Mood swings signs of pregnancy. Navigating Pregnancy Emotions: Understanding and Managing Mood Swings
How do hormonal changes affect emotions during pregnancy. What are common emotional experiences for expectant parents. How can pregnant individuals cope with mood swings and anxiety. What strategies can help manage pregnancy-related emotions.
The Hormonal Rollercoaster of Pregnancy
Pregnancy initiates a cascade of hormonal changes that prepare the body to nurture a growing fetus. The primary players in this hormonal symphony are estrogen and progesterone, which surge to unprecedented levels. While these hormones are crucial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, they can also wreak havoc on a woman’s emotional state.
How exactly do these hormones influence mood? Estrogen and progesterone affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain, particularly serotonin and dopamine, which are key regulators of mood and emotion. This hormonal flux can lead to:
- Sudden mood swings
- Increased tearfulness
- Heightened irritability
- Feelings of anxiety or depression
These emotional fluctuations are typically most pronounced during the first trimester when the body is adjusting to the rapid hormonal changes. However, some women may experience mood swings throughout their entire pregnancy.
The Emotional Landscape of Expectant Parents
While hormones play a significant role in pregnancy emotions, they’re not the only factor at play. The psychological impact of impending parenthood can evoke a wide range of feelings for both expecting mothers and their partners.
Common Emotional Experiences
Many expectant parents find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster, experiencing:
- Excitement and awe at the prospect of creating new life
- Anxiety about the responsibilities of parenthood
- Vulnerability and overwhelm due to impending life changes
- Doubts about parenting abilities
- Concerns about relationship dynamics
- Worries about financial stability
For those who have experienced previous pregnancy loss or undergone fertility treatments, these emotions may be particularly intense. The joy of pregnancy can be tempered by fear and anxiety about potential complications.
Specific Concerns of Expectant Parents
Many pregnant individuals grapple with specific worries throughout their pregnancy journey:
- Fear of accidentally harming the baby through diet or lifestyle choices
- Uncertainty about the safety of sexual activity during pregnancy
- Apprehension about the childbirth process
- Concerns about postpartum life and returning to work
It’s important to note that partners often experience similar concerns and emotional upheavals, even without the hormonal changes. The impending responsibility of parenthood can be just as daunting for non-pregnant partners.
Strategies for Managing Pregnancy Emotions
Navigating the emotional terrain of pregnancy can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help expectant parents cope with mood swings and anxiety.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking good care of your physical health can have a profound impact on your emotional well-being. Focus on:
- Getting adequate rest and sleep
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- Staying hydrated
- Engaging in gentle, pregnancy-safe exercise
Regular physical activity, in particular, has been shown to improve mood and general fitness during pregnancy. It can also help prepare the body for labor and reduce the risk of certain pregnancy complications. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen during pregnancy.
Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques
Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can help manage anxiety and mood swings. Consider trying:
- Mindfulness meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Prenatal yoga
- Progressive muscle relaxation
These practices can help you stay grounded in the present moment and provide valuable tools for managing stress throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
The Power of Communication in Pregnancy
One of the most effective ways to manage pregnancy emotions is through open and honest communication. Bottling up concerns can exacerbate anxiety and stress, while sharing your feelings can provide relief and support.
Talk to Your Partner
If you have a partner, make them your first line of emotional support. Discuss your fears, hopes, and concerns openly. This can help strengthen your bond and ensure you’re both on the same page as you prepare for parenthood.
Seek Support from Friends and Family
Don’t hesitate to lean on your support network. Friends and family members who have been through pregnancy can offer valuable insights and reassurance. Sometimes, simply knowing you’re not alone in your experiences can be incredibly comforting.
Connect with Other Expectant Parents
Joining prenatal classes or support groups can provide an instant network of people who are going through similar experiences. These connections can offer:
- Peer support and understanding
- Practical advice and tips
- A sense of community
- Opportunities to share concerns and celebrate milestones
Practical Steps for Emotional Well-being During Pregnancy
In addition to self-care and communication, there are several practical steps you can take to enhance your emotional well-being during pregnancy.
