Is irritability a common sign of early pregnancy. What are the most reliable early pregnancy symptoms. How soon can you experience pregnancy symptoms. When should you take a pregnancy test to confirm suspicions.

Understanding Early Pregnancy Signs: From Mood Swings to Physical Changes

Pregnancy can bring about a multitude of changes in a woman’s body, often before she even realizes she’s expecting. While some signs are more commonly known, others can be subtle and easily overlooked. One such symptom that often goes unnoticed is irritability. Let’s explore the various early signs of pregnancy, including mood changes, and how they manifest.

Irritability and Mood Swings in Early Pregnancy

Mood swings are a common occurrence in early pregnancy, often catching women off guard. These emotional fluctuations can range from mild irritability to sudden bouts of sadness or euphoria. But why do these mood changes occur?

• Hormonal fluctuations: Primarily caused by increased levels of estrogen and progesterone
• Physical discomfort: Nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness can contribute to irritability
• Anxiety about the pregnancy: Concerns about the future can affect emotional state

Is irritability alone a reliable indicator of pregnancy? While it can be an early sign, it’s not definitive on its own. Irritability should be considered alongside other symptoms for a more accurate assessment.

Appetite Changes and Food Aversions: Early Pregnancy Clues

One of the earliest signs of pregnancy that many women experience is a change in their relationship with food. These changes can manifest in various ways and often catch expectant mothers by surprise.

Cravings and Aversions: The Pregnancy Palate

How do food preferences change during early pregnancy? Many women report sudden, intense cravings for specific foods, while simultaneously developing strong aversions to others. These changes typically occur within the first few weeks of pregnancy and can persist throughout the first trimester.

• Cravings for foods never enjoyed before
• Aversions to previously favorite foods or beverages
• Changes in taste perception, including a metallic taste in the mouth

Are these appetite changes harmful to the pregnancy? Generally, these changes are harmless and considered a normal part of early pregnancy. However, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet despite these new preferences.

Nausea and Morning Sickness: Debunking the Myths

Morning sickness is perhaps one of the most well-known pregnancy symptoms, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Let’s clarify some common misconceptions and explore the realities of this early pregnancy symptom.

The Truth About Morning Sickness

Does morning sickness only occur in the morning? Contrary to its name, morning sickness can strike at any time of day or night. In fact, many women experience nausea and vomiting throughout the day, making the term somewhat misleading.

• Affects 50-80% of pregnant women
• Can start as early as two weeks after conception
• Usually peaks around 9-10 weeks and subsides by the second trimester

What causes morning sickness in pregnancy? While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, it’s believed to be related to the rapid increase in pregnancy hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Frequent Urination: A Common Early Pregnancy Symptom

One of the earliest and most persistent signs of pregnancy is the increased need to urinate. This symptom often begins shortly after conception and can continue throughout the pregnancy.

Why Pregnancy Increases Urinary Frequency

What causes frequent urination in early pregnancy? Several factors contribute to this common symptom:

1. Increased blood volume: The body produces more blood to support the growing fetus, leading to more fluid processed by the kidneys
2. Hormonal changes: Pregnancy hormones can increase blood flow to the pelvic area
3. Growing uterus: As the uterus expands, it puts pressure on the bladder

Is frequent urination always a sign of pregnancy? While it’s a common pregnancy symptom, frequent urination can also be caused by other factors such as urinary tract infections or diabetes. It’s important to consider this symptom alongside other potential signs of pregnancy.

Breast Changes: Early Indicators of Pregnancy

Changes in the breasts are often among the earliest signs of pregnancy, sometimes noticeable even before a missed period. These changes are primarily due to hormonal fluctuations and the body’s preparation for breastfeeding.

Common Breast Changes in Early Pregnancy

What breast changes might indicate pregnancy? Several changes can occur in the breasts during early pregnancy:

• Tenderness and soreness
• Swelling or feeling of fullness
• Darkening of the areolas
• More prominent veins under the skin
• Tingling sensations

When do breast changes typically begin in pregnancy? Many women notice breast changes as early as 1-2 weeks after conception, making it one of the earliest detectable signs of pregnancy.

Fatigue and Tiredness: The Energy Drain of Early Pregnancy

Feeling unusually tired or exhausted is a hallmark of early pregnancy for many women. This fatigue can be overwhelming and often comes as a surprise, especially for those who are typically energetic.

Understanding Pregnancy Fatigue

Why does early pregnancy cause such extreme tiredness? Several factors contribute to this overwhelming fatigue:

1. Hormonal changes: Particularly the rapid increase in progesterone
2. Physical demands: The body is working hard to support the developing fetus
3. Emotional stress: Anxiety about the pregnancy can be mentally exhausting
4. Sleep disturbances: Nausea, frequent urination, and discomfort can disrupt sleep patterns

How long does pregnancy fatigue typically last? While it’s most common in the first trimester, some women experience fatigue throughout their pregnancy. For many, energy levels improve in the second trimester before fatigue returns in the third.

Spotting and Cramps: Distinguishing Between Normal and Concerning Symptoms

Light spotting and mild cramps can occur in early pregnancy, often causing concern for expectant mothers. While these symptoms can be normal, it’s important to understand when they might indicate a problem.

Implantation Bleeding vs. Menstrual Period

What is implantation bleeding and how does it differ from a period? Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. It’s typically lighter and shorter in duration than a normal period.

• Timing: Usually occurs 10-14 days after conception
• Color: Often pink or light brown, rather than bright red
• Duration: Typically lasts only a day or two
• Flow: Much lighter than a normal period

Are cramps normal in early pregnancy? Mild cramping can be normal as the uterus begins to expand. However, severe cramps or those accompanied by heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Confirming Pregnancy: When and How to Test

With so many potential early signs of pregnancy, it’s natural to want confirmation as soon as possible. Understanding when and how to test can help ensure accurate results and reduce anxiety.

Pregnancy Test Timing and Accuracy

When is the best time to take a pregnancy test? While some tests claim to detect pregnancy very early, it’s generally most accurate to wait until after your missed period. This allows time for hCG levels to rise to detectable levels.

• Home pregnancy tests: Most accurate when taken first thing in the morning
• Blood tests: Can detect pregnancy earlier but require a healthcare provider
• False negatives: More common than false positives, especially if testing too early

How accurate are home pregnancy tests? When used correctly and at the right time, home pregnancy tests are highly accurate, often around 99%. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm results with a healthcare provider, especially if symptoms persist after a negative test.

Recognizing the early signs of pregnancy can be challenging, as many symptoms can mimic those of an approaching menstrual period or other conditions. While irritability and mood swings can indeed be early indicators of pregnancy, they are most reliable when considered alongside other common symptoms such as missed periods, breast changes, and nausea. It’s important to remember that every woman’s experience with pregnancy is unique, and not all will experience the same symptoms or to the same degree. If you suspect you might be pregnant, the most reliable course of action is to take a home pregnancy test and follow up with a healthcare provider for confirmation and early prenatal care. By staying attuned to your body’s changes and seeking proper medical advice, you can navigate the early stages of pregnancy with confidence and ensure the best start for your potential new journey into motherhood.

Am I pregnant? Early signs and symptoms

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).

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]

Battling Irritability In Pregnancy

One of the most common symptoms of pregnancy is irritability. An increase in hormones, changes in diet, emotions about the future, and an inability to get comfortable can all contribute to this irritability, making it a pretty difficult symptom to contend with.

Unfortunately, many expectant mothers don’t know how to help improve their irritability and mood swings. While most people are more understanding toward pregnant women, consistent foul or unpredictable moods can quickly cause others to shy away from spending time with the mama-to-be. This often leads to damaged relationships, and can even hurt the new mom professionally.

On top of all that, being an irritable person is no fun for the person experiencing the moodiness either. In fact, many pregnant women end up feeling pretty bad about themselves and the way they treat others after a long day.

If you are experiencing this issue, you are not alone. However, you also are not helpless. Try some of these simple life changes to get your moods under control while you are pregnant:

Watch Your Sleep, Diet, and Exercise

You’ve heard this before, and you will probably hear it again, but we are going to mention it anyway: Sleep, diet, and exercise are the keys to a happy and healthy pregnancy. Make sure you are sleeping enough at night by going to bed earlier than you might usually, and get some extra shuteye during the day if possible.

Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of veggies and protein, lots of water, and a good prenatal vitamin. Finally, as long as it has been cleared by your healthcare provider, it is important that you make sure to get in some low-impact exercise every day.

Making small changes to these three aspects of your life can completely shift your overall mood. Therefore, it is best to start here.

Consider Natural Supplements

In addition to the good dietary choices mentioned above, you may also want to add some natural supplements to your daily regimen in order to stay in balance hormonally and emotionally. A few supplements that many mamas love is Natural Calm magnesium and Rescue Remedy homeopathic, both natural stress relief formulas that works wonders for anxious expectant mothers.

Squeeze in Mindful Breathing, Meditation, or Yoga

If the tips above don’t seem to be doing the trick, or even if you’d just like to find a bit more balance in your day, mindful breathing, meditation, and/or yoga are wonderful options. By squeezing at least one of these activities into each day, you will give your body and mind a chance to relax and process emotions. This can make an enormous difference in how you feel.

Not sure where to begin on this front? Try to start with some simple breathing exercises like the one below.

Breath Counting

• Begin with your eyes closed, breathing normally.

• On your first exhalation, count “one” in your head.

• On the second exhalation, count “two” to yourself.

