Emotions during pregnancy | Pregnancy articles & support

Your emotions might not necessarily only revolve around excitement when you’re pregnant. Find out why this happens and how to manage emotions in pregnancy.

Hormonal changes in pregnancy along with your own personal circumstances can lead to strong emotions and moods (Bjelica et al, 2018). While partners don’t experience hormonal changes they can have strong emotions to deal with during pregnancy too (Finnbogadóttir et al, 2003).

Here we explain how the hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your emotions and how you can enhance your wellbeing.

Hormonal changes in pregnancy

As soon as a woman becomes pregnant, their body begins to prepare for safeguarding and maintaining the pregnancy. This increases levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone in their blood. Read more about what these hormones do in your body in our article about pregnancy hormones.

Higher levels of progesterone and oestrogen are important for a healthy pregnancy, but are often the cause of some common unwanted side effects. This is especially true in the first trimester.

Apart from sickness and tiredness, it’s common to have mood swings and feel tearful or easily irritated (Society for Endocrinology, 2018). Once the body has adapted to the higher levels of these hormones, the symptoms usually wear off. However, some women will experience them throughout their pregnancy. 

Emotions in pregnancy

Aside from emotional ups and downs caused by rising hormone levels in the first three months, the feeling of growing a new life can be exciting and awe-inspiring. It is also common to feel anxious, vulnerable and overwhelmed by the big changes that pregnancy and a new baby will bring (Bjelica et al, 2018). This can be particularly true for parents who are pregnant after previous loss or following fertility treatment.

Even if you feel excited by the pregnancy, you may have some unsettling thoughts. Perhaps there will also be some difficult decisions to make. Many women have questions that they ask of themselves. They might doubt their ability as a mother, how their relationship might change or how they will manage financially (Öhman et al, 2003). Other normal worries include:

• What if I do something accidentally to harm the baby, like eating or drinking something I shouldn’t?
• Should I stop having sex while pregnant?
• What will the birth be like?
• Will my life go back to normal afterwards, for example can I return to work?

Partners can also experience similar concerns during pregnancy (Finnbogadóttir et al, 2003).

Coping with emotions during pregnancy

It can be hard to think clearly or feel positive when you are feeling worried and tired. Taking good physical care of yourself, especially getting plenty of rest and sleep, may help to keep troubling emotions in proportion (MIND, 2020).

Gentle to moderate exercise can help to improve mood and general fitness in pregnancy, helping you prepare for labour and avoid some complications of pregnancy (Prather et al, 2012; ACOG, 2020). Try to build in some activity every day. Avoid contact sports or any strenuous exercise, particularly if you weren’t active before your pregnancy (NHS, 2020b).

Finding out about benefit entitlements, midwife appointments, how you can eat healthily in pregnancy and what you might prepare for your baby can feel overwhelming. So having a to-do list can help you get these things organised in your mind. This NHS to-do list contains lots of useful information. Maybe share your to-do list with your partner or a supportive friend or relative; they might be able to offer you support in ticking some items off that list.  

Talk it out

Bottling up concerns could increase your anxiety. Discussing your feelings and worries with someone who makes you feel comfortable can help you regulate your emotions and limit worry and anxiety (Torre and Lieberman, 2018).

Talking to other expectant parents may also reveal that you are not alone in your experiences, as well as providing peer support (McLeish and Redshaw, 2017). Joining an NCT antenatal course or a ‘bumps and babies’ group can give you an instant support network. You can find out here what local NCT activities are happening in your area.

Live in the moment

It may help to give yourself a rest, focus on your unborn baby and take time to enjoy the pregnancy. Or it might help to spend some time thinking about and doing things that aren’t related to the pregnancy. Maybe that includes indulging in your favourite hobby, catching up with friends or watching the new box office hit at the cinema.

Practising mindfulness techniques can be another useful way of managing big or changeable emotions (MIND, 2020). Using mindfulness could help you stay in the present moment, and provide you with other skills to help you deal with stressful situations and anxieties in pregnancy (Dunn et al, 2012; Matvienko-Sikar et al, 2016).

Calming techniques

Some people find listening to music and singing helpful in calming emotions and enhancing wellbeing in pregnancy (Chang et al, 2008; Wulff et al, 2021). Writing about your emotions and noting down how you feel about stressful events can also be a good tool for managing stress and anxiety (Ullrich and Lutgendorf, 2002).