Create a Pregnancy To-Do List
The multitude of tasks associated with preparing for a baby can feel overwhelming. Creating a comprehensive to-do list can help you:
- Organize your thoughts and priorities
- Break down large tasks into manageable steps
- Track your progress and feel a sense of accomplishment
- Reduce anxiety by ensuring nothing is forgotten
Consider including items such as researching benefit entitlements, scheduling midwife appointments, planning a healthy pregnancy diet, and preparing essentials for your baby’s arrival.
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power, especially during pregnancy. Take time to educate yourself about the pregnancy process, childbirth, and early parenthood. This can help alleviate fears stemming from the unknown and empower you to make informed decisions about your care.
Plan for the Future, but Live in the Present
While it’s important to prepare for your baby’s arrival, don’t let planning consume your entire pregnancy. Take time to enjoy the present moment and celebrate the miraculous process of growing a new life.
When to Seek Professional Help for Pregnancy Emotions
While mood swings and emotional fluctuations are normal during pregnancy, there are times when professional help may be necessary. It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate your emotional state may require additional support.
Signs That You May Need Professional Help
Consider seeking help from a mental health professional if you experience:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Difficulty performing daily tasks due to emotional distress
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Withdrawal from social activities or relationships
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many mental health professionals specialize in perinatal mental health and can provide targeted support for pregnancy-related emotional challenges.
The Role of Partners in Managing Pregnancy Emotions
Partners play a crucial role in supporting the emotional well-being of pregnant individuals. While they may not experience the hormonal changes firsthand, they can still be deeply affected by the pregnancy and the impending life changes.
How Partners Can Provide Support
Partners can offer valuable emotional support during pregnancy by:
- Listening without judgment
- Offering reassurance and validation
- Helping with practical tasks and preparations
- Attending prenatal appointments and classes
- Educating themselves about pregnancy and childbirth
- Practicing patience and understanding
It’s also important for partners to acknowledge and address their own emotional needs during this time. Open communication and mutual support can strengthen the relationship and create a solid foundation for parenthood.
Embracing the Emotional Journey of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a transformative experience that brings a wide range of emotions. By understanding the hormonal and psychological factors at play, expectant parents can better navigate this emotional landscape.
Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and there’s no “right” way to feel. By prioritizing self-care, maintaining open communication, and seeking support when needed, you can embrace the emotional journey of pregnancy and prepare for the joys and challenges of parenthood.
As you navigate this exciting and sometimes overwhelming time, be gentle with yourself. Acknowledge your feelings, celebrate the small victories, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. The emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy is a normal part of the journey to parenthood, and with the right support and strategies, you can emerge stronger and more prepared for the adventure ahead.
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:
- Abdominal or stomach pain in pregnancy
- Bleeding in pregnancy
- Headaches during pregnancy
- Leg discomfort in pregnancy
- Breathlessness and shortness of breath in pregnancy
- Leg cramps and pain in pregnancy
- 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.
First signs of pregnancy before delay, early symptoms
Significant hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. This causes a number of symptoms. Some women experience pregnancy symptoms right away, while others may only have a few. About the first signs of early pregnancy and when exactly appear the initial signs of pregnancy are described in the article.
When do the first signs of pregnancy appear
The answer to the question of when the first signs of pregnancy appear is rather ambiguous, because some women do not feel any signs at all during the first few weeks. At what week do the first signs of pregnancy appear in others? When do the first signs of pregnancy appear after conception? Symptoms of very early pregnancy (such as breast tenderness) may appear before a missed period, as early as six to seven days after conception, while other early signs of pregnancy (such as spotting) may appear about a week after ovulation. We will tell you more about the first signs of pregnancy before menstruation and when the signs of pregnancy appear.
What are the earliest signs of pregnancy?
The first signs of pregnancy in the early stages:
- delayed menstruation – 29%;
- nausea – 25%;
- mood swings – from 14 to 23%;
- breast changes – 17%;
- pain in the lower abdomen – 15%;
- depression – 15%;
- fatigue, drowsiness – 13%
- decrease in immunity – 6%;
- the first signs of pregnancy – discharge or implantation bleeding – only 3%.
Physiological first signs of pregnancy
What are the very first symptoms of pregnancy?