• Continue this until you reach the number five, at which point you should begin the process again.

• You should never count higher than five, meaning you must pay attention lest you find yourself counting up too high.

Make Time for Fun Activities

If most of your time is spent working and focusing on your pregnancy and the arrival of your baby, it might be time to take a break from the usual and make time for some fun.

Whether you prefer heading to the movie theater with friends, go to the park, or playing board games with your partner, doing things you love and thinking about something other than the baby can both be a huge help in balancing your emotions.

Connect with Others

Sometimes connecting with friends and family is the best way to sort through difficult emotions and lift your spirits. Be sure to carve out time in each day to snuggle and chat with your partner. Additionally, weekly meetings with your mom, sisters, or girlfriends can give you a chance to vent, help you realize you are not alone in your feelings, and give you some much-needed laughs.

Need a welcoming group of women to turn to? You might enjoy the Thriving Mamas monthly support group that meets at Thrive Mama Collective.

Seek Out Professional Help

Occasionally, a mama-to-be will experience moodiness beyond the typical pregnancy irritability. If your moods continue to worsen even after you implement the tips above, it might be time to seek out professional help.

Be sure to talk to your care provider if you become concerned about your irritability. Depression during pregnancy is a real thing. It is nothing to be ashamed of, and is not something you can control on your own. Therefore, the sooner depression is treated, the better off you will be.

We hope these tips and tricks help you find some relief from the irritability that so often plagues pregnant mamas. After all, pregnancy is a magical time, and you deserve to enjoy every minute of it.

#nutrition #pregnancy

7 Very Early Pregnancy Symptoms That Aren’t Just Your Imagination

Written by Mary Fischer for CafeMom’s blog, The Stir.

One of the toughest parts of trying to get pregnant has to be playing the waiting game each month to see whether or not you get your period and, of course, whether or not you wind up with a positive home pregnancy test.

But even though you can’t confirm things until you get two pink lines or a plus sign on a test stick, there are some really early pregnancy symptoms that might be an indication that you have a baby on board even if it’s way too early to officially detect things yet.

When I got pregnant with my son, I swear I “felt” pregnant a few days after he was conceived. And believe it or not, my mother even looked at me at one point and thought to herself, “Oh my God, she’s pregnant.” I guess I had a glow about me or something like that.

Obviously both of our intuitions turned out to be spot on, so there really must be some truth to the idea that some women “just know” they’re pregnant right from the get-go.

Here are seven very early signs of pregnancy to look out for. (No, you’re not crazy for noticing them.)

Breast tenderness — This is a tricky one, because your boobs could also be hurting due to where you are in your cycle. But having sore tatas could very well mean you’ve got a bun in the oven too.

Unexplained mood swings — And when I say mood swings, I mean mood swings. About two weeks after my son was conceived, my husband picked up barbecue takeout on his way home from work, and he forgot the potato salad. (How DARE he?) And normally I wouldn’t have cared about it at all, but for some reason, I threw a full-blown temper tantrum about that potato salad, to the point where he finally broke down and went and got it for me. (Two weeks later, I had a very good excuse for my little fit.)

Feeling “funny” — I know this one sounds pretty general, but that’s because the definition of “feeling funny” varies from woman to woman. Immediately after I got pregnant, I just felt “off” — and not like myself at all. If something doesn’t feel quite right to you, it’s not your imagination — you might be pregnant.

Weird abdominal pain — This is likely due to implantation, and I know I experienced it for sure. For me, it felt different than menstrual cramps — almost like really, really bad gas. I couldn’t explain it at the time, but obviously there were changes happening in my belly.

Vaginal discharge — Again, this happens to a lot of women anyway during their menstrual cycles, but a white, milky discharge could be a result of your vagina’s walls thickening due to conception.

Extreme fatigue — Feeling tired all of a sudden even though you got plenty of sleep? Well, your body is going through a lot of hormone changes right after you conceive, and it’s forming all those new cells, so feeling tired makes total sense.

Food aversions or cravings — Back to the potato salad incident — I HAD to have that potato salad, so I’m guessing this was my earliest pregnancy craving. Also, the smell of certain foods, like eggs, made me gag, when they hadn’t ever before.

Did you have any super early signs of pregnancy?

The Annoying Pregnancy Symptom Nobody Warned Me About

The Most Disgusting, Uncomfortable, Humiliating Pregnancy Side Effect of All Time

10 Justifiable Reasons for a Pregnant Woman to Do You Harm

CafeMom’s 200 Most Popular Baby Names of 2012

Causes, Signs & How to Manage Pregnancy Mood Swings

Teared up over a toilet paper commercial? Snapped at your partner when they forgot to buy milk? It’s not that unusual for your moods to be surging and falling like the Richter scale these days. Here’s why pregnancy mood swings happen and how to cope, plus signs that what you’re experiencing may be something more serious.

What are pregnancy mood swings?

Mood swings that happen during pregnancy are a lot like the mood swings that many women experience before their periods. You might feel happy one minute and sad, angry or anxious the next; or maybe you find yourself having bigger feelings over things that don’t usually make you all that emotional.

While your ricocheting moods might make you feel frustrated, these emotional surges are a totally normal — and even expected — part of being pregnant.

What causes pregnancy mood swings?

Your emotional rollercoaster ride is at least partially fueled by hormones. During pregnancy, the body ramps up production of estrogen and progesterone, which can trigger moodiness as well as other not-so-fun side effects like nausea and fatigue. 

It’s not all about biology though. Hormones aside, it’s no wonder your emotions are so up and down now that you’re expecting: Just look at all the ups and downs you’re going through. One minute you may be thrilled about becoming a mother (I’ve always wanted a baby!) — the next minute, you might be freaking out about becoming a mother (What the heck do I know about babies?). Know that these feelings are completely normal (and that you’re going to be wonderful parent).

When do pregnancy mood swings start?

Emotional turbulence tends to hit hardest during the first trimester, as your body is adjusting to changing hormone levels. For some women, mood swings are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, starting as soon as week 4.

Many pregnant people find that the highs and lows start to even out as their pregnancy progresses, only for the mood swings to ramp back up as they near their due date. (Hey, you’ve got a lot on your mind by then!) Others find that their moods stay more sensitive throughout their entire pregnancy — and that’s normal, too. 

Tips to manage pregnancy mood swings

Mood swings during pregnancy are normal, but there are ways to get on a more even keel. Try these strategies.  

• Take the ride in stride. Mood swings are a completely normal part of pregnancy, which means it’s normal if you’re experiencing them.
• Try to bring your downs up. When you’re feeling down, find ways to lift yourself up: Get an extra hour of sleep, treat yourself to a manicure or prenatal massage, sign up for a prenatal exercise class or plan a romantic dinner for two at your favorite restaurant.
• Lean on your partner. They’re along for the ride too, so fill them in on your feelings — including your fears, concerns and joys. Let them know how they can help.
• Don’t forget to visit the snack car. Eating regular snacks in between meals — ones that include protein and complex carbs, like a cheese stick and a handful of trail mix, for instance — may help steady your emotions. Nibbling on a sugary treat like a chocolate bar or doughnut may offer a quick pick-me-up, but it’ll also lead to a sharp dip in blood sugar that will bring you crashing down soon after.
• Put self-care first. Get enough sleep, make time for regular exercise, eat healthy, satisfying meals and snacks, and limit sugary junk food.
• Stamp out stress where you can. Having a baby is a major life change, so try to keep other areas of your day-to-day life calmer. Try not to overload your plate with commitments, and make time for stress management tactics like journaling, meditation, yoga, regular baths or even just talking walks. 
• Connect with others. Try a prenatal exercise class or support group, or sign up for a childbirth class. Meeting other moms-to-be is a welcome reminder that whatever you might be feeling right now, you’re not alone. 
• Go to your prenatal appointments. Regularly seeing your provider gives you a chance to talk about your concerns as they come up, so they’re not weighing on your mind. Knowing you’re doing your best to keep you and your baby healthy will feel good, too. 
• Ditch the guilt. People might expect you to be over-the-moon happy all the time about your pregnancy, but that’s not realistic. Don’t feel bad if you have mixed feelings about being pregnant or even about becoming a parent. You’re going through a big life change — and all of the emotions that come with it are 100 percent valid.

When to talk to your practitioner about pregnancy mood swings

Some ups and downs during pregnancy are par for the course. But intense or persistent mood changes that interfere with daily life could be signs of pregnancy depression or anxiety. 

Let your provider know if you experience symptoms like:

• Feeling very sad, irritable or angry out of nowhere
• Feeling restless or having trouble concentrating
• Feeling fearful or panicky
• Changes in your eating or sleeping habits
• Lack of interest in things you normally enjoy, or feeling like you’re just going through the motions
• Feeling very anxious about becoming a mom or worrying about the baby
• Heart palpitations, rapid breathing or muscle tension
• Scary or intrusive thoughts that don’t go away

If have any of the symptoms above or simply don’t feel like yourself, tell your doctor or midwife right away. Taking steps to safeguard your mental health is important and will help you to have a more enjoyable pregnancy, not to mention give your baby the best possible start. 

Your provider should also screen for mood and emotional well-being (including screening for postpartum depression and anxiety) during the comprehensive postpartum visit, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). If you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts, make sure to tell your doctor so that you can both monitor your emotional well-being closely and with additional professional care if warranted. 

