. The spotting will probably last for less than three days (Healthline, 2018). For more information, see our articles on discharge during pregnancy and bleeding or spotting during pregnancy.

Cramps

You might get light stomach cramps or pain if you have implantation bleeding (Healthline, 2018). Some women get mild cramping in their uterus in early pregnancy too (Mayo Clinic, 2017).

This page was last reviewed in September 2018

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new child.

The HER Foundation provides information about hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

References

American Pregnancy Association. (2018) Pregnancy symptoms – early signs of pregnancy. Available from: http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/early-pregnancy-symptoms/ [Accessed 24th September 2018]

Fantasia HC. (2014) A new pharmacologic treatment for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Nursing for women’s health 18(1). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24548499 [Accessed 24th September 2018]

Healthline. (2018) Early pregnancy symptoms. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/early-symptoms-timeline [Accessed 24th September 2018]

Hyperemis RCOG. (2016) The management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum. The Green Top Guideline No. 69. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23863612 [Accessed 24th September 2018]

Koren G, Boskovic R, Hard M, Maltepe C, Navioz Y, Einarson A. Motherisk- PUQE (pregnancy-unique quantification or emesis and nausea) scoring system for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. (2002) American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 186(5). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12011891 [Accessed 24th September 2018]

Li Z, Pergolizzi JV, Huttner RP, Zampogna G, Breve F, Raffa RB. (2015) Management of opioid-induced constipation in pregnancy: a concise review with emphasis on the PAMORAs. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeautics. 40: 615-619. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26573866 [Accessed 24th September 2018]

Mayo Clinic. (2017) Getting pregnant. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853 [Accessed 24th September 2018]

Negro A, Delaruelle Z, Ivanova TA, Khan S, Ornello R, Raffaelli B, Terrin A, Reuter U, Mitsikostas DD. (2017) Headache and pregnancy: a systematic review. J Headache Pain. 18(1):106. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29052046 [Accessed 24th September 2018]

NHS Choices. (2016) Signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/signs-and-symptoms-pregnancy/#strange-tastes-smells-and-cravings [Accessed 24th September 2018]

Patient. (2017) Early pregnancy signs and symptoms. Available from: https://patient.info/health/early-pregnancy-signs-and-symptoms [Accessed 24th September 2018]

Further reading

Gartland D, Brown S, Donath S, Perlen S. (2010) Women’s health in early pregnancy: Findings from an Australian nulliparous cohort study. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 50 (5).  Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21039372  [Accessed 24th September 2018]

First signs of pregnancy before delay, early symptoms

Significant hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. This causes a number of symptoms. Some women experience pregnancy symptoms right away, while others may only have a few. About the first signs of pregnancy at an early stage and when exactly the initial signs of pregnancy appear are described in the article.

At what time do the first signs of pregnancy appear

The answer to the question when the first signs of pregnancy appear is quite ambiguous, because some women do not feel any signs at all during the first few weeks. At what week do the first signs of pregnancy appear in others? When do the first signs of pregnancy appear after conception? Symptoms of very early pregnancy (such as breast tenderness) may appear before a missed period, as early as six to seven days after conception, while other early signs of pregnancy (such as spotting) may appear about a week after ovulation. We will tell you more about the first signs of pregnancy before menstruation and when the signs of pregnancy appear.

What are the earliest signs of pregnancy?

The first signs of pregnancy in the early stages:

• delayed menstruation – 29%;
• nausea – 25%;
• mood swings – from 14 to 23%;
• breast changes – 17%;
• pain in the lower abdomen – 15%;
• depression – 15%;
• fatigue, drowsiness – 13%
• decrease in immunity – 6%;
• the first signs of pregnancy – discharge or implantation bleeding – only 3%.

Physiological first signs of pregnancy

What are the very first symptoms of pregnancy?

The most common physiological signs of pregnancy include:

• Tender and enlarged breasts. Signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception include breast changes (1-2 weeks after conception). The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken.

• Drowsiness and fatigue. Fatigue is also among the signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone rise dramatically, which can cause drowsiness.

• Nausea with vomiting. When do these signs of pregnancy appear? Morning sickness, which can appear at any time of the day or night, often appears between the second and eighth weeks after conception.

• Dizziness and fainting . This may be due to dilation of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

• Spasms. Some women experience symptoms of pregnancy in the early days, such as mild uterine cramps.

• Headaches and back pains. Many pregnant women complain of frequent headaches, while others experience back pain.

• Insomnia – another first sign of pregnancy before the test. Causes can include stress, physical discomfort, and hormonal changes.

• Change in taste preferences. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these eating habits can be attributed to hormonal changes.

• Temperature. Early signs of pregnancy include fever (37-37.5).

• Delayed menstruation. How long does it take for the first signs of pregnancy to appear? If you are of childbearing age and a week or more has passed without your expected period, you may be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.