Research shows that for some pregnant women, massage can be good for reducing anxiety and boosting mood (Field et al, 1999; Field et al, 2004). Also, attending antenatal yoga classes has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, and support you in preparing for birth (Kwon, 2020). Check that your massage therapist or yoga instructor is trained in working with pregnant women to ensure that your treatment is safe and effective. 

When you might need more support with your emotions

It is important to recognise that there is a difference between regular pregnancy emotions and a mental health issue. Pregnancy can be a time when people experience mental health issues for the first time (NHS, 2021).

Around one in eight women experience depression or anxiety when they’re pregnant (NICE, 2014). And around one in ten dads experience antenatal depression (Paulson and Bazemore, 2010).

Find out more here about the range of mental health symptoms that can occur and how to get support.

This page was last reviewed in March 2022.

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby: 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 baby.

Best Beginnings have a range of videos on emotions in pregnancy and after birth for mums and dads.

Healthtalk has videos of women talking about their experiences of early pregnancy: 

Symptoms and feelings in early weeks

Emotions during pregnancy

References

ACOG. (2020) Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 804. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135:e178-88. Available at: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/artic… [Accessed 8th March 2022]

Bjelica A, Cetkovic N, Trninic-Pjevic A, Mladenovic-Segedi L. (2018) The phenomenon of pregnancy—a psychological view. Ginekologia Polska. 89(2):102-106. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5603/GP.a2018.0017

Chang MY. Chen CH. Huang KF. (2008) Effects of music therapy on psychological health of women during pregnancy. J Clin Nurs. 17(19):2580-2587. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2007.02064.x

Dunn C, Hanieh E, Roberts R, Powrie R. (2012) Mindful pregnancy and childbirth: effects of mindfulness-based intervention on women’s psychological distress in the perinatal period. Arch Women Ment Health. 15(2):139-143. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-012-0264-4

Field T, Hemandez-Reif M, Hart S, Theakston H, Schanberg S, Kuhn C. (1999) Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 20(1):31-38. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3109/01674829909075574

Field T, Diego MA, Hernandez-Reif M, Schanberg S, Kuhn C. (2004) Massage therapy effects on depressed pregnant women. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 25(2):115-122. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/01674820412331282231

Finnbogadóttir H, Svalenius EC, Persson EK. (2003) Expectant first-time fathers’ experiences of pregnancy. Midwifery. 19(2):96-105. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0266-6138(03)00003-2

Kwon R, Kasper K, London S, Haas DM. (2020) A systematic review: the effects of yoga on pregnancy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 250:171-177. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.03.044

McLeish J, Redshaw M. (2017) Mothers’ accounts of the impact on emotional wellbeing of organised peer support in pregnancy and early parenthood: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 17(1):1-14. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-017-1220-0

MIND. (2017) Food and mood. Available at: https://www. mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/fo… [Accessed 8th April 2021]

MIND. (2020) How to improve your mental wellbeing. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/we… [Accessed 14th December 2021]

NICE. (2014) Antenatal and postnatal mental health. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical management and service guidance CG192. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG192 [Accessed 8th March 2022]

NHS. (2020a) Have a healthy diet in pregnancy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/have-a-healthy-diet/ [Accessed 8th March 2022]

NHS. (2020b) Exercise in pregnancy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/exercise [Accessed 14th December 2021]

NHS. (2021) Mental health problems and pregnancy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/mental-health-problems-pregnant/ [Accessed 8th March 2022]

Matvienko-Sikar K, Lee L, Murphy G, Murphy L. (2016) The effects of mindfulness interventions on prenatal well-being: a systematic review. Psychol Health. 31(12):1415-1434. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2016.1220557

Öhman SG, Grunewald C, Waldenström U. (2003) Women’’s worries during pregnancy: testing the Cambridge Worry Scale on 200 Swedish women. Scand J Caring Sci. 17(2):148-152. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1471-6712.2003.00095.x

Paulson JF, Bazemore SD. (2010) Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers and its association with maternal depression: a meta-analysis. JAMA. 303(19):1961-1969. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2010.605

Prather H, Spitznagle T, Hunt D. (2012) Benefits of exercise during pregnancy. PM R. 4(11):845-850. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.07.012

Society for Endocrinology. (2018) Hormones of pregnancy and labour. Available at: http://www.yourhormones.info/topical-issues/hormones-of-pregnancy-and-labour/  [Accessed 8th March 2022]

Torre JB, Lieberman MD. (2018) Putting feelings into words: affect labeling as implicit emotion regulation. Emot Rev. 10(2):116-124. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1754073917742706

Ullrich, Philip M, Lutgendorf, Susan K. (2002) Journaling about stressful events: effects of cognitive processing and emotional expression. Ann Behav Med. 24(3):244-250. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1207/S15324796ABM2403_10

Wulff V, Hepp P, Wolf OT, Balan P, Hagenbeck C, Fehm T, Schaal NK. (2021) The effects of a music and singing intervention during pregnancy on maternal well-being and mother–infant bonding: a randomised, controlled study. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 303(1):69-83. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-020-05727-8

Is it normal to have headaches, spotting or cramps in pregnancy? | Pregnancy, Worries and discomforts articles & support

Some pregnancy symptoms are more of a concern than others. Here’s a rundown of which bothersome symptoms are actually normal and which might be a concern.