The following resources offer more information and support if you or someone you know may be suffering from a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder:

PMS or Pregnant – Pregnancy Symptoms

It’s almost “that time of the month” and you’re starting to experience some less than desirable symptoms. You’ve surely felt some of these changes in your body month after month, but this time there’s something different. Wait, could this be, could you be…pregnant? Or is it just PMS? The very early stages of pregnancy can have a similar effect on your body as PMS, leaving many women—especially those trying to get pregnant—confused. In order to learn a little bit more about what our bodies are going through during ovulation and the days that follow, we turned to Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at the Yale Medical School. She shed some light on the causes, similarities, and differences of these symptoms.

Let’s start with the basic physiology and what causes the overlap in PMS and early pregnancy.
“At ovulation, the area from which the egg is released becomes ‘corpus luteum,’ which in turn makes progesterone. Progesterone does a couple of things. It stabilizes the lining of the uterus, creating a nice environment for the fertilized egg to implant itself. Once the egg implants itself into the wall of the uterus, it stimulates the corpus luteum to hang on and keep going and the fertilized egg will start to produce some of its own hormones. If during the time of ovulation a pregnancy is not established, there is a message to the body that the corpus luteum can die, there’s no need for it to hang around, you’re not pregnant. Once this happens the progesterone levels will go down, the lining of the uterus is not stabilized, and you will get your period. Either way, progesterone will be present during the time of ovulation, causing many of the shared symptoms of PMS and pregnancy. Both estrogen and progesterone will be present in a woman’s body. If she does become pregnant, the levels of these hormone will increase, but if she is not, they will go down a bit and rise again around the same time next month. Some of the common symptoms created by progesterone and estrogen are bloating, breast tenderness, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fluid retention, headache, irritability, muscle pain, nausea, spotting or breakthrough bleeding, stomach pain or cramping, tiredness, and vomiting. Some of these symptoms occur during PMS and some are more specific to pregnancy. If a woman does become pregnant, her body will start producing the hormone hCg, human chorionic gonadotropin, which is made by the implanting embryo. There is no hCg present in a woman who is not pregnant, it is the hormone responsible for the positive pregnancy test. The effects of hCg on a woman’s body is still up for debate, but one of the most common theories is that the presence of hCg can cause nausea, or morning sickness.”

Are there any characteristics a woman can look for in the most common symptoms of PMS and pregnancy, that would help her determine which is causing them?
“There’s not too much of a difference in how a woman feels with these symptoms, whether or not she is PMSing or pregnant. If a woman is experiencing these symptoms and is eager to know whether or not she is pregnant, an early detection home pregnancy test is a good option. The new technology of these tests can often detect pregnancy 5 to 6 days before a missed period, which is really early! Both estrogen and progesterone can cause retention of fluid and tender breasts, both common symptoms of PMS and early pregnancy. When a woman has her period these symptoms dissipate, but if she is in fact pregnant the symptoms may be persistent for some time.”

Does nausea occur with PMS? We’ve heard of women having very severe menstrual cramps along with nausea.
“Yes, some do, but it doesn’t usually occur with PMS. In general this happens when a woman already has her period. The hormone that is responsible for this is prostaglandin, which is produced in the uterus (and other parts of the body). Prostaglandin can cause contraction of muscles that in turn can create cramping and sometimes nausea. When this happens a woman’s period usually shows up, signifying she is not pregnant, so not to be confused with morning sickness, which generally starts around 4-6 weeks. Again, you usually would have had your period by then if you’re not pregnant.”

You mentioned early detection home pregnancy tests. It can be pretty common to get a false negative on a test, especially if you take it early on in your cycle. What about a false positive result?
“There is a very small chance that you would ever get a false positive. It is very easy to get a false negative if you take the test too early and your body has not yet produced enough hCg to be detected. Ovulation can occur at slightly different times during a woman’s cycle, so if she still thinks she may be pregnant after a negative test, wait a few days and test again. But a positive is positive. Again, the tests detect hCg, which only appears when a woman is pregnant.”

What about chemical pregnancies? Can you tell us a little bit about them?
“There’s been an advent over the last 30 years of both urine and blood tests that detect pregnancy so early on that someone may have a positive pregnancy test, because the egg was in fact fertilized and implanted. Unfortunately, this happens and many pregnancies just don’t develop properly, they get to a certain point and the embryo stops dividing and the embryo dies, the pregnancy then does not occur and you get the cleaning out of the lining of the uterus (your period). There are definitely many chemical pregnancies where the woman is in fact pregnant, but the pregnancy is not successful from the very beginning. It is basically a very, very early miscarriage. Again, because of these early detection tests, more women are aware of a chemical pregnancy, where she is in fact pregnant based on an early detection test, but her period then arrives around the normal time. This is very common. Many women won’t test until after a missed period, so they never know that the chemical pregnancy occurred. Being able to test so early and receive a positive only to have your period a few days later can be disappointing and many women may already have an emotional attachment to the pregnancy, so that can be difficult. The good thing about knowing of a chemical pregnancy is that is does show that the woman can in fact get pregnant. Just getting pregnant is an excellent thing, if that’s what you want. It means the egg and sperm successfully fertilized. It shows, for example, there is no blockage of tubes, something that would prevent a women from getting pregnant. In a chemical pregnancy, the egg and sperm did get together, which is a great thing, it just wasn’t the most perfect or healthiest union and the pregnancy didn’t continue. If this happens a few times, when the woman is testing early on, receiving a positive result, but then getting her period soon after, and she is actively trying to get pregnant, she may want to speak with her doctor to try and investigate what’s going on.”

One common symptom of early pregnancy is implantation bleeding, which could be mistaken for a period. How much bleeding is normal? When should a woman be concerned with the bleeding she may be experiencing if she is in fact pregnant?
“It is very common to bleed around the time of implantation, which would be before or around the time of the missed period, which is why it could easily be confused for a normal period. It’s usually fairly light, not heavy bleeding. This is normal, but the woman should certainly report and let her healthcare provider know what’s going on if she knows she is pregnant and there is some blood. That doesn’t mean she should be worried, it’s totally normal, but it’s good for the care team to be aware of. Again, it’s very common. Over a third of women will have some bleeding during their first trimester of pregnancy. Of those women, half of them will go on to have a totally normal pregnancy, the other half will unfortunately end in a miscarriage.”

Are there any symptoms of PMS or early pregnancy that are not shared?
“Irritability is a common symptom of both pregnancy and PMS, but they generally occur at different times. During PMS, a woman is very likely to be a little irritable, but this would likely happen later on in the pregnancy, not around the time of a missed period. Fatigue is another one. It is very normal in the early part of pregnancy, but not as common during PMS. Yes, a woman may feel drained of energy, but I see that more once the period has already arrived.”

What advice can you give women who may be considering getting pregnant?
“If somebody is even thinking about getting pregnant, I always encourage them to start making sure they are getting plenty of folic acid in their diet. A multivitamin with folic acid or even a prenatal vitamin is great—400 micrograms is all you need. Many women will start taking the prenatal vitamins once she finds out she is pregnant. However, it’s even better is she is already taking them when she conceives. Having folic acid on board at the time of ovulation and fertilization means there is a significantly lower risk of neural tube defects and other birth defects. If a woman is even thinking about getting pregnant or that is a possibility, having general good health habits is important for both her and her future child. Cut out excessive drinking and of course and drug usage and smoking. Eat a balanced diet and make sure you exercise a few times a week. And make an appointment with your OBGYN and/or primary care doctor, just to make sure everything is good. Be aware of any medications you are taking that may not be safe during pregnancy. And of course, it’s always a good idea to take care of yourself, whether or not you want to get pregnant.”

For more tips on how to get pregnant, read our Beginner’s Guide to Getting Knocked Up.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy?

Most women are aware of some tell-tale signs of pregnancy. You’re likely to take an at-home pregnancy test at first signs to confirm your suspicions. Pregnancy tests are very advanced nowadays. Most will give you an accurate result from the first day of your missed period. Missing your menstrual cycle, morning sickness, and unusual food cravings are typically the first pregnancy symptoms that come to mind.

But there are many more pregnancy symptoms that are common during pregnancy, aside from just those early stages of pregnancy. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy and consult an OB/GYN and take medical advice and start your prenatal plan.

What are the Early Signs of Pregnancy?

Fatigue

One of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, especially in early pregnancy, your body produces high levels of progesterone, which can make you more feel more tired than normal. Fatigue and tiredness also rank high among early symptoms of pregnancy. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone soar. In high enough doses, progesterone can put you to sleep.

Swollen and tender breasts

Your breasts may provide one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. As early as two weeks into your first trimester, hormone levels may make your breasts tender, tingly, or sore. Or your breast change may feel fuller and heavier.

Nausea and vomiting

One of many early pregnancy symptoms, “Morning sickness” is really a misnomer. The idea that you’ll only feel ill in the morning is a myth. Nausea and vomiting can affect you at any time of the day and usually begins at around 3-4 weeks. Pregnant women also have a heightened sense of smell, so various odors – such as foods cooking, perfume, or cigarette smoke – may cause waves of nausea in early pregnancy.

Food aversions or cravings

Foods you loved before might make you sick during pregnancy, and you may experience strong cravings for particular foods at odd hours. When you’re pregnant, you might find yourself turning up your nose at certain foods, such as coffee or fried foods. Food cravings are common too. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these food preferences can be chalked up to hormonal changes – especially in the first trimester, when hormonal changes are the most dramatic.

Mood swings

Fluctuating hormones can make us, pregnant women, moody, or irritable during pregnancy.

