Early Signs of Pregnancy
First
Physical Changes of Early Pregnancy (signs & symptoms)
Some women have all of the following early
signs of pregnancy and some have none. If you have had regular periods, you will
probably notice that you’ve missed a period. However,
some women do bleed for the first two or three months of their pregnancy,
but bleeding is usually short and there is scant blood. Also, about seven days or so after conception, the tiny group of cells that becomes the embryo (known as the blastocyst),
attaches itself to the uterine wall, and you may have slight vaginal spotting, called implantation bleeding,
while new blood vessels are being formed.
If you feel you may be in this situation be sure to get a Pregnancy Test , or do one for yourself
at home.
You may have to urinate more often because of increased hormonal changes, also your enlarging uterus presses against your bladder.
Your breasts will probably swell and be tender. They may tingle, throb or hurt. Your nipples
and the area around them (areola) may feel more sensation and may become darker and broader. Your milk glands begin to develop.
Because of an increased blood supply to your breasts, veins will become more prominent.
You may feel nauseated mildly or
strong enough to vomit. This is known as morning sickness
but can happen at any time of
the day and for any length throughout the day. A very good trick to help with this
symptom is to eat small meals more frequently throughout the day rather
than three large meals. Eat foods
high in protein. Munching crackers
or dry toast slowly before you get up in the morning can help a lot. Try to avoid greasy, spiced food.
Fatigue is something that occurs during early pregnancy, many women become frustrated with this and feel an overwhelming
sense of exhaustion. This is not
permanent! Your body is getting used
to all of the changes that are occurring and by the time second trimester
commences your energy should be back at pre-pregnancy
state, minus the extra weight you are carrying around.
You may have increased vaginal secretions(discharge, leukorrhea)
either clear, nonirritating or white, yellow,
foamy or itchy. The chemical makeup
as well as the amount of your vaginal fluids is changing. Your body is building up your mucus plug
to block the opening of the cervix in order to protect your baby from
infections and foreign bodies. This is very normal, consult a health practitioner if
this condition becomes significantly worse, begins to itch, smell
bad or burn as these symptoms may indicate
an infection.
Because of heightened amounts of progesterone in a pregnant woman’s
system she may experience irregular bowel movements. The progesterone relaxes smooth muscles
causing the bowels to function less efficiently as they once did. Decreased activity may also cause
constipation.
It is important for the diet to consist of foods high in fiber. Eat salads and fresh fruits frequently
and drink as much water as you can.
It is important to remember that everyone is different and
experiences symptoms in many diverse
ways. If you suspect you are pregnant and do not know definitely, it is
important for you to find out for sure.
If you are pregnant please don’t
forget that these symptoms (if you are
experiencing them) should go away early in
the second trimester and are happening for
a very good cause
Amenorrhea Absence of your monthly period. Other possible causes: weight gain or loss,
hormonal problems, tension, stress, breast-feeding, discontinuing birth control pills or birth
control injections.
Morning sickness Nausea and queasiness, usually experienced in the morning, but sometimes
during the entire day. Thought to be caused by a high level of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic
gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood, rapid stretching of the uterine muscles, excess acid in the stomach,
and an enhanced sense of smell. Morning sickness usually starts two to eight weeks after conception.
Other possible causes: food poisoning, tension, infection, gall bladder disease, other diseases.
Tender, swollen breasts Caused by an increased amount of the hormones estrogen and
progesterone. This is rarely accompanied by nipple discharge (galactorrhea). Breast tenderness
usually begins a few days after conception. Other possible causes: birth control pills, beginning
of period, fibrocystic breast condition.
Darkening of the areolas, the skin around the nipples The bumps on areolas (called
Montgomery's tubercles) may look more prominent. These changes happen gradually during the first
few weeks of pregnancy, as your breasts prepare to produce milk. Other possible causes: hormonal
imbalance, prior pregnancy, tanning, the physical changes of puberty.
Food cravings Caused by hormonal changes in the body. Food cravings are usually experienced
during the first trimester. Other possible causes: poor diet, stress, beginning of period (PMS).
Frequent urination Caused by an increased volume of body fluids and pressure from the
growing uterus. This usually starts six to eight weeks after conception. Other possible causes:
urinary tract infection, diuretics, tension, diabetes, drinking excess fluid.
Fatigue Caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone and the body's increased use of
energy as the fetus develops. This usually appears during the first trimester. Other possible causes:
tension, stress, depression, poor diet, flu, lack of exercise, poor sleep or lack of sleep.
Bleeding Spotting of blood that's pink or brown in color, sometimes accompanied by stomach cramps.
Caused by the egg implanting itself in the endometrial lining. Usually occurs about a week after
ovulation. Other possible causes: beginning of period, breakthrough bleeding from the pill.
Click on link to get Pregnancy Tests sent to you today.
Go back to
Gynecology & Women's Health home page
For a wealth of Pregnancy Information visit:
|
|