In this article:

1. Abdominal or stomach pain in pregnancy
2. Bleeding in pregnancy
3. Headaches during pregnancy
4. Leg discomfort in pregnancy
5. Breathlessness and shortness of breath in pregnancy
6. Leg cramps and pain in pregnancy
7. Further information

If there’s one thing you can count on in pregnancy, it’s that you’ll have a few symptoms you weren’t expecting. While the nausea, cravings and tendency to cry as you watch Emmerdale are standard, some symptoms ring a few alarm bells. Here’s what you should keep an eye on.

Is it normal to have abdominal or stomach pain in pregnancy?

Abdominal pain, aches and cramps are common for pregnant women and usually nothing to worry about. The main cause of abdominal pain is ligaments stretching with the pregnancy.

Pain can be eased by lying down on the side opposite to the pain, having a warm bath, using a hot water bottle and moving more slowly (Aguilera, 2015).

When might stomach pain be a concern?

Contact your midwife or GP immediately if your pain doesn’t go away after a few minutes rest or if you also have:

• blood in your wee
• pain or a burning sensation when you wee
• vaginal discharge that seems out of the ordinary
• bleeding
• vomiting
• fever
• chills.

  (Kilpatrick, 2018)

Painful stomach cramps could be a sign of miscarriage if accompanied by bleeding or ectopic pregnancy. They could also be something unrelated to pregnancy.

Is it normal to have bleeding or spotting in pregnancy?

First, don’t panic. Vaginal bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy is common and doesn’t always indicate to problem. (RCOG, 2016; NHS, 2018a)

Early pregnancy bleeding can be down to spotting, cervical changes, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. (NHS, 2018a) In later pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may be due to cervical changes, vaginal infections, a ‘show’, placental abruption or a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia) (NHS, 2018a).

When might bleeding be a concern?

While bleeding is common, bleeding and/or pain can be a warning sign of a miscarriage or other complications so it is important that you immediately contact your GP or midwife, your local Early Pregnancy Assessment Service, NHS 111 or A&E it’s severe. (RCOG, 2016; NHS, 2018a)

It’s important to find out the cause of bleeding so your doctor or midwife will ask about other symptoms like cramping, pain and dizziness. You may also need to undergo a vaginal or pelvic examination, an ultrasound scan or blood tests to check your hormone levels. (NHS, 2018a)

Is it normal to have headaches during pregnancy?

Headaches are common during pregnancy but they usually improve or stop in the second and third trimester. You can take paracetamol if you need to but get advice from a pharmacist, midwife or GP about how much to take and for how long (NHS, 2018a).

To help prevent more headaches:

• drink plenty of fluids
• get enough sleep
• rest and relax. (NHS, 2018a)

Although most pregnancy headaches are innocent, they can be more serious or indicate an underlying heath condition like pre-eclampsia (RCOG, 2014).

When might headaches be a concern?

Call your midwife, GP or NHS 111 immediately if you get any of the following symptoms as they could be symptoms of pre-eclampsia:

• a very severe headache
• a problem with vision such as blurring or flashing lights in your eyes
• severe pain just below ribs
• vomiting
• sudden swelling in your face, hands or feet.

  (NHS, 2018a)

Is it normal to have swelling in pregnancy?

Gradual swelling in the legs, ankles, feet and fingers (oedema) is normal during pregnancy and isn’t harmful (though it can be uncomfortable).  Swelling is usually caused by more water staying in your body than usual. Swelling tends to get worse further into your pregnancy and at the end of the day, when water has gathered in the lowest parts of the body.

Here are some tips to avoid swelling.

• Avoid standing for long stretches of time.
• Choose comfortable footwear.
• Put your feet up.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Do foot exercises. Sitting or standing, bend up then point down your foot 30 times, and circle each foot eight times in each direction.

  (NHS, 2018c)

Is it normal to have shortness of breath in pregnancy?