Headaches

Experiencing headaches at the onset of pregnancy is another common early sign of pregnancy. Experts believe that the sudden rise of hormones in your body leads you to experience the headaches.

Headaches during pregnancy may also be caused by an increase in blood flow. There is an approximately 50% increase in the volume of blood flowing while you are expecting.

Light spotting

Sometimes a small amount of spotting or vaginal bleeding is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus – about 10 to 14 days after fertilization. This type of bleeding is usually a bit earlier, spottier, and lighter in color than a normal period and doesn’t last as long. Some women also experience abdominal cramping early in pregnancy. These cramps are similar to menstrual cramps.

Cramps

Some women experience mild uterine cramping early in pregnancy. Mild uterine cramping is another common sign of pregnancy in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Constipation

Pregnancy hormones can have a slowing effect on your digestive system, causing constipation.

Symptoms of the Second and Third Trimester

Stretch marks

You might notice uneven streaks of pink, red, or purple developing along your body as it expands. Your thighs, bottom, breasts, and abdomen are the most common places. Although stretch marks are permanent features of your skin, they should become less noticeable with time.

Pruritis (itchy skin)

Your skin might become itchy where it’s stretching. It is important to moisturize to relieve itchiness and help prevent stretch marks. Itching on your feet and palms of your hands might indicate another medical condition called cholestasis.

Melasma

Due to the hormones in pregnancy, your skin may develop darker patches of pigmentation on the face, shoulders, forearms, or the line running down from your navel. Some women’s nipples, genitals, and freckles become darker or more pronounced. Be sure to protect these areas by wearing SPF 30 or higher while outdoors.

Dizziness

Pregnancy can lower some women’s blood pressure, which can lead to dizzy spells when getting up or laying down too quickly. Take it easy when changing positions and drink plenty of fluids.

Increased Vaginal Discharge

White, watery discharge is normal during the second trimester. You can wear panty liners to keep yourself more comfortable. If the discharge has a green or yellow tint, has an odor, or if you develop pain or itching in your vagina, you may want to have a pelvic exam to check for infections.

Frequent urination

Don’t be surprised if you feel like you have to pee more often. Increase urination starts for most people between 6 to 8 weeks.

You will find that frequent urination will pick back up or continue throughout your pregnancy as the expanding baby and uterus place pressure on your bladder. As a result, you’ll need to urinate more often. A panty liner can help you manage leaks when you cough, laugh, or sneeze.

Round ligament pain

That sharp, stabbing feeling in your lower pelvic area can be the result of round ligament stretching and tightening. This ligament attaches the front of your uterus to your groin. The tightening causes a spasm on either one or both sides of the groin. The pain may be triggered by sudden movements, like laughing, sneezing, or coughing.

Hemorrhoids

These are swollen veins appearing around the anus that can cause itching and pain. You can use an over-the-counter cream or a stool softener to ease the discomfort.

Varicose veins

The veins in your legs and vulva can become swollen and purple during the latter half of pregnancy. You can’t really prevent varicose veins, but you can minimize them by moving around throughout the day, propping your legs up when resting, and wearing supportive hosiery. The veins should improve after delivery.

Weight gain

As your baby grows and your body changes to sustain it, you will gain weight. Many women ask how much weight they should be gaining. We know that a woman of average weight tends to gain around ½ to 1 pound each week during the third trimester. However, every woman is different. Your doctor will give you guidance based on your specific case and help you keep a healthy weight for your body.

Edema

Swelling in your hands, fingers, feet, and ankles is another common symptom of pregnancy. You can reduce swelling by elevating your feet when you’re sitting for a long period of time or at night while you sleep.

Depression

One in three women will experience some anxiety and depression during pregnancy. Although these feelings are normal, we still take them seriously and want you to feel comfortable talking to us about your concerns. There are resources and therapy options available for you.

These daily signs of being pregnant can be pretty tiresome, but in no time at all, your due date will be here, and you’ll be taking your baby home.

If you are experiencing signs of pregnancy or have any questions about getting pregnant, please talk to your doctor.

We also invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please click here to make an appointment or call us at (844) 863- 6700.

Highly-trained and honored by the medical community, Dr. Thais Aliabadi is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Diplomat of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She implements the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology and treatment options. Dr. Aliabadi specializes in up-to-date, minimally invasive surgical techniques, promising her patients shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and the least interruption to their daily lives.

Supported by her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi treats women through all phases of life and cherishes the special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.

Latest posts by Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi (see all)

Early Signs of Pregnancy | Pregnancy Symptoms

How do I know I am pregnant?

Pregnancy tests are available from chemists and supermarkets and are very sensitive. They test for the presence of a hormone called beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG) in your urine. Beta-hCG is produced by your body when an egg (which has been fertilised by a sperm) attaches and fixes itself (implants itself) into the wall of your womb (uterus).

Different makes of pregnancy tests vary in how sensitive they are. The more sensitive ones can become positive when you are only a few days pregnant. However, a negative test does not mean that you are not pregnant; it may just mean that the levels of this hormone are not high enough to be detected by the test.

As pregnancy tests vary in how you use them, it is important to read the instructions carefully before you do the test.

Quiz: Am I pregnant?

When you’re wondering whether you might be pregnant, it can be hard to think about anything else…

If your first pregnancy test is negative but you think you may be pregnant then you should repeat the pregnancy test one week later. If you have a positive pregnancy test, this does not need to be repeated by a doctor or a midwife.

What are the common symptoms and signs of early pregnancy?

The symptoms of early pregnancy vary tremendously between women. Some women hardly have any symptoms, whereas others have very severe symptoms. It is impossible to predict which women will have more severe symptoms. However, in general, if you are expecting twins or triplets then it is likely that your symptoms will be more severe.

Tiredness

Extreme tiredness is often the most common sign of an early pregnancy. Although it is common to become more tired in the later stages of pregnancy, this extreme tiredness and lack of energy (lethargy) usually last for the first twelve weeks (first trimester). The symptoms usually then improve.

Urinary symptoms

You may notice that you need to pass urine more frequently than you used to. This is actually due to the effect of the beta-hCG hormone which makes your kidneys work harder to produce more urine. This is different to the reason you will need to pass urine more often in the later stages of pregnancy, which is due to the baby’s head pressing on your bladder.

Note: if you experience any burning, stinging or a high temperature (fever) with these urinary symptoms, contact your doctor or midwife. Urine infections are common when you are pregnant. Your doctor or midwife will arrange to test your urine for an infection.

See the separate leaflet called Urine Infection in Pregnancy for more information.

Constipation

Constipation is more common in the early stages of pregnancy. This is due to the chemical (hormone) progesterone making your bowel more relaxed and sluggish. It is important to have a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy. If you do become constipated then you should eat more foods with lots of fibre in them, like wholemeal bread, fruit and vegetables. Make sure you are drinking enough fluids, especially water.

Breast tenderness

Another very early sign of pregnancy is breast tenderness. You may find that just the water from your shower on your breasts makes them feel uncomfortable and very tender. You may also find that you wake in the night when you roll on to your front because your breasts are tender. Your breasts may tingle at times or even have stabbing pains in them. You may also notice that your breasts become bigger and more swollen over the first few weeks of pregnancy. As your pregnancy develops it is common to notice some veins under the surface of your skin over your breasts. This is entirely normal.

After a few weeks you may notice that the coloured skin around your nipples (the areolae) becomes darker. 

Feeling sick (nausea)

Although most women think that feeling sick is the first sign of being pregnant, it is more common to develop other symptoms first. Feeling sick usually starts around the sixth week of your pregnancy. This can, however, vary between pregnancies in the same woman as well as between different women. You may find that you are being sick (vomiting) as well as feeling sick. The amount and frequency really does vary between women and can also be different (worse or better) in later pregnancies.

This sickness is commonly referred to as morning sickness. It is more common to experience feeling sick only in the mornings. However, you may find that this feeling continues throughout the afternoons and even into the evenings.

See the separate leaflet called Morning Sickness in Pregnancy for more information.

Food cravings

You may find that you crave certain foods during your pregnancy or even go off some foods. Some women experience a metallic taste in their mouth. You are likely to have a heightened sense of smell during your early pregnancy. This may make any feelings of sickness that you have worse.

Irritability

The changes in hormone levels in early pregnancy may make you feel more moody and irritable than usual.

Missed period

Although this has always been the most obvious sign of pregnancy, many women now find out they are pregnant before they miss their first period.

Many women may have a small amount of bleeding (spotting) at the time of their missed period. This is sometimes called an ‘implantation bleed’. It happens when the fertilised egg attaches and fixes itself (implants itself) in the wall of your womb (uterus). It is harmless.

However, if you have any spotting or heavy bleeding when you are pregnant then you should let your doctor or midwife know. In some cases further tests (for example, a scan) are necessary. This is because bleeding can sometimes be a sign of a miscarriage.

See the separate leaflet called Miscarriage and Bleeding in Early Pregnancy for more information.

Less commonly it can be the first symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. ‘Ectopic’ refers to a pregnancy which occurs outside the womb.  

See the separate leaflet called Ectopic Pregnancy for more information.

What should I do when I find out that I am pregnant?

Once your pregnancy has been confirmed by a pregnancy test then you should contact your doctor’s surgery. They will arrange for you to see your doctor or midwife. Usually you will be seen by a midwife at around twelve weeks of your pregnancy. They will see you at your surgery, at a children’s centre or at home. It is rare nowadays to have to go to a hospital to see a midwife.

How do you tell your boss you’re pregnant?

Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE

It is important to have a healthy lifestyle during your pregnancy. This includes healthy eating and taking folic acid and vitamin D supplements.

See the separate leaflet called Diet and Lifestyle during Pregnancy for more details.

90,000 Preparing for a woman’s pregnancy, where to start?

And now the moment has come when you decided that your family does not have enough baby for happiness. We are very happy for you! Having a baby is a very serious step and should be carefully prepared for. First of all, you need to firmly understand for yourself that the health and happiness of the future baby completely depends on how the preparation for pregnancy and the pregnancy itself will go. The main focus in preparing for pregnancy is on the woman’s health, but there are other aspects as well.

Preparing for pregnancy ourselves

Preparing for a future pregnancy is desirable for all women, but for some, this preparation is strictly required, since without it pregnancy may not occur.

• 6 months before conception, you must stop taking oral contraceptives. For women using an intrauterine device, it must be removed within 3-4 months. In the future, protect yourself with condoms. These measures will allow you to establish a monthly cycle.
• Do not forget to revise the food in your diet, excluding from it anything that contains large doses of preservatives, flavor enhancers, flavorings, etc.n. Gradually, the body will be cleansed of accumulated toxins and other harmful substances.
• A man who is preparing to become a father must give up bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse, etc.) for at least 3-4 months, not get carried away by visiting the bathhouse and sauna, since overheating of the scrotum adversely affects the quality of sperm. Have a regular sex life, because this leads to the formation of active, viable sperm.

What doctors are needed in preparation for pregnancy?

When planning a pregnancy, set a goal to find a good gynecologist who will be with you until the baby is born.The experience, knowledge and personal qualities of the doctor directly affect the course of pregnancy and subsequent childbirth.

If you contact our clinic in St. Petersburg, make sure that we have professionals of the highest level. Sensitive and responsive doctors will do their best to give you a healthy and happy baby.

After the initial examination and consultation, our gynecologist will send you for examination regarding the presence of infections:

Often these diseases do not manifest themselves in any way, and the woman does not even know about her illness.But they can cause severe malformations and lead to miscarriage. We strongly recommend treating infections before conception and in both parents. It will be effective and safe for your unborn child.

If you have or have had health problems in the field of gynecology, such as erosion, abortion, missed pregnancies, miscarriages, then our doctor will recommend an ultrasound of the pelvis and organs of the genitourinary system. At the same time, this will allow you to check the patency of the fallopian tubes after possibly suffered inflammation or abortion.

If you suffer from any chronic disease, then in our clinic you can get a consultation with a specialist of the desired profile. He will assess the possible impact of this disease on a future pregnancy, give recommendations and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.

Diagnoses that require special attention include: diabetes mellitus, diseases of the cardiovascular system, varicose blood vessels, etc.

If you do not have chronic diseases, then go through an examination with our therapist.He will measure the pressure, send for blood and urine tests. You can do all research and analyzes in our clinic in St. Petersburg.

In preparation for pregnancy, we recommend that a woman visit a dentist and ophthalmologist. It is a bad idea to treat teeth during pregnancy: you cannot use anesthesia, and it is also undesirable to have a hotbed of infections in the mouth. A visit to the optometrist is necessary, as some of the eye diseases are the basis for a cesarean section.

Remember that proper preparation for pregnancy is the key to a successful pregnancy and a safe birth of a healthy baby.

Be healthy!

The first signs of pregnancy before the delay of menstruation after conception

Many women are eagerly waiting for the cherished two strips to appear on the pregnancy test. But how to determine that the long-awaited conception has come before the test can be used? In this article, we will tell you what are the first signs of pregnancy at the earliest possible date, at the appearance of which a woman can say with confidence that she will soon become a mother.You will learn about the signs of pregnancy, and if they coincide with your symptoms, then the likelihood of conception is quite high.

When a new life is born inside a woman, and she learns about her pregnancy, she is filled with incomparable emotions and feelings. Every woman at least once in her life should feel this unique phenomenon, which is like a real miracle. Some inexperienced girls think that in the early stages of conception they will be able to “feel” the onset of pregnancy when there is some movement inside her body.But this is not true, since no woman who has not yet experienced the joy of motherhood can immediately understand that she has become pregnant. Not only young girls, but also older women are also unable to instantly determine that a new life has arisen inside their bodies. Not every young girl has an idea of ​​the symptoms of early pregnancy, and women who have already experienced the joy of motherhood no longer remember them or think that these are age-related changes.

We invite women to find out how the main symptoms of pregnancy manifest themselves in the early stages.

Increased irritability

The earliest sign of future motherhood is increased irritability and nervousness. In addition, a pregnant woman cannot control her behavior, even realizing that her nervousness and irritability are not normal. The woman becomes very aggressive, and sometimes the nervous outbursts are of such power that, compared to them, the monthly PMS will seem like a “gift”.Such irritability and nerves, like taut strings, should make a woman think that she is pregnant. The woman reacts sharply to the people around her, believing that there are “only cretins and idiots” nearby. If you look soberly at the situation, then this behavior and condition is caused by the fact that in the body of a pregnant woman a restructuring begins at the hormonal level, and this is the first stage of all subsequent pregnancy processes.

Nausea during pregnancy

Nausea and nausea are some of the most common signs that a new life has arisen within a woman’s body.This condition is called early toxicosis, and it is expressed differently for each lady. Some women feel a little nauseous in the morning, while others go through this period very hard. For example, for every meal, a woman vomits, and she cannot stand the sight and smell of food. Many pregnant women are constantly haunted by lightheadedness – a state of dizziness throughout the day or at a certain period of the day.

Change of taste preferences

The expression “pulls for salty”, familiar to all the ladies, appeared for a reason.A striking symptom of pregnancy is a change in taste preferences. For many ladies, this is expressed in an unbridled craving for salty food – pickled cucumbers, sauerkraut, all kinds of pickles, herring, dried and dried fish, etc. For pregnant women, all food often seems tasteless and undersalted, so “gobble” half a can of pickles or tomatoes becomes a habitual pleasure.

Swelling and tenderness of the mammary glands

Every woman knows such a condition before the onset of menstruation as breast swelling and soreness.When a woman is pregnant, her breasts swell even more and veins show through. In most cases, the vein situation can be observed late in pregnancy, although in some it may occur early. Some ladies clearly express their feelings, and say that their chest is pulling.

Delayed menstruation

The most reliable and certainly the most obvious sign that a woman is in an interesting position is the absence of menstruation at the right time.Every woman knows that a delay in menstruation in most cases is strong evidence of pregnancy and this is true.

The fact that menstruation did not come at the right time suggests that the girl became pregnant. And if the pregnancy test showed two bright stripes, then you can forget about your period for a long time, and many critical days do not have more than the period of bearing a child. For many women, this is a pleasant state – no pads or discomfort.

Specific signs of pregnancy

The first specific sign of an interesting situation in women is an increase in the activity of the vaginal microflora, which is expressed in a strong white discharge in the form of flakes. Although, this situation is not observed in all women.

The second specific sign of pregnancy is expressed in the fact that a woman gets tired quickly and is constantly drawn to sleep. It so happens that sleep disturbance can occur.

The third sign of an interesting situation is aversion to any food and a change in the perception of various smells.

The next sign on our list is the appearance of a “metallic taste” in the mouth.

If you have such specific signs, then you can assume pregnancy, although this is not always accurate, since the female hormonal system is often “naughty” and surprises. Today there are a lot of proven modern diagnostic tools for “interesting situation”, and the most affordable is a pregnancy test, which can be purchased at any pharmacy.And if the test shows two red stripes, then the expectant mother needs to visit the gynecologist to undergo the necessary examinations, procedures, tests that are associated with pregnancy.

Below we will tell you about the questions that women who suspect that they are pregnant often ask, and we will give answers to them. You have already learned a lot from the information given above, but it will not be superfluous to repeat the “theory” again.

Signs of pregnancy before the onset of a delay in menstruation

Speaking about the first signs of pregnancy, it should be understood that in the case when a woman does not observe her period at the set time, she goes to the pharmacy for a pregnancy test to confirm or deny the new condition.But such tests can very accurately confirm pregnancy only when there is a delay in menstruation. And if a lady wants to find out about her position even before the appointed date of the next menstruation, she needs to concentrate on some specific signs. And for some, they are quite tangible, and someone does not notice them at all, because pregnancy is a unique phenomenon and for each woman it proceeds in its own way.

Check your breasts first.And if they are swollen and sore more than in the period before menstruation, there is a chance of pregnancy. Your breasts can get much larger. In addition, a dark pigment streak appears in the groin area and darkening of the alveoli. Age spots may also appear on your face, and your nipples may become covered with small pimples.

Many women in early pregnancy have dramatic changes in food habits, refusal of favorite foods and a desire to eat something unusual not only during the day, but also at night.There is hypersensitivity to odors, often leading to nausea and vomiting. Pregnant women often feel dizzy during the day, although some feel this condition only in the morning. Some pregnant women eat everything, noting an increased appetite. And someone refuses food due to its complete rejection, accompanied by vomiting. Many ladies know firsthand what PMS is: irritability, tearfulness, outbursts of anger and nervousness. During pregnancy, these sensations can increase significantly, and the woman has difficulty in controlling herself.The reason for this condition is that the hormonal system of the expectant mother is undergoing changes, and the body is rebuilding and adapting to the upcoming bearing of the baby.

