There are only two ways of determining pregnancy; one is pregnancy tests and the other one is ultrasound. However, there are signs and symptoms by which you can tell you are pregnant. Early signs of pregnancy include a delay in more than one menstrual period, which includes morning sickness, odor sensitivity, and fatigue.
It may sound strange, but the first week of pregnancy coincides with the last menstrual period date. It means that the last menstrual period is the first week of pregnancy. The expected delivery date is also calculated using the first day of the last menstrual period. For this reason, the first weeks that a person may have no pregnancy symptoms are also considered as the first weeks of pregnancy.
The first signs of pregnancy may be seen in the first few weeks after fertilization. Here are 11 pregnancy symptoms:
1-Delayed menstruation
Delayed menstruation is the first cause of pregnancy in women who have tried to conceive. It is best to get a baby check-up a week after your period is delayed, or it is much better if you see your doctor for a blood test.
After implantation, women’s body begins producing a hormone called hCG (human placental gonadotropin) which helps the body maintain pregnancy and makes the ovaries stop the monthly egg release.
Women experience delayed menstruation four weeks after their pregnancy. If the periods are irregular, a pregnancy test should be performed to confirm. Most home tests can detect hCG as soon as there is an eight-day delay in the menstrual cycle. A pregnancy test can detect the level of hCG in the urine and show that the woman is pregnant.
2-spotting
During the first four weeks, everything still happens at a cellular level. The fertilized egg forms the blastocyst (a fluid-filled group of cells) that develops into different organs.
In the fourth week, which is about 10 to 14 days after conception, the blastocyst implants in the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). This process may result in implantation bleeding, but it should not be confused with a mild menstrual period.
Here are some signs of implant bleeding:
Color
The color of implantation bleeding may be a pinky-brown color, while Menstrual bleeding, may start off light pink or brown, then changes to crimson red.
Bleeding
The amount of bleeding is usually compared to each woman’s regular menstrual period. Implantation bleeding lasts less than three days and requires no treatment.
Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking illicit drugs that cause heavy bleeding.
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3-Muscle cramps and Pain
According to study of 4,539 women, 28% of women had spotting with pain which might be mild, moderate, or severe.
4-Increase in body temperature and fatigue
An increase in basal body temperature may also be a sign of pregnancy. Temperature of the central body may rise more rapidly while exercising or in hot weather. During this time, you should make sure that you drink more water and exercise with caution.
Fatigue can occur at any time during pregnancy. This symptom is very common in early pregnancy as the progesterone level rises and cause drowsiness.
5-Shortness of breath
One of the most common questions for women is whether shortness of breath is one of the early signs of pregnancy. The answer is yes; Shortness of breath is one of the symptoms of pregnancy.
If you experience shortness of breath as you climb stairs, it may be a sign of your pregnancy. The developing fetus needs oxygen, so your oxygen distribution between you and the fetus is limited, and this will continue throughout your pregnancy. It happens when your fetus gets bigger and starts putting pressure on your lungs and diaphragm.
6-Nausea
Nausea is another sign of pregnancy. Pregnancy nausea is not the same for all women. For example, many pregnant women experience nausea after the sixth week of pregnancy, and some with morning sickness, which may occur in the morning, noon, and night, earlier than the sixth week. Pregnancy nausea usually subsides in the second trimester. During this time, it is best to eat foods that are more compatible with your stomach.
7-Change in appetite, constipation, and bloating
During pregnancy, you may notice your craving for one food or a feeling of disgust for another! This condition may be a sign of pregnancy, and your body will announce that you are pregnant.
The feeling of bloating is due to the increased production of the progesterone hormone in pregnancy, which calms the function of the gastrointestinal tract and eventually leads to constipation.
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8-Breast changes
During pregnancy, breasts become fuller, swollen and tender. These changes are similar to those you may have noticed on your period. Also, the skin of the nipple darkens and the veins of the breasts become more obvious.
9-Hemorrhoids (piles)
Some women may develop hemorrhoids (also known as piles) due to refraining from constipation or because of the pressure the baby’s head has. But do not worry, these symptoms soon resolve naturally on their own after giving birth.
In case of bleeding, itching, discomfort or pain from hemorrhoids, it is recommended to:
Increase your daily intake of water and fiber.
Sit in warm salt water for 15 minutes.
Use hemorrhoid cream.
If the bleeding or pain continues, talk with your doctor.
10-Mood swings in pregnancy
If you have changes in your morals and behavior, it is because of your body’s exposure to new hormones, but you need to know that these changes are temporary and there is nothing to worry about.
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11-Odor sensitivity
If some of the odors are unpleasant to you, or you are allergic to some of the odors, it may be because you are having a baby! Pregnancy may cause allergies to various smells as a result of hormonal changes. Sensitivity to scent can cause nausea or a feeling of disgust from a particular food.
These were just a few of the symptoms of pregnancy. Naturally, these symptoms are many, and it is not possible to mention all of them in this article.
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