You may be wondering if your seafood dinner from last night is to blame for how you’re feeling today. Maybe you think you’re coming down with a cold, or perhaps you suspect you could be pregnant. How can you tell the difference between these three possibilities?
I hope that this article provides you with the guidance you need. We will discuss early pregnancy symptoms and signs, so that you know what to look for.
A late or missed period is often one of the first signs of pregnancy, but it’s not the only one. If you miss your period and have been sexually active, you should take a pregnancy test. It’s important to remember that many women still experience bleeding during pregnancy, but it will be lighter and for fewer days.
Spotting and light bleeding can occur during early pregnancy stages, usually 6 to 12 days after conception. This happens when the tiny embryo attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. Besides missing your period, other early pregnancy symptoms include fatigue, food cravings, and nausea.
There are several changes that your body will undergo once you become pregnant. One of the most significant changes is the swelling of your breasts. Women tend to experience this as early as 1-2 weeks into the pregnancy. The breasts can become very sore and tender during this time, which can be quite discomforting for some women. In addition to breast tenderness, you may also notice the darkening of your areolas. The nipples usually become darker when you are pregnant.
One of the things that can be most daunting for pregnant women is morning sickness. Nausea is a common symptom experienced by many women during the early stages of pregnancy, typically occurring between weeks 2 and 8 after conception. And although it’s called morning sickness, you can actually get it at any time of day. Some women are lucky enough to avoid morning sickness altogether, but for many others it can last throughout the entire pregnancy. If you’re experiencing morning sickness, try to stay positive and remember that it won’t last forever!
When you’re pregnant, it’s normal to experience extreme tiredness or fatigue. This can make you want to stay in bed all day, as you’re often sleepy or just don’t have the energy to get up and about. But don’t worry, this is perfectly normal for an expecting woman!
As if pregnancy wasn’t challenging enough, another symptom expectant mothers have to deal with is the constant need to urinate. You may feel like you’re permanently stationed near the toilet or that your bladder just can’t hold it any longer. Pregnant women have to put up with this and make extra trips to the bathroom every day. Although it may be inconvenient, try your best to empty your bladder completely each time as holding it in can lead to urinary tract infections.
During pregnancy, it’s common for women to experience aches and pains, including backaches and headaches. In the early stages of pregnancy, you may start to feel lower back pain as your body adjusts to the changes. This can continue throughout the pregnancy as your belly grows. Additionally, hormone changes can cause headaches in early pregnancy. If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Of course, who can forget the food cravings of a pregnant woman? While it might not be a longing to eat odd combinations of food like sardines and chips, many pregnant women do feel a craving for certain types of food. This craving could also last throughout the entire pregnancy.
The above are the most common symptoms that a woman may go through in the early stages (and some women throughout their entire pregnancy). If you experience any of these symptoms, get a pregnancy test kit or meet with your doctor. Please keep in mind that symptoms may vary from person to person as each woman is unique.
