Indrani GuhaPregnancy comes into your life with great surprises, that imply so many changes in your body!
The signs and symptoms of pregnancy can include:
- Nausea or morning sickness
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Frequent urination
- Food aversions or cravings
- Mood swings
- Missed period
It’s important to note that not all women will experience all of these symptoms, and some women may have different symptoms entirely.
If you suspect you may be pregnant, it’s important to confirm with a healthcare provider through a pregnancy test or medical examination.
All the signs and symptoms of pregnancy have been described below-
Nausea
Nausea is one of the common signs and symptoms of pregnancy, often referred to as morning sickness.
However, it can occur at any time of the day and not just in the morning.
Nausea during pregnancy is caused by hormonal changes in the body and it can be accompanied by vomiting.
During the 6th week of pregnancy, a person is halfway through their first trimester. At this stage, the embryo is starting to take on a more recognizable shape, with the development of eyes, ears, and a nose. The heart is also beginning to beat and blood is circulating throughout the body. The neural tube, which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord, is forming. Some people may experience symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness. It’s important to continue taking prenatal vitamins and to schedule regular prenatal care appointments with a healthcare provider.
Certain factors such as stress, certain smells, and certain foods can worsen nausea.
Drinking plenty of water, eating small and frequent meals, getting enough rest, and avoiding triggers can help alleviate the symptoms.
In some cases, medication may be necessary to control severe nausea and vomiting.
If you are experiencing severe nausea or vomiting that interferes with your daily life, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider.
Fatigue
Fatigue, or feeling tired and sluggish, is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause fatigue as the body works to support the growth and development of the fetus.
The body needs to produce more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to the baby, which can put a strain on the mother’s body, leading to feelings of exhaustion.
Other factors that can contribute to fatigue during pregnancy include:
- Anemia (low iron levels)
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
To help manage fatigue during pregnancy, try to get plenty of rest and sleep, eat a healthy diet, and engage in light physical activity such as walking or prenatal yoga.
It’s also important to talk to your healthcare provider if you have excessive fatigue that interferes with your daily life.
Tender or Swollen Breasts
Tender or swollen breasts are among the common Signs and symptoms of pregnancy, as the body prepares for lactation.
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause the breasts to become swollen and sensitive to the touch.
The breasts may also feel heavier and fuller.
The breast changes can start as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy and can continue throughout the pregnancy.
It’s also common for the areolas (the dark circles around the nipples) to darken and for small bumps (Montgomery’s tubercles) to appear on the areolas.
To help alleviate discomfort, you may want to wear a supportive bra and avoid tight-fitting clothes.
Also, if you have any pain or discomfort, or if you notice any discharge, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider.
It’s worth noting that breast tenderness can also be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and it’s not exclusive to pregnancy so other causes should also be ruled out.
Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause the uterus to expand and put pressure on the bladder, making the need to urinate more frequently.
As the pregnancy progresses and the uterus expands, the pressure on the bladder will subside, and the frequency of urination will decrease.
However, as the baby grows and drops lower in the pelvis, in the last trimester, it can put pressure on the bladder again leading to frequent urination.
It’s important to note that frequent urination can be one of the common Signs and symptoms of pregnancy, as well as of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other conditions, so it’s important to mention this symptom to your healthcare provider so they can rule out any other potential causes.
Drinking plenty of water and avoiding drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as coffee or tea, may help alleviate the symptoms.
It’s also important to empty your bladder before and after sexual intercourse to help prevent UTIs.
Food Aversions
Food aversions are a common symptom of pregnancy, where a woman may develop a strong dislike or disgust for certain foods or smells.
The cause of food aversions during pregnancy is not entirely understood, but it is thought to be related to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
Aversions to certain foods can happen at any time during pregnancy, but it’s most common during the first trimester.
It’s also common to have aversions to certain smells, even if the woman previously enjoyed them.
Food aversions can make it challenging to eat a healthy and balanced diet, but it’s important to try to eat as well as possible despite the aversions.
Pregnant women should aim to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need for a healthy pregnancy.
If a woman is struggling to eat due to aversions, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider or a dietitian for personalized advice.
It’s worth noting that food aversions can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as an eating disorder, so it’s important to mention this symptom to your healthcare provider to rule out any other potential causes.
During pregnancy, it’s important to be aware of the foods and drinks that should be avoided to ensure the health and safety of both the person carrying the baby and the developing fetus. Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs should be avoided, as well as unpasteurized dairy products and juices.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are one of the most popular signs and symptoms of pregnancy as the body goes through a variety of hormonal changes.
These changes can cause a woman to feel more emotional and sensitive than usual.
Mood swings can range from feelings of happiness and excitement to feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability.
The hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can contribute to mood swings.
Additionally, the physical and emotional changes that come with pregnancy can also contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
It’s important to try to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally during pregnancy.
This can include things like getting enough rest, engaging in light physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques, and talking to friends, family, or a therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Mood swings can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder, so it’s important to mention this symptom to your healthcare provider so they can rule out any other potential causes and provide you with the appropriate support.
Missed period
A missed period is one of the most common and well-known signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
A missed period occurs when a woman does not menstruate at the expected time, and it can be an early indication of pregnancy.
However, it’s important to note that a missed period can also be caused by a variety of other factors such as stress, weight changes, changes in birth control, and certain medical conditions.
It’s important to note that not all women have regular menstrual cycles and some may have irregular periods, so a missed period may not always be an indication of pregnancy.
Additionally, some women may experience light spotting or bleeding during early pregnancy, which can be mistaken for a light period.
If you suspect you may be pregnant and have missed your period, it’s important to confirm with a healthcare provider through a pregnancy test or medical examination.
It’s also important to talk to your healthcare provider if you have missed a period and you suspect you may be pregnant but have a negative pregnancy test.
Home Pregnancy Tests
Home pregnancy tests are a convenient and easy-to-use method for confirming pregnancy.
They are available without a prescription and can be purchased at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online.
They work by detecting the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a woman’s urine.
It’s important to note that a positive pregnancy test does not always indicate a viable pregnancy, and some women may experience a chemical pregnancy (a very early loss of pregnancy) or an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus).
A positive pregnancy test should be confirmed with a healthcare provider through an examination, ultrasound, or blood test to confirm the pregnancy and rule out any potential complications.
There are two types of home pregnancy tests:-
Urine tests: The most common type of home pregnancy test, can be either a strip or midstream test, where you hold the test stick in the urine stream or collect urine in a container and then place a test stick into the urine.
Results can be read within a few minutes.
Saliva-based tests: These tests use a small sample of saliva instead of urine to detect hCG.
It’s important to follow the instructions provided with the test and to test at the right time (usually the first urination in the morning) when the hCG levels are the highest.
It’s also important to note that the test results can be affected by certain medications, so it’s best to consult the package insert or talk to your healthcare provider.
It’s important to note that home pregnancy tests are not always 100% accurate and false-negative results can occur, especially if the test is taken too early or if the test is not used correctly.
Conclusion
Do not overlook the signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
Finding out you’re pregnant can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. The most common way to confirm pregnancy is through a home pregnancy test, which detects the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a person’s urine.
A positive home pregnancy test should be confirmed with a healthcare provider through an examination, ultrasound, or blood test to confirm the pregnancy and rule out any potential complications.
It’s also important to note that a missed period can also be caused by a variety of other factors such as stress, weight changes, changes in birth control, and certain medical conditions.
Pregnancy can have a significant impact on a woman’s physical and emotional well-being, so it’s important to take care of yourself and seek support from friends, family, or a healthcare provider.
Love yourself well!
Resources-
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343630645_Common_symptoms_and_signs_during_pregnancy
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