Some ladies note pulling pains in the lower abdomen and scanty bleeding, which resembles early menstruation. And the fact is that in the interval of 8-10 days, the ovum, after passing the fallopian tubes, is attached to the wall of the uterus, which is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. It is very difficult to determine pregnancy at the initial stages, but it is still possible if the basal temperature is measured every day.Many of you know that after the onset of ovulation, the basal temperature will be elevated and if conception has occurred, then it will be more than 37 degrees. And if you observe a sharp drop in temperature on the thermometer, then pregnancy has not occurred, and wait for the arrival of menstruation.

Of course, nature has rewarded each woman with its own special organism, and we are all different, therefore, the specific signs of pregnancy are manifested in everyone in different ways. Some women do not observe signs of pregnancy at all, but before the onset of the date of menstruation, they feel that they are in a position.And everyone knows that the famous female intuition often does not fail. But it is better not to get sick with increased suspiciousness.

Is it possible to notice pregnancy in the first week

It is certainly very difficult to notice pregnancy in the first week. The egg, which has been fertilized, for seven days moves to the uterus through the fallopian tubes, and along this path the process of formation of the umbilical cord and placenta takes place. The future baby, who is in the embryonic stage, has already taken shape and its size is no larger than a pea.After a week, it will gain a foothold on the uterine wall and will grow there until delivery. If you observe the above signs in yourself and at the level of intuition feel that you will become a mother, then this can be confirmed after a while.

Video

We recommend keeping a diary of basal temperature, and if fertilization has occurred, then the temperature will be above 37 degrees. This is a fairly clear sign of pregnancy and has a high probability.In addition, the woman constantly wants to sleep, she is irritable and nervous. Often, the expectant mother is thrown into the cold, then into the heat, she quickly gets tired even from light labor. There may be headaches, and even migraines – these signs are caused by the restructuring of the body at the hormonal level and its preparation for bearing a fetus. Nausea, enlargement and swelling of the mammary glands, and pulling back pains – this is what the expectant mother can expect.

But if you notice such symptoms in yourself, you do not need to immediately rush to extremes, since they do not always indicate the conception of a baby.If you are impatient before the onset of your period with a 100% probability of finding out whether you are pregnant or not, then a blood test will help you here. Although, where is the hurry? After a while, nature will put everything in its place by itself.

Sensations at the first stage of pregnancy

If conception happened, then a number of individual signs can confirm this fact. Many women immediately resort to the help of tests, but the existing symptoms help determine the likelihood of pregnancy, since a large number of factors can only be symptoms of a “false pregnancy”.This condition can often be observed in women who very much dream of becoming a mother and are in nervous tension when it comes to menstruation. And this dream of having a baby clouded the mind so that the woman herself “winds up” these pregnancy symptoms for herself. With 100% confidence, only a gynecologist can confirm the fact that a woman is expecting a baby, but when the gestation period is about 4-5 weeks.

If we turn to statistics, then in the early stages of pregnancy (within the first month after fertilization of the egg), 90% of women change the state of their mammary glands.On palpation, there is some soreness, and the breast itself becomes extremely sensitive. There is a feeling of a certain bloat, an increase in volume. Often a mesh of veins protrudes on the chest, and this is the “work” of the hormonal system. In addition, the nipple and areola become dark brown in color. Sometimes when a woman squeezes a nipple, colostrum appears.

There are women who experience toxicosis even before their periods should come. According to statistics, more than 60% of women experience nausea during their early pregnancy.Often there is vomiting, complete disgust and rejection of food, and more often it happens in the morning. The sense of smell also changes, and sometimes a woman cannot stand some smells at all. And it so happens that strange and seemingly unpleasant smells for a pregnant woman become pleasant and attractive. Many of you have heard the story when a pregnant woman wanted with every fiber of her soul to eat a piece of … chalk. Or she demanded lemons or pickles in the middle of the night. One girl, no matter how ridiculous it may sound, demanded that her husband take her to the railway station … sniff the rails! And this is not the whole list of oddities that can appear in a pregnant woman.

When the “pregnant uterus” begins to actively grow, the woman may feel pain in the sacrum or lower back. When the pregnancy has already reached one month, the growing fetus, increasing in size, can put pressure on the uterus, which contributes to the frequent urge to urinate.

Salt is often retained in the body, so a woman’s legs and arms may swell. It happens that the edema is small, but many women are faced with noticeable edema, which is uncomfortable.

There may be a slight bloody discharge, reminiscent of a scanty period – this is because the fertilized egg has passed through the fallopian tubes and is attached to the wall of the uterus.

Of course, you should not rely entirely on your own intuition, since the initial period of pregnancy is the most responsible, and if you assume that a new life is growing inside you, go to an appointment with a gynecologist for registration. Your pregnancy will be calm and comfortable under the supervision of a doctor.You will undergo the necessary examinations, pass the tests, and the development of the baby will be under the supervision of professionals.

If pregnancy proceeds with pathologies

Not every pregnancy goes smoothly and comfortably, and some women face pathologies that require medical attention. If a pregnant woman feels severe pain in the area of ​​the uterus, fallopian tubes or abdomen, then this is a dangerous symptom of the pathological process. The temperature may be elevated or remain normal.If there are no menstruation, but such symptoms are present, then this may mean that the woman has an ectopic pregnancy, which threatens her life and health. An urgent examination and operation is required here. You cannot hesitate, as this can cause serious consequences for the reproductive system, and in a neglected case, death. Of course, death is rare, and a woman should not panic, but abnormal pregnancy should be monitored by a doctor from the very beginning.

Video

All a pregnant woman needs is to be positive, because this state is wonderful and unforgettable.And when your long-awaited baby is born, happy moments of motherhood will fall on you and a new chapter of life will open, full of emotions and joy.

90,000 Pregnancy Mood Swings | Pampers RU

Pregnancy can be challenging for the psyche. Perhaps doctors, friends, and family pay more attention to the physical manifestations of it, but for you, mood swings can be associated with no less difficulties.

Why do we experience a storm of emotions during pregnancy? And how to deal with mood swings during this period?

Why mood swings occur during pregnancy

From the very beginning of pregnancy, you most likely feel differently, not how you expected.You may have thought that you would be nervous, but you are calm. Or you thought you would be ready for anything, but you feel insecure. Mood swings are common in the early stages of pregnancy.

Many expectant mothers experience a range of emotions during pregnancy. In the first trimester, it can be difficult to fully realize that you are expecting a baby. In the second trimester, feelings become more realistic and you ponder pregnancy and the future, and in the third trimester, you worry about realizing what responsibility (and joy, too) motherhood bears.All this is a great emotional restructuring!

In addition, hormonal changes leave their mark on the understandable feelings of anxiety and vulnerability.

Role reversal

Pregnancy also changes the distribution of roles within the family. If you are expecting your first child, then you are moving from your single or married status to a life where you will take care of the dependent baby and be responsible for it.

There can also be a change in the relationship with your parents and your partner’s parents.If this is their first grandchild, they may need to get used to the idea that they will become grandparents. Plus, many parents like to give advice, which can sometimes annoy you.

If you are expecting a second, third or fourth child, that also makes a difference. Perhaps now you are worried about whether you can devote enough time to other children, whether you can cope with new responsibilities. Having a sibling can be stressful for other kids, but don’t worry too much, it will pass over time.

What mood swings are common during pregnancy

Do not worry about sudden mood swings during pregnancy. Remember, not all of these emotions are necessarily painful. You can alternately experience:

• Joy, feeling of happiness or high spirits

• Depression, insecurity, fear

• Irritability

• Calm

• Dependence on 11

then

what will you give the world a miracle

• Love for the baby

• Uncertainty due to appearance, anxiety due to the loss of control over a constantly changing body

• Absent-mindedness and forgetfulness

• Sadness for some moments from a past life

• Worries about money, taking care of a child, loss of independence, changes in relationships.Fear about the birthing process, doubts about whether you will be a good mother, anxiety about other people’s expectations, etc.

• Anxiety about the physical manifestations of pregnancy, such as nausea or weight gain.

• Impatience – You may feel as if you have been pregnant for many years

• Tearfulness

How to keep your mood swings under control

Mood swings during pregnancy are common.Here are some tips to help you get your bearings.

• Eat healthy and exercise regularly

• To reduce anxiety, start attending courses and support groups for expectant mothers, consult your doctor and psychologist, read books about pregnancy

• Share your feelings with your partner, friends or family

• Irritability occurs more often when you are tired, so try to get more rest

• Do not self-medicate or try to take your own mood medications, even herbal remedies.Be sure to consult your doctor.

Right now – and this opportunity will not be presented for a long time – all attention should be focused on you, so take care of yourself whenever possible. The closer you get to due date, the more often you remind yourself that in a few years, those nine months will be a fond memory of how it all began.

Signs of early pregnancy

After fertilization, hormonal changes begin in the woman’s body, which cause the appearance of external and internal changes.With careful attention to health, you can find out about pregnancy even before the test. For its early detection, you need to pay attention to the general condition of the body. Conception affects all of his systems – from the sexual to the digestive. Therefore, a woman learns about the upcoming motherhood by observing the symptoms that relate to each of these areas.

How pregnancy manifests itself at the initial stage: the first signs.

The first signs of pregnancy are associated with a change in the concentration of progesterone in the blood.This biologically active substance is produced by the ovaries. Progesterone performs the following functions:

• Prevents the appearance of uterine contractions (they can cause detachment of the ovum, miscarriage).
• Prepares the endometrium for embryo attachment.
• Provides adequate blood supply to the uterus.