Breathlessness is a common problem in pregnancy that may start in the first or second trimester. You are more likely to feel breathless if you have gained a lot of weight or are expecting more than one baby. Breathlessness can last until you are nearly ready to give birth. It won’t harm your baby but can be annoying for you. Try these tips to help ease your breathlessness:

• Keep in an upright position.
• Do light exercise such as walking or swimming.

When might shortness or breath be a concern?

If you’re suffering from tiredness and palpitations as well as breathlessness, it can be a sign of low iron levels in your blood. Make sure you discuss these symptoms with your midwife.

Is it normal to have leg cramps in pregnancy?

You’ll know you’re suffering from leg cramps if you get a sudden, sharp pain, usually in your calf muscles or feet. It will often happen at night and in the later stages of pregnancy but no-one quite knows why (NHS, 2017; NHS, 2018d).

Usually, cramps go away on their own but stretching and massaging the muscle might help the pain to lessen (NHS, 2017). You could also try pulling your toes hard up towards the ankle or rubbing the muscle hard (NHS, 2018d).  

Regular gentle exercises in pregnancy involving ankle and leg movements will help with circulation and might prevent cramp. See the foot exercises above (in the swelling section) and repeat on both feet (NHS, 2018d).

This page was last reviewed in March 2018

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 baby.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

References

Aguilera PA. (2015) Pregnancy, round ligament pain. Available from: www.emedicinehealth.com [Accessed 1st March 2018].

Kilpatrick CC. (2018) Approach to acute abdominal pain in pregnant and postpartum women. UpToDate. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-acute-abdominal-pain-in-p… [Accessed 1st March 2018].

RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists). (2014) Information for you: premature labour. Available from:  www.rcog.org.uk [Accessed 1st March 2018].

NHS. (2017) Leg cramps. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leg-cramps/ [Accessed 1st March 2018].

NHS. (2018a) Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/vaginal-bleeding-pregnant/ [Accessed 1st March 2018].

NHS. (2018b) Headaches in pregnancy. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/headaches-pregnant/ [Accessed 1st March 2018].

NHS. (2018c) Swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/swollen-ankles-feet-pregnant/ [Accessed 1st March 2018].

NHS. (2018d) Common health problems in pregnancy. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/common-pregnancy-problems/ [Accessed 1st March 2018].

RCOG. (2016) Bleeding and/or pain in early pregnancy. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/patients/patient-information-leaflets/pregnancy/pi-bleeding-and-or-pain-in-early-pregnancy.pdf [Accessed 1st March 2018].

RCOG. (2014) Healthcare professionals must be aware of the signs, symptoms and appropriate response to rarer causes of headaches. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/ [Accessed 1st March 2018].

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All of our articles have been thoroughly researched and are based on the latest evidence from reputable and robust sources. We create our articles with NCT antenatal teachers, postnatal leaders and breastfeeding counsellors, as well as academics and representatives from relevant organisations and charities.

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The first signs of pregnancy | Kotex®

Expert Comment
Gynecologist Anastasia Degteva

“You can’t diagnose yourself by the first symptoms. If you have a reason to suspect pregnancy (ineffective contraception or lack of it, delayed menstruation), then be sure to do a urinary pregnancy test or take a blood test for hCG.

Important! A blood test is a more accurate way to determine pregnancy than a urine test.

You should also exclude the possibility of pregnancy and consult a doctor if, after a delay, the discharge differs from the usual duration and volume. The appearance of bleeding may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, and not the onset of menstruation.

Although pregnancy tests and ultrasounds are the only ways to accurately determine pregnancy, there are a number of signs and symptoms to watch out for. How to understand that you are pregnant? The first signs of pregnancy include not only the absence of a period, but may also include fatigue, sensitivity to smells, and morning sickness. It is worth remembering that these are POSSIBLE signs of pregnancy, they can appear in both pregnant and non-pregnant women and are associated with ovulation and menstruation.

When do symptoms appear?

Oddly enough, the first week of pregnancy is determined by the date of the last menstruation.

Your last period counts as the first week of pregnancy, even if you haven’t actually been pregnant yet. The estimated due date is calculated from the first day of your last period.

Taking a home pregnancy test is the cheapest and easiest way to find out if you are pregnant. Remember that home pregnancy tests measure the level of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine, and there is usually less of it in urine than in blood.

The test gives the most accurate results from the moment of missed menstruation.

The menstrual cycle is considered delayed if the menstruation did not begin within 5 or more days after the day of their expected start.

