Symptoms of Early Pregnancy - What You Need to Know

FamilyPregnancy

  • Author Hollie Swapp
  • Published August 17, 2011
  • Word count 628

The symptoms of early pregnancy can start right from when the sperm enters the egg into the first trimester. However, the symptoms vary from woman to woman. Some may never have any, while for others the body will keep on giving hints to your new condition.

The following are some of the symptoms of early pregnancy, which are most common:

Missing a Period: Missed a period is usually the first indication of pregnancy. Although some pregnant women may still experience bleeding, typically from 1-2 weeks after conception. This is caused by fertilized egg attaching itself to the uterus or uterine wall. This phenomenon is called as implantation bleeding.

However, just because you missed a period, does not necessarily mean pregnancy. This may also be due to emotional stress or other physical reasons.

Frequent Urination: Due to physical changes and hormonal imbalances, a pregnant woman has a frequent need to urinate. This usually occurs 2-3 weeks after conception and continues throughout the gestational period.

Swollen Breasts and Sensitive Nipples: Swollen and tender breasts with very sensitive nipples are also very common symptoms during the first trimester. You breasts may feel bloated and heavier than usual. Again, this usually occurs 1-2 weeks after conception.

Skin and Nipple Color Change: Deepening of the areolas (the circle surrounding the nipple), and darkening of certain areas of skin like the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, etc., in the weeks after conception (first trimester) are common. These changes occur due to the different pregnancy hormones that are secreted by the body.

Fatigue: You may feel that no matter how much rest you get, it is still not enough for your body. You will probably feel tired and exhausted. This occurs due to changes in hormone level in the body. Fortunately after the first couple months, this goes away.

Increased Body Temperature: There is an increase in your basal body temperature in the following weeks after ovulation. This usually persists throughout pregnancy.

Bloating: You will most likely experience a bloated abdomen with about a one pound per month of weight gain. This usually occurs in the first trimester and is due to hormonal changes rather than baby formation. You will notice that your waistline is disappearing.

Cramping: Abdominal cramps occur more frequently in pregnant women. The uterus will contract regularly and often. Even small exercises, like walking can cause the cramps.

Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting, commonly referred to as "morning sickness" is one of the common symptoms of early pregnancy that is seen in most pregnant women. This can occur in any time of the day and typically starts in the 6th week after conception. This may occur earlier in some cases.

Pregnant women also tend to have an increased sensitivity to smell. Certain smells may seem more sensitive than others, and this can also lead to nausea and vomiting.

Food cravings: Cravings for certain food may occur due to nutrient deficiency. These cravings may start from the early stages of pregnancy and continue throughout the entire pregnancy.

Changes in Sense of Taste: Apart from a highly sensitive sense of smell and a craving for food, changes can occur even in your sense of taste. Some women may feel a metallic taste in their mouth, while for others it may be coffee, cakes, etc.

Apart from this, changes in your bowel movements are also one of the symptoms of early pregnancy. Constipation occurs due to pressure on the intestines. Drink more water.

Although the symptoms of early pregnancy are not a clear indication that you may be pregnant, a pregnancy test is the only way you can be sure that you are pregnant. So get a kit to test yourself at home and then make an appointment with your doctor..just to be sure.

Hollie Swapp is a prenatal instructor and author of Pregnancy-Tips-And-Advice.com offering valuable guidance for pregnant women. She includes information such as understanding symptoms of early pregnancy

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