Trying to conceive can be a stressful and anxious time for any woman. The two-week wait between ovulation and menstruation is often the longest and most frustrating part of the entire process. Many women want to find out if they are pregnant as soon as possible so that they can either begin or continue planning for their new arrival.
If you’re really impatient to see results, you may be surprised to know that your body can actually be a pretty good indicator – if you monitor yourself carefully.
For some women, pregnancy symptoms start within just a few days of conception; others don’t experience anything at all until a few weeks into the pregnancy. Either way, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of pregnancy so you can be prepared for what’s to come.
So what are the early signs of pregnancy?
Nausea/ Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, also called “morning sickness”, can occur at any time of day and even before you realize you are pregnant. Many women mistake nausea and vomiting for a stomach bug or the flu!
Enhanced Sense of Smell and Taste
Many women find that they become more sensitive to smells during pregnancy and certain common food odors, like those of tea, coffee, or toast, can cause nausea.
Frequent Urination
You may find yourself needing to use the restroom more frequently as early as one week into the pregnancy. This increased urge to urinate may happen during the day as well as during the night.
Breast Tenderness
It’s not uncommon for women to report that their breasts and nipples enlarge and become extremely tender early on in pregnancy – all in preparation for breastfeeding!
Tiredness
You may feel exhausted early on in pregnancy, and this fatigue may continue throughout your first trimester.
Missed Period
For many women, the first sign of pregnancy is cramping and back pain, which can feel like your period is about to start at any moment. However, it’s important to remember that this is often normal and just a sign that your body is getting ready for pregnancy!
Cramping and bleeding, even if it is light, should always be reported to your doctor to rule out any possible complications.
Light Bleeding/ Spotting
About 8-10 days after ovulation, some women may experience light bleeding. This usually occurs around the same time that their period would have been due.
Dizziness/ Fainting
Pregnancy can cause changes to a woman’s sense of taste and smell, which can lead to unintentional weight loss and skipped meals. This can in turn cause low blood sugar levels, dizziness, and fainting.
Pregnancy hormones can often lead to constipation as they work to slow down your metabolism and help your developing baby absorb all the nutrients it needs. If you’re experiencing constipation, there are a few things you can do to help relieve the symptoms. Try eating high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly. If these home remedies don’t work, talk to your doctor about other options.
Irritability
Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to a woman’s body, and it’s no wonder that all of these hormonal and physical changes can lead to some irritability. If you’re feeling extra sensitive during early pregnancy, try to take some time for yourself to relax and de-stress. Also, make sure you’re getting plenty of rest and eating healthy foods to help your body cope with the changes.
Heartburn/ Indigestion
Heartburn and indigestion are usually associated with the later stages of pregnancy, but some women experience them early on. If you’re experiencing heartburn or indigestion, there are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms:
– Avoid spicy, greasy, or fatty foods
– Eat smaller meals more frequently
– Drink plenty of fluids
– Prop up your head and upper body when you sleep
– Wear loose-fitting clothing
– Avoid lying down immediately after eating
Changes in Complexion
All of the pregnancy hormones coursing through your body can sometimes cause your skin to break out in spots, but this is usually only temporary and should settle down by the second trimester.
Increased Cervical Mucous
Many pregnant women notice an increase in the amount of cervical mucous they produce. The mucous is usually thick and white.
Weight Loss
Cutting out alcohol and eating less due to a decreased appetite are both common during the first trimester of pregnancy, so it’s not surprising if you lose weight during this time. However, considering that most women try to eat more healthily during pregnancy, it is completely normal!
The nine months of pregnancy are a special and amazing time. savor every moment, because it will go by quickly.
This is an edited version of Sinead Hoben’s Early Pregnancy Symptoms.