Additionally, after the onset of conception, the production of human chorionic gonadotropin, the hormone of pregnancy, begins in the female body.As it is produced, various symptoms appear associated with the general well-being and the activity of individual organs. A woman learns about the upcoming motherhood by the state of the menstrual cycle, but there are many more signs that, after conception, appear earlier than others.

Breast enlargement and sensitivity

Under the influence of the produced progesterone and chorionic gonadotropin, the glandular tissue of the breast becomes edematous. Therefore, the woman notices that the bust becomes larger by 1-1.5 sizes.The first signs that occur in pregnant women:

• Darkening of the areolas and nipples.
• Increased breast sensitivity.
• Pain in the mammary glands.
• The appearance of pronounced capillary networks on the breast skin.
• Discharge of a small amount of fluid from the nipples.

In some cases, the pain in the chest becomes so pronounced that the woman refuses to wear a bra. If discomfort in the mammary glands is an unusual symptom, you need to contact a gynecologist and undergo an examination.In most cases, chest pain is combined with a delay in menstruation, which should be reported to the doctor during his visit.

The appearance of bloody discharge

Among the first signs that occur in pregnant women is the discharge of a small amount of blood from the vagina, which indicates the successful attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall. The symptom is observed 7-12 days after the fertilization of the egg.

The appearance of smearing secretion refers to the clinical manifestations of many gynecological pathologies.The first of them is cervical erosion, which can go unnoticed for a long time. To understand that secretion is not caused by disease, you need to take into account the accompanying signs of the condition. Bloody discharge should not be accompanied by itching in the genital canals, fever, pain in the lower abdomen, aches in the lumbosacral back.

Dizziness

Under the influence of hormonal imbalance, the blood supply to the brain changes. Along with other signs of the initial stage of pregnancy, a woman feels dizziness, which occurs:

• After changing the position of the body from horizontal to vertical.
• At rest, no antecedent factors.
• After minor physical activity.

Dizziness is the first subjective sign of pregnancy: the condition must be compared with diseases that are accompanied by a violation of the blood supply to the brain. For example, with vegetative-vascular dystonia, neurological disorders, hypertension. If dizziness is associated with conception, it can lead to loss of consciousness, therefore it is important that those who are able to provide first aid are nearby.

Nausea, vomiting

Each hormonal change affects the function of the digestive tract. Therefore, already at the initial stage of pregnancy, a woman notices dyspeptic disorders – nausea and vomiting. The condition is defined as toxicosis, and it must be compared with the manifestations of food poisoning, concussion, hypertension. The listed violations are similarly manifested by attacks of nausea, turning into vomiting. In some, dyspepsia occurs earlier, while others – later, which is associated with the individual characteristics of the organism.The appearance of nausea and vomiting in conjunction with a delay in menstruation is the basis for a pregnancy test.

Delayed menstruation

The menstrual cycle is a mechanism regulated by nature, and after the onset of fertilization, it undergoes changes. The absence of menstruation on the usual date indicates new processes taking place in the body. A delay of 5-6 days is the basis for performing a pregnancy test and an indication for visiting a gynecologist. Sometimes this symptom indicates a dysfunction of the ovaries, which is preceded by fasting, stress, hypothermia.A delay in menstruation by 1-3 days is not considered a deviation from the norm.

Hemorrhoids

Inflammation of hemorrhoids does not always occur in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Since progesterone stimulates blood flow to the perineum, the anal area is also intensively supplied with it. If the hemorrhoids are inflamed in a woman even before conception, they swell during gestation, and the condition is accompanied by:

• Bleeding from the anus.
• Itching in the anus.
• Pain during bowel movements and at rest.
• Swelling of the problem area.
• Difficulty assuming a comfortable body position.

If before conception the woman did not have inflammation of the hemorrhoids, after conception she is predisposed to the development of this disease. The more intensely the level of progesterone rises, the greater the risk of developing inflammation of the plexuses that lie inside the anus. Hemorrhoids can occur even in the first days of the 1st trimester.

Frequent urination

Anatomically, the uterus is located behind the bladder. Due to hormonal changes that occur in the body after fertilization, the mucous and muscle tissue of the female reproductive organ is filled with blood, swells, due to which its cavity increases. Compression of the bladder leads to an increased urge to pass urine. A woman can use the toilet up to 3 times an hour. But, since signs of cystitis are also accompanied by increased urination, it is important to exclude the presence of an inflammatory process in the bladder.This requires a visit to a urologist.

Acne

During pregnancy, facial skin may deteriorate due to the appearance of rashes. In addition, the activity of the sebaceous glands increases, which makes the epithelium oily, creates an unattractive shine. Skin changes are associated with hormonal imbalances. Rashes can appear even in those women who have not had such dermatological problems before pregnancy. In every 3 cases, the skin condition normalizes on its own during the first trimester.

Spontaneous changes in mood

The increase in progesterone levels, which is observed during the initial stage of pregnancy, affects the psychoemotional state. The primary manifestations are insomnia, irritability, apathy, and a predisposition to depression. As the hormonal balance stabilizes, psychological well-being returns to normal. Emotional disturbances are not a direct, but an indirect sign of pregnancy, since it is necessary to draw a parallel with such disorders as neurosis, panic attack.

Change in libido

A woman’s libido depends on hormonal balance, which is predetermined by the concentration of progesterone and estrogen. Therefore, fluctuations in these biologically active substances that occur after conception are reflected in sexual desire. Already in the first phase of pregnancy, you can feel the appearance of sexual desire or notice its complete absence. In addition to reducing libido, the condition is complemented by:

• The appearance of a large amount of vaginal discharge of a transparent, thick consistency.
• Slight pulling sensations in the lower abdomen.
• Abdominal distension.

The listed symptoms together indicate the presence of hormonal imbalance and changes in ovarian activity.

After stabilization of the level of progesterone in the blood, libido is restored.

Increase in body temperature

A general increase in body temperature observed during pregnancy is one of the first signs of its onset. Malaise is associated with the individual characteristics of the body, and is explained by the reaction of the immune system to the changes occurring.The temperature is kept at subfebrile levels for a short time, and already at 2-3 weeks of pregnancy, its indicators are normalized. During the first trimester, an increase in body temperature can be observed several more times. In the absence of additional indications, this should not cause concern.

After conception, the basal body temperature rises, which can be determined by measuring it in the rectum. If her readings exceed 37 ° C, and there is a delay in menstruation, this is the first sign of upcoming motherhood.

Heartburn, change in taste

Hormonal fluctuations affect the state of the taste buds, so previously favorite foods can be disgusting. At the same time, a pregnant woman sometimes has a craving for new or unnatural remedies, or a desire to combine foods that are incompatible in taste. For example, a woman may want to eat chalk, or both sweet and smoked foods at the same time, although she has not previously been addicted to such a diet.

A change in taste is the first sign of pregnancy, which is complemented by:

• Prolonged heartburn.
• Frequent recurrent bloating.
• Tension of the anterior abdominal wall, pain during palpation.
• Violation of the defecation process.
• Swings in appetite: aggravation alternates with periods of complete absence.

A change in taste is observed starting from the first weeks after conception. Some women experience an increase in appetite and cravings for new / unusual foods only after 4 weeks of pregnancy. In general, the sign appears one of the first, but does not serve as clear evidence of upcoming motherhood.

Sudden loss of consciousness

Along with other signs, pregnancy is manifested by a decrease in blood pressure. Hypotension is caused by hormonal changes that occur in the first hours after fertilization. Against the background of a decrease in blood pressure, drowsiness and even fainting may occur. But loss of consciousness is not the main, but an additional (indirect) sign that should be considered only as one of the manifestations of the general condition. Sometimes gestation proceeds with mild manifestations of hypotension and does not lead to loss of consciousness.

Nasal congestion

Progesterone affects the nasal mucosa, causing it to swell and produce secretions. Difficulty breathing and a general deterioration in well-being are the first signs that arise as a result of this process. Nasal congestion should only be considered as an adjunct to the main signs of pregnancy. After the normalization of the hormonal balance, the symptom is eliminated on its own.

The first signs of pregnancy are, first of all, a multi-day delay in menstruation, breast swelling, irritability and drowsiness.The rest of the symptoms occur in a different sequence and, depending on the individual characteristics of the organism, may differ in the degree of intensity. The general state of health of a woman is of no small importance. The presence of chronic endocrine diseases distorts the overall clinical picture and makes it difficult to quickly identify the first signs of pregnancy.

how to understand that you are pregnant

Pregnancy tests and ultrasounds are the most reliable ways to determine if you are pregnant.But there are a number of symptoms that are likely to help you do the same. And this is not only the absence of menstruation.

Signs of pregnancy may include morning sickness, sensitivity to odors, and increased fatigue.

Signs of pregnancy: when to expect them?

Experts count the duration of pregnancy from the date of the last menstrual period.

The expected due date is also calculated from the first day of the last period.That is why the first weeks, when there may be no signs, are also included by specialists in the total duration of pregnancy, which, as you know, lasts 40 weeks.

Most common signs of pregnancy

Signs are arranged chronologically as they appear:

• Short bleeding or bleeding
• Moderate pulling pains in the lower abdomen
• Delayed menstruation and changes in body temperature
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breast swelling and tenderness
• Frequent urination
• Bloating, constipation, heartburn
• Mood Swings
• Nasal congestion
• Increased appetite
• Rapid heartbeat
• Breast and nipple reshaping
• Noticeable weight gain

Discharge or bleeding and pain in the lower abdomen

From the first to the fourth week, the fertilized egg turns into a group of cells filled with fluid, a blastocyst, which will then develop into organs and body parts of the unborn child.