The most common physiological signs of pregnancy include:
- Tender and enlarged breasts. Signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception include breast changes (1-2 weeks after conception). The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken.
- Drowsiness and fatigue. Fatigue is also among the signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone rise dramatically, which can cause drowsiness.
- Nausea with vomiting. When do these signs of pregnancy appear? Morning sickness, which can appear at any time of the day or night, often appears between the second and eighth weeks after conception.
- Dizziness and fainting . This may be due to dilation of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Spasms. Some women experience symptoms of pregnancy in the early days, such as slight cramps in the uterus.
- Headaches and back pains. Many pregnant women complain of frequent headaches and others experience back pain.
- Insomnia – another first sign of pregnancy before the test. Causes can include stress, physical discomfort, and hormonal changes.
- Change in taste preferences. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these eating habits can be attributed to hormonal changes.
- Temperature. Early signs of pregnancy include fever (37-37.5).
- Delayed menstruation. How long does it take for the first signs of pregnancy to appear? If you are of childbearing age and a week or more has passed without your expected period, you may be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.
- Bloody discharge – the first signs of pregnancy . This bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, about 10 to 14 days after conception.
- Bloating, heartburn. Hormonal changes can cause problems with the stomach and esophagus – these are common signs of pregnancy at 2 weeks.
- Constipation . Hormonal changes cause the digestive system to slow down, which can lead to constipation (signs of pregnancy after a delay).
- Frequent urination. You may urinate more than usual, a common sign of pregnancy at 5 weeks. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, causing the kidneys to process excess fluid that enters the bladder.
- Runny nose. The appearance of this symptom is associated with excessive production of the hormone estrogen.
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases. This is a sign of pregnancy after ovulation.
- Increased salivation. Also associated with hormonal changes.
- Sense of smell enhancement . Signs of pregnancy in the first two weeks may cause sensitivity to certain smells and the sense of taste may change.
Emotional first signs of pregnancy
The first signs of pregnancy before delay (earliest signs of pregnancy) include psycho-emotional symptoms.
- Mood swings.
- Irritability.
- Vulnerability, tearfulness.
- Capriciousness.
- Depression.
These are all emotional signs of early pregnancy that many women report. They describe feelings of heightened emotion or even bouts of crying, which are associated with rapid changes in hormone levels in the body. Also, signs of pregnancy at week 4 can make you feel PMS-style cranky. In addition, about 15% of women suffer from depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And after childbirth, these conditions suffer even more. In this case, it is better to seek help from a doctor.
Do everything you can to improve your mood: get plenty of rest, eat well, get enough sleep, do things you love, and pamper yourself.
However, be aware that mood swings can be caused by a number of conditions other than pregnancy.
Influence of early pregnancy on daily routine
Early signs of pregnancy, mainly those that bring discomfort, can cause a change in daily routine. Here are some tips on what you can do with some of them:
- In case of toxicosis, avoid too hot or too cold food – this provokes an attack of vomiting. Eat often – at least 5-6 times a day, but in small portions.
- For nausea or vomiting, try ginger, chamomile, or vitamin B6.
- Drink plenty of water, in small sips between meals, to replenish lost fluids. Teas, juices, fruit drinks are also suitable.
- For back pain, wear shoes or shoe insoles designed for pregnant women and avoid high heels. Sleep on a firm mattress.
- For chest discomfort, wear a special bra that supports your enlarged breasts.
- For constipation, eat more fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran and fresh vegetables and fruits.
- If you suffer from headaches and mood swings, try stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Be outdoors more often, at least half an hour a day. This helps to reduce the symptoms of toxicosis, calm the nervous system.
- Maintain your daily physical activity for as long as you feel comfortable doing certain activities.
- Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Important! All these tips are advisory in nature, be sure to consult your doctor if you encounter discomfort.
What to do if you find early signs of pregnancy
To make sure the signs of pregnancy are accurate, you can use the following methods to diagnose early pregnancy:
- Donate blood for hCG. This method can be used a few days after conception. This type of pregnancy test is done using a small sample of blood that is analyzed in a hospital. It determines whether there is a pregnancy hormone in your body and in what quantity. Its accuracy is 99%.
- Use a test strip. It can be used at home from the first days of delay.