• Bloody discharge – the first signs of pregnancy . This bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, approximately 10 to 14 days after conception.

• Bloating, heartburn. Hormonal changes can cause problems with the stomach and esophagus – these are common signs of pregnancy at 2 weeks.

• Constipation . Hormonal changes cause the digestive system to slow down, which can lead to constipation (signs of pregnancy after a delay).

• Frequent urination. You may urinate more than usual, which is a common sign of pregnancy at 5 weeks. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, causing the kidneys to process excess fluid that enters the bladder.

• Runny nose. The appearance of this symptom is associated with excessive production of the hormone estrogen.

• Exacerbation of chronic diseases. This is a sign of pregnancy after ovulation.

• Increased salivation. Also associated with hormonal changes.

• Sense of smell enhancement . Signs of pregnancy in the first two weeks may cause sensitivity to certain smells and the sense of taste may change.

Emotional first signs of pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy before the delay (the earliest signs of pregnancy) include psycho-emotional symptoms.

1. Mood swings.
2. Irritability.
3. Vulnerability, tearfulness.
4. Capriciousness.
5. Depression.

These are all emotional signs of early pregnancy that many women report. They describe feelings of heightened emotion or even bouts of crying, which are associated with rapid changes in hormone levels in the body. Also, signs of pregnancy at week 4 can make you feel PMS-style cranky. In addition, about 15% of women suffer from depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And after childbirth, these conditions suffer even more. In this case, it is better to seek help from a doctor.

Do everything you can to improve your mood: get plenty of rest, eat well, get enough sleep, do things you love, and pamper yourself.

However, be aware that mood swings can be caused by a number of conditions other than pregnancy.

Influence of early pregnancy on daily routine

Early signs of pregnancy, mainly those that bring discomfort, can cause a change in daily routine. Here are some tips on what you can do with some of them:

1. In case of toxicosis, avoid too hot or too cold food – this provokes an attack of vomiting. Eat often – at least 5-6 times a day, but in small portions.
2. For nausea or vomiting, try ginger, chamomile, or vitamin B6.
3. Drink plenty of water, in small sips between meals, to replenish lost fluids. Teas, juices, fruit drinks are also suitable.
4. For back pain, wear shoes or shoe insoles designed for pregnant women and avoid high heels. Sleep on a firm mattress.
5. For chest discomfort, wear a special bra that supports enlarged breasts.
6. For constipation, eat more fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran and fresh vegetables and fruits.
7. If you suffer from headaches and mood swings, try stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation.
8. Be outdoors more often, at least half an hour a day. This helps to reduce the symptoms of toxicosis, calm the nervous system.
9. Maintain your daily physical activity for as long as it is convenient for you to perform certain activities.
10. Eat a balanced diet with enough proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Important! All these tips are advisory in nature, be sure to consult your doctor if you encounter discomfort.

What to do if you notice early signs of pregnancy

To make sure the signs of pregnancy are accurate, you can use the following methods to diagnose early pregnancy:

1. Donate blood for hCG. This method can be used a few days after conception. This type of pregnancy test is done using a small sample of blood that is analyzed in a hospital. It determines whether there is a pregnancy hormone in your body and in what quantity. Its accuracy is 99%.
2. Use a test strip. It can be used at home from the first days of delay. To determine pregnancy, dip the reagent area of ​​the test strip into the urine. Accuracy: 99%. You can buy Evitest or HomeTest test strips in our pharmacy.
3. Use jet or electronic test. They can be used at home a few days before your expected period. You need to remove its protective cap, substitute the test under the stream of urine for 10 seconds, and after 3-5 minutes get the result. Accuracy: 97%. In our pharmacy you can buy Evitest or Alpe inkjet tests.
4. Get your first ultrasound. You can use this method at 3-4 weeks from the start of a missed period. At this time, ultrasound will show the very fact of uterine pregnancy, and the place of attachment of the fetal egg is also determined. Accuracy: 100%.

Help Doc.ua: you can make an appointment with a gynecologist on the website.

The first signs of pregnancy in the early stages, before the delay and after, how to recognize

Some women claim that they felt that they were pregnant even before the delay, in the first weeks, while others did not suspect that the pregnancy had come before the middle of the term. There are cases when a woman found out about her pregnancy only in childbirth. Why does this happen and what are the signs of early pregnancy?

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Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. During this time, the female body undergoes serious changes, which are quite difficult not to notice for both the woman herself and those around her. In order to verify the onset of pregnancy, you can resort to different methods.

Contents of the article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Regardless of whether you are planning a pregnancy or not, you want to know about it as early as possible. The most obvious sign of pregnancy in the early stages is a delay in menstruation. Although it can be caused by various reasons, it is most often the first and main symptom of pregnancy.