Approximately 10-14 days after conception, the blastocyst is introduced (implanted) into the endometrium lining the uterus. This can lead to short-term bleeding, which is sometimes mistaken for the onset of menstruation.

Here are some signs of implantation bleeding:

• Color : from pink to red or brown.
• Discharge : Often comparable to normal menstruation. Sometimes identified by stains on sanitary napkins.
• Pain : May be mild to moderate.
• Duration : Implant bleeding usually lasts less than three days and does not require treatment.

Delay of menstruation

As soon as the embryo implantation is completed, the body begins to produce chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone helps the body maintain pregnancy. It also inhibits the monthly production of mature eggs by the ovaries.Therefore, approximately two weeks after conception, you will encounter a delay in your period.

Most home tests can detect hCG as early as eight days after the delay. The test helps to detect hCG in urine and thereby confirm pregnancy.

Increased body temperature

An increase in body temperature is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. In addition, body temperature may rise even more during exercise or in hot weather.During this stage of pregnancy, you need to drink more water and exercise with caution.

Fatigue and sleepiness

Fatigue can manifest itself at any stage of gestation. But most often this symptom occurs precisely in the early stages of pregnancy. Drowsiness is caused by an increase in progesterone levels.

We recommend:

• In the first weeks of pregnancy, you may periodically feel a lack of energy. Try to get enough sleep.
• A lower temperature in the bedroom can improve sleep – in the early stages of pregnancy, the body temperature can be higher than usual.

Rapid heartbeat

At 8-10 weeks of gestation, the heart may begin to beat faster and harder. Heart palpitations and arrhythmias are normal and are associated with changes in hormone levels.

Ideally, a general examination should be done before conception. If you have heart problems, the doctor will select the appropriate therapy for the period of pregnancy.

Breast changes: tenderness, pain, height

Breast changes usually occur between the 4th and 6th weeks.The breasts are likely to become more sensitive and increase in volume. Usually, this condition goes away after a few weeks, when the fluctuations in hormone levels stop.

We recommend:

• Buy a comfortable maternity support bra. Cotton bras without underwire are often the most comfortable.
• Choose models with adjustable shoulder straps – this will give you more room to “grow” in the coming months.
• Match your bra with inserts that will reduce friction between your breasts and the fabric.

Mood changes

Estrogen and progesterone levels rise during pregnancy. It can affect your mood and make you more emotional and sensitive than usual. Mood swings are common during pregnancy. They can cause depression, irritability, or anxiety.

Frequent urination

During pregnancy, the body increases the amount of blood circulating in the body. This causes the kidneys to process more fluid, which means that the bladder fills faster than usual.

Hormones have a marked effect on the condition of the bladder. Bottom line: you will visit the toilet more often – and this is another symptom of early pregnancy.

We recommend:

• Drink more liquid – an extra glass and a half a day will be enough.
• Plan to use the toilet ahead of time to avoid the consequences of incontinence.

Morning sickness, nausea and vomiting

Nausea and morning sickness usually develop at 4-6 weeks.Although such ailments are called morning ailments, they can develop at any time of the day or night. It is not known exactly what causes this condition, but, apparently, hormones play an important role in this.

During the first trimester, many women experience morning sickness of varying severity. They can get worse towards the end of the first trimester, but often get weaker as the second trimester approaches.

We recommend:

• Eating a few salty crackers before getting out of bed in the morning can help relieve morning sickness.
• Stay hydrated by drinking more water.

Sensitivity to odors and aversion to food

Odor sensitivity is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. Researchers have found a trend in which pregnant women find most scents more intense during the first trimester. Watch out for this symptom, as sensitivity to odors can cause an attack of nausea and even vomiting. Alternatively, an aversion to some products may appear.

We tried to describe the most common first signs of pregnancy. But do not forget that bearing a child is an individual and unique experience. And this is the case when it is better to rely not only on sensations, but also on the achievements of modern medicine.

Read also:
Irregular menstrual cycle: causes of irregular cycle
How to prepare for conceiving a child
Delayed menstruation: possible causes

90,000 First trimester of pregnancy.Part 2

Zlatina Elena Aleksandrovna, doctor obstetrician-gynecologist, Ph.D.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, the formation of the main organs and systems in the fetus occurs. The first to start functioning is the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system.It should be said that the central nervous system continues its development until the very end of pregnancy and at the same time develops faster than other other systems and organs in the fetus. That is why the first trimester of pregnancy is very important and most vulnerable from the point of view of the impact on the fetus of some unfavorable environmental factors. Therefore, up to 8 weeks, it is desirable to limit, or better to completely eliminate the intake of any medications. The exceptions are folic acid and iodine.It is advisable to start taking these drugs a few months before conception, or at least from the moment of establishing the fact of pregnancy. Pregnancy affects the entire body of a woman, the severity of these manifestations is associated with the duration of pregnancy, with the number of fetuses and with the individual characteristics of the woman.

The first and sometimes the only signs of a pregnancy that has come are weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue. Nausea and vomiting may occur.If vomiting continues several times a day, sometimes several dozen times a day, this may require inpatient treatment. Therefore, in any case, a woman needs to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Certainly, you should stop smoking. With regard to physical activity during pregnancy, in particular in the first trimester of pregnancy, physical activity is extremely beneficial for a pregnant woman. The exception is the state when the threat of termination of pregnancy is established.In this case, physical activity should be excluded. If there are no signs of a threat of termination of pregnancy, then such loads as walking, swimming, walking in the fresh air are considered the most favorable for a pregnant woman. It is desirable that these were daily walks in the fresh air in the region of one to one and a half hours, walks before bedtime are preferable. Riding a bicycle and any other physical activity that is accompanied by vibration and body shaking should be excluded, as this can cause complications of pregnancy.

As for the nutrition of a pregnant woman in the first trimester of pregnancy, there are no strict dietary restrictions at this stage. It should be said that in the first trimester of pregnancy, the taste preferences of pregnant women can change. Do not be shy about satisfying them, and you need to eat often. This should be about 5-6 meals a day. However, the portions do not need to be large. That is, frequent fractional meals should be in the first trimester of pregnancy.

In the modern world, women lead a very active lifestyle.Therefore, I would like to dwell separately on the fact that it is advisable to exclude air travel during pregnancy. All travel and business trips are best done by land transport. Naturally, given the opportunity.

Pregnancy is not a disease, but it is a burden on the body of the expectant mother, which makes certain adjustments to the way of life. The woman needs to get enough sleep. If you have a job that is associated with occupational hazards, they should be abandoned from the very beginning of pregnancy.

It is very useful to attend courses for pregnant women, as they include, as a rule, not only physical therapy classes, but also lectures, which involve informing women about what happens to her during each period of pregnancy.

Clinic Scandinavia has created an online school for pregnant women and young parents, thanks to which you will receive the maximum of theoretical and practical knowledge.

After the woman first visited the obstetrician-gynecologist, and the fact of pregnancy was confirmed, the woman is informed that she needs to register for pregnancy.You can register for pregnancy both in the antenatal clinic both at the place of residence and in medical centers that are licensed to conduct pregnancy.

Pregnancy management in the clinic “Scandinavia” means regular consultations of qualified obstetricians-gynecologists, carrying out the necessary research and analyzes. Our programs for expectant mothers are designed in accordance with the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization.

It is desirable to register for pregnancy before 12 weeks.This is due to the fact that when registering for pregnancy, a woman passes a fairly wide range of tests, undergoes a number of examinations, which allows you to identify any deviations early enough and correct them. In particular, examination for the level of thyroid hormones is very important, since the correction of hypothyroidism during pregnancy is necessary and prevents the development of complications of both pregnancy itself and the formation of the fetus.

Then the woman registers for pregnancy and a plan is determined for her with the frequency with which she should visit the obstetrician-gynecologist doctor.If this is a normal pregnancy, then up to 20 weeks of pregnancy it can be 1 dose every 4 weeks.

Thus, if a woman suspects a pregnancy, you should contact an obstetrician-gynecologist for all the necessary advice and recommendations that will allow you to endure a pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.

Date of publication: 01/17/17

90,000 Signs of Depression | Clinic Family Doctor

Recent studies show that a fifth of people in countries with high incomes and living standards suffer from depressive disorders.Unfortunately, depression is often not perceived by the patient himself and his environment as a serious illness that requires compulsory treatment, but is seen as an indicator of laziness, pessimism, and simply disgusting. The good news is that these disorders are treatable, so accurate diagnosis and timely therapy can prevent relapse and worsening of the condition.

Poor public awareness of the typical signs and consequences of depression often leads to the fact that professional help is either not provided at all, or comes already at a later stage.

There are a huge number of manifestations of depression, depending on the nature and form of the disease, so we will focus on the most common symptoms. They are all divided into 4 groups:

• emotional signs,
• cognitive or thinking symptoms,
• physiological manifestations,
• behavioral signs.

So, you need to pay attention to the following main manifestations of depression:

1. Melancholy, depression, anxious forebodings, irritability, the appearance of unmotivated weakness.
2. Dissatisfaction with oneself, decreased self-esteem and self-confidence.
3. Inability to concentrate, make a decision, lethargy.
4. Negative thoughts, lack of life prospects, suicidal thoughts (in severe cases).