However, it is worth remembering that even the day after the expected delay, more than a third of women have such home tests come back negative, and if you test too early, the result can be negative, even if you are already pregnant. You can do another test at home after a couple of days to get a more accurate result.

Signs and symptoms of pregnancy

If you are pregnant for the first time, then you may well not notice signs of pregnancy in the early stages or confuse them with symptoms of impending menstruation.

It is not worth spending long hours looking for answers on the forums in experiences, in any case, your research will not change what has already happened or has not happened, but mood and sleep can thoroughly spoil.

First signs and symptoms of early pregnancy:

• Slight lower abdominal pain and spotting
• Absence of periods
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Breast swelling
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Dizziness on movement
• Mood swings
• Temperature changes
• High blood pressure and and slight bleeding

  From weeks 1 to 4, changes in a woman’s body are still happening at the cellular level. A fertilized egg creates a group of cells filled with fluid, which is called a blastocyst, which, after pregnancy, will have to turn into organs and body parts of the fetus.

  Approximately 10-14 days after conception (4 weeks), the blastocyst attaches itself to the endometrium lining the uterine wall. This process can cause some bleeding, which can be confused with light menstruation.

  Here are some signs of such bleeding:

  • color can be red, pink or brown

  • bleeding: usually comparable to normal menstruation, usually lighter

  • painful sensations

  • usually lasts about three days

  No period

  After the blastocyst attaches to the walls of the uterus, the body begins to produce a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, which tells the body that it is time to stop releasing eggs from the ovaries every month. Most often, after conception, menstruation disappears at 4 weeks of pregnancy.

  If you’re late, it’s worth taking a home pregnancy test, especially if you have irregular periods.

  Fatigue

  Fatigue may appear at any time during pregnancy. During pregnancy, progesterone levels rise, and this hormone can make you feel sleepy. If you feel tired, then make sure you get enough sleep.

  Morning sickness and vomiting

  Nausea and morning vomiting usually develop between 4 and 6 weeks of gestation. In fact, such symptoms can occur not only in the morning, but in general at any time of the day. This symptom is typical for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you often feel sick, then you need to make sure that you drink enough water to avoid dehydration.

  Breast swelling and tenderness

  Breast changes may begin at 4-6 weeks of gestation. They are also associated with changes in hormone levels. Most often, the breast swells somewhat and becomes more sensitive than usual. Usually these symptoms disappear in the future, when the body gets used to the changed hormonal background.

  Frequent urination

  During pregnancy, blood flow increases and this causes the kidneys to process more fluid than usual, which can cause frequent urination even in the early stages of pregnancy.

  Constipation and bloating

  This symptom is similar to the typical menstrual symptom and is also caused by hormonal changes, which can slow down the digestive processes, which causes bloating and constipation.

  High blood pressure and dizziness during pregnancy

  Most often in the early stages of pregnancy in women, blood pressure drops, which can cause a feeling of dizziness due to vasodilation of the brain. High blood pressure in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy usually means that there are some health problems that occur along with pregnancy. Such a symptom may have been present unnoticed prior to pregnancy, or it may have developed during the process. In such cases, it is especially important to monitor your blood pressure and consult your doctor.

  Mood swings

  Since estrogen and progesterone levels are elevated during pregnancy, this can cause changes in your emotional background and you may become more sensitive than usual. They can cause such strong feelings as depression, irritability, euphoria and anxiety.

  Increase in basal body temperature

  Basal body temperature is the lowest body temperature it reaches during rest or sleep. It is determined by measuring the temperature in the early morning by inserting a thermometer into the rectum. Normal body temperature may also rise, especially during heat or physical activity. It is important to consume enough liquid in such cases. Make sure you don’t get too hot to sleep.

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

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

  Tags:

  How is the pregnancy

  Pregnancy test

  Health

  Sex

  vitamins

  Legion-Media

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

  Contents of article

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

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

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

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

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  How can I know for sure that I am pregnant?

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

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

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

  What causes pregnancy symptoms?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  An early sign of pregnancy: pulling pains in the abdomen

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

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

  Soreness of the mammary glands

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

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

  Fatigue

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

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

  Mood swings

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

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

  Nausea

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

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

  Vaginal discharge

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

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

  Change in eating habits

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

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

  Increased sensitivity to smells

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

  Frequent urination

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

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

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

  • 1st – 4th weeks

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

  • 1st – 6th weeks

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

  • 4th week

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

  • 4th – 6th weeks

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

  • Weeks 5-6

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

  • 6th week

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

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

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

  When does pregnancy occur?

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

  When can you accurately detect pregnancy?

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