Is it possible to find out that the conception happened even before the cherished date of menstruation? Yes, some signs of pregnancy are possible in the early stages before the delay. We have collected them for you, but we warn you right away: the signs are not indisputable, and each of them individually is not yet enough to diagnose pregnancy. Rather, these are just guidelines, signs that you should pay special attention to your health just in case.

Caitlin Buhrow, MD in Iowa, recommends taking a pregnancy test 12 days after ovulation, but not before the first day of delay. Of course, if there are other early signs of pregnancy, you can do the test earlier, but in this case the result may be inaccurate.

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How can I know for sure that I am pregnant?

For example, take a pregnancy test, it will respond to an increase in the concentration of chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – a hormone whose level rises in the first weeks after conception. A pregnancy test is recommended to be done after a delay in menstruation – before this period, the concentration of the hormone may be insufficient to detect, it will not work to focus on this sign of pregnancy.

Another option for confirming pregnancy is donating blood for hCG. An increase in the concentration of the hormone is one of the first signs of pregnancy. A blood test is more accurate, since the concentration of the hormone in the blood is greater than in the urine. In the first weeks of pregnancy, the concentration of hCG increases in proportion to the period, determining the amount of the hormone will help to more accurately identify which week of pregnancy a woman is in.

Ultrasound is also used to confirm pregnancy. The study itself is carried out transvaginally – in the early stages of pregnancy, you can already notice the first signs of pregnancy, examine the fetal egg and fix the heartbeat.

What causes pregnancy symptoms?

From the moment of the reunion of the spermatozoon and the ovum, various processes begin to take place in your body, connected with the birth of a new life. Sometimes they are accompanied by some unusual sensations that can be considered the first signs of pregnancy after conception.

Thus, pulling pains in the abdomen may accompany the attachment of a fertilized egg to the endometrium of the uterus. This sign of pregnancy usually appears even before the delay, and sometimes it can coincide with it in time.

During implantation, scanty spotting sometimes occurs – often mistaken for the onset of menstruation. This, by the way, is one of the reasons why many women remain in the dark for quite a long time about the fact that their body is preparing for motherhood: they are sure that they are menstruating. So don’t fool yourself when you expect your period after unprotected sex: more meager than usual discharge may well be a sign of early pregnancy.

Hormonal changes after conception are responsible for breast tenderness, fatigue and mood swings. These are not the most reliable signs of pregnancy before a missed period, but they should not be ignored.

Signs of pregnancy before your period: what you need to know

Most tests detect the first signs of pregnancy after a missed period, the same applies to blood tests for hCG and ultrasound. All these diagnostic methods are recommended to be carried out after the first day of delayed menstruation – it is from this day that the obstetric gestational age is counted. However, the cycle in women may be unstable, and menstruation may be absent for various reasons. This is what prevents some pregnant women from noticing changes in their condition.

It is especially difficult to recognize the first signs of a first pregnancy when a woman has never encountered this condition and does not know what to expect from her body. Below we list what signs can indicate pregnancy.

These are early signs of pregnancy that appear even before a missed period, and which a woman can ignore, mistaking them for signs that precede the onset of menstruation. In fact, in the first stages of pregnancy, the signs may not be alarming, but resemble those that a woman experiences every month before menstruation.

An early sign of pregnancy: pulling pains in the abdomen

Unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen can occur, as we have already written, when a fertilized egg attaches to the endometrium. As a rule, we are talking about mild discomfort. If the pain is intense, it is better not to hesitate to contact a doctor: for example, acute and cramping pain, discomfort in the perineum may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

Implantation occurs on average one week after conception. Drawing pains at this time can be considered the first sign of early pregnancy. If the pregnancy is ectopic, then the pain usually appears later.

Soreness of the mammary glands

Many women notice an increase in the sensitivity of the breast already in the first days after conception, when there are still no other signs of pregnancy. The fact is that breast tissue is very sensitive to hormonal changes, so breast engorgement may be the first sign of pregnancy as early as its first week.

As the body gets used to the change in hormonal levels, the pain disappears, although sensitivity may persist throughout pregnancy. By the way, the breasts can not only hurt, but also increase in size a little, so the sudden appearance of a luxurious bust in place of a modest first size may be a sign that you are pregnant.

Fatigue

Of course, you could just be tired, not get enough sleep, get nervous. But if fatigue appeared literally out of the blue, you want to sleep all the time and don’t want to do anything, this may be an early sign of pregnancy, which will appear even before the delay in menstruation.

Once again, hormones are to blame: changes in their levels become a serious stress for the body. In addition, the fetus grows and requires nutrition, and your body has not yet had time to rebuild to provide the fetus with everything it needs. Although this sign of pregnancy is not specific, on the forums you can often find stories of girls who guessed that they were pregnant, precisely because of unexpected drowsiness and constant fatigue, which was unusual for them before.

Mood swings

Mood lability is also a non-specific sign of pregnancy, which may appear one of the first, before the first delay. Many girls do not behave quite adequately during PMS, when they are ready either to kill everyone around, or to sob in a corner. But if premenstrual syndrome is characterized by irritability and depressive mood, then expectant mothers usually not only feel sad, but also rejoice. At the same time, the mood can change dramatically in just a couple of minutes.

Hormonal changes are to blame again. This symptom of pregnancy most often appears on the 10th – 14th day after conception.

Nausea

How else does early pregnancy manifest itself? Nausea is one of the common symptoms that up to 90% of women experience. True, this sign of pregnancy usually appears at least a month later, not earlier. Most people feel sick in the morning.

Nausea is usually associated with increased salivation and sometimes with vomiting. All these 1st signs of pregnancy are a consequence of changes in progesterone levels. Some women feel sick before giving birth, but most of the discomfort disappears by the second trimester.

Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge may be an early sign of a first (or not first) pregnancy. When an egg is implanted, up to 5 ml of blood can be released. Sometimes there may be unusual mucous discharge. Their appearance is associated with changes in the composition of the cervical mucus, which becomes less viscous, facilitating the access of sperm to the egg.

If you are looking for a reliable sign of how to understand that a woman is pregnant, then you should hardly be guided by the discharge. However, if they are combined with other symptoms, and there is an unprotected sexual intercourse in the anamnesis, then this is a reason to think.

Change in eating habits

The classic sign of pregnancy usually appears after a delay, but some even notice a sudden desire to chew something inedible or simply unusual before it. You may traditionally be drawn to salty or sour, you may awaken a passion for some products that you were previously indifferent to.

This symptom of pregnancy is typical for the first trimester. The child needs vitamins and minerals, if your body does not have excess, it will strive to get them from food. It is believed that it is necessary to satisfy the whims of pregnant women, and if they seem completely wild and unhealthy to you, then special vitamin complexes that the doctor will recommend can help.

Increased sensitivity to smells

Another classic sign of pregnancy. which can appear both before the delay and after it. Hyperosmia in pregnant women is associated with an increase in the concentration of estrogen in the body. Nature has provided this mechanism to protect the body of a pregnant woman from the use of low-quality products and being in potentially dangerous places.

Frequent urination

Usually this is not the first sign of pregnancy before menstruation, but many women experience it even before the uterus begins to grow rapidly and put pressure on the bladder. Due to fluid retention due to hormonal changes, you often run to the toilet “in a small way” more often than usual. Alas, this will only progress throughout your pregnancy, so get used to planning your day so that there are toilets in your way.

In what week do the first signs of pregnancy appear and how do they change?

Even at a very early date, one or another of the signs that many women associate with the onset of pregnancy and its development can be felt. Let’s analyze which week the signs of pregnancy appear most clearly.

• 1st – 4th weeks

Drawing pains in the lower abdomen, scanty bleeding usually appear within two weeks after conception. Increased sensitivity of the mammary glands, soreness when touched are also among the first signs of pregnancy, which can persist for several more months.

• 1st – 6th weeks

Increased emotionality, mood swings, tearfulness. From the sixth week, the mood becomes a little more even, but don’t count on it too much: often pregnant women themselves are surprised by their unexpected emotional reactions.

• 4th week

Delayed menses. The most obvious and unambiguous sign of the onset of pregnancy.

• 4th – 6th weeks

Nausea, change in appetite (decrease or increase), change in taste preferences. Increased fatigue, drowsiness, constant fatigue. These signs usually disappear by the second trimester, but may persist until the very birth.

• Weeks 5-6

Frequent painless urination. As a rule, this symptom persists until the end of pregnancy. Weakness, dizziness also usually occur in the fifth or sixth week, but as the body gets used to the new status, they disappear.

• 6th week

Temperature fluctuations from normal to subfebrile (37 degrees). Usually this sign of pregnancy disappears by the second trimester.

What signs of pregnancy can be detected before a missed period?

A single first sign of pregnancy, which is exactly present in every woman, is difficult to single out. Some do not experience exactly any changes before the delay (and often after it), others literally the next day after intercourse feel changes in themselves, and the symptoms that appear, which we described above, are associated with pregnancy. Most of these sensations are subjective – more often they appear in those who are looking forward to the onset of pregnancy, such women tend to take any body signals for a desired event.

When does pregnancy occur?

It is worth remembering that pregnancy does not always occur immediately after intercourse. The process of fertilization of an egg by a sperm does not occur instantly and can happen even a week after unprotected sex. In general, the signs of pregnancy in the first weeks may be different, and the degree of their manifestation may differ.

When can you accurately detect pregnancy?

Doctors are confident that the most reliable data on the onset of pregnancy can be obtained only after a delay – in the case when the obstetric gestation period exceeds 4-5 weeks.