11 Common And Early Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is undoubtedly the most delightful news and experience a couple can have in their span of lives. Giving birth to your child and making something of your own brings with it its own joy and happiness. However, it can also lead to untimely stress or worry if it isn't planned.

Whether you are planning or not, keep an eye out for these visible signs and symptoms that are most common in early pregnancies. Some of them are clear signs while some could cloud your usual health issues. In any case, if you notice discrepancies in your menstrual cycle, it is always safe to first consult with your gynecologist immediately.

What Happens First
Missed Period
Bloating
Frequent Urination
Mood Swings
Swollen Breasts
Cramping
Nausea With Or Without Vomiting
Light Spotting
Food Cravings
Are You Really Pregnant?
Miscarriages During Pregnancy
Frequently Asked Questions:

What Happens First

In most cases, the first sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Pregnancy tests will show positive by this time. Also, you may experience at least the other early pregnancy symptoms which include tiredness, bloating, peeing more than usual, nausea, mood swings, and tender or swollen breasts.

Tip: If you have missed a period and are unsure of being pregnant, taking a quick pregnancy test will help you.

Here are the most common symptoms of pregnancy that you can tell:

Missed Period

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Women usually have a 28-day menstrual cycle which means there are about 5-6 days every month as a window when you can get pregnant. You’re the most fertile at the time of ovulation which is 12-14 days before your period. It might be helpful for you to keep track of your cycle and the time you engaged in sexual intercourse. However, otherwise, a missed period is a big signal that you need to check if you are pregnant.

Bloating

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Pregnancy is not easy by any means. Your body undergoes many biological and physical changes to provide a safe and nutritious incubation for the child. Thus, you might experience bloating or uneasiness due to higher levels of progesterone that slow down your digestive system. This condition makes your stomach looks puffier and fuller than usual. If you have missed your period and you experience bloating, then it’s time for you to keep an eager eye out on that pregnancy stick!

Frequent Urination

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When the baby presses on the bladder, the pressure increases and so does the need to urinate. These breaks can start early. The extra blood flow to the kidney along with the swelling uterus causes frequent urination. That does not, however, mean you cut back on your fluid intake. Keep that consistent and unless there’s a hint of burning sensation, urgency or any kind of infection, there’s nothing to worry about.

Mood Swings

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Well, it’s not PMS, but it can get that intense. This happens due to the increasing levels of hCG hormones which also cause fatigue and prone to moodiness. So the next time you find yourself enraged because you have nothing decent to watch or if your gardener took the day off, don’t worry. Give yourself some time to cool off and have something that you were craving.

Swollen Breasts

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Changes in breasts are the earliest signs you can spot, as early as two weeks after conception. Hormonal changes turn your breasts tender and sore. Sometimes, you may also find them grow fuller and heavier. However, it is not uncommon as they develop due to increased blood flow and the growing needs of the baby. You can wear a supportive, wire-free bra, loose-fitting clothes or maternity clothes. A regular warm shower might also help soothe the soreness.

Cramping

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Mild spotting and vaginal bleeding, also known as implantation bleeding, are also early signs of pregnancy. This happens when the fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus after two weeks of fertilisation. According to a study by the Department of Epidemiology, at the University of North Carolina, one-fourth of participants out of a study of 1207 experienced bleeding but only 8 percent reported heavy bleeding. Some women also experience cramping in their lower abdomen early on in their pregnancy.

Dr. Anjana Singh, gynecologist and director of obstetrics, at Fortis Hospital, Noida lists down how to care for yourself while expecting:

• Small and frequent meals are the norm. Avoid eating on a full stomach.
• A balanced diet including carbohydrates, proteins and minerals is essential and shouldn’t be avoided.
• Pregnant ladies should drink at least 3-4 liters of liquids in a day, which includes water, coconut water, juices, lassi, etc.
• Aerated drinks should be avoided and caffeine intake should be restricted to only two cups of tea or coffee only in 24 hours.
• Although essential, avoid too many carbs like sweet potatoes, and rice. Fruits like pineapples and papaya should be avoided as they contain the enzymes papain – which is detrimental and can cause miscarriages.
• Exercise is very important for the well-being of a pregnant lady. A walk after dinner is imperative.

Nausea With Or Without Vomiting

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Nausea, with or without vomiting, is also called morning sickness. It is common during the first trimester of pregnancy, improving later on. Nausea may be brought on by certain odors or eating certain foods.

Tip: See your doctor if you have dark-coloured urine, can't keep liquids down, feel your heart race, or feel dizzy when you stand up.

Light Spotting

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If you are pregnant, light spotting can take place around the time of your next period, or about 10-14 days post-conception. This is known as implantation bleeding and is one of the first signs of pregnancy.

Tip: Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilised egg attaches itself to the inner lining of the uterus.

Food Cravings

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Probably the best part (or worst) is the fact that you can eat anything and everything (except a few) of your choosing. Experts say that food craving are triggered by hormonal changes in pregnancy. You are likely to experience food cravings from as early as the first week after conception, but women commonly develop them towards the later part of the first trimester.

One day you might crave a pickled cucumber and on the other, you might have a rush for sauerkraut. Nevertheless, besides a few vegetables that can pose a risk for miscarriages, you can indulge yourself in whatever you like.

Tip: Food cravings are bound to peak in the second trimester, declining in the third trimester.

Are You Really Pregnant?

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Interestingly, the symptoms of early pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be quite similar. So, if you're feeling nauseous, experiencing fatigue, or seeing any symptoms of early pregnancy, take a pregnancy test to confirm.

Tip: Wait to take a pregnancy test until a week after your missed period.

Miscarriages During Pregnancy

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A miscarriage indicates the loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. Factors causing miscarriage vary from age (women above 35 years of age are at a higher risk of having a miscarriage), previous histories of miscarriages, smoking or alcohol addictions, cervical problems and so on.

Dr. Singh lists out factors that can cause immediate miscarriage:

A miscarriage is mostly like to occur within the first 3 months of pregnancy, before 20 weeks gestation. Only 1 percent of miscarriages occur after 20 weeks of gestation these are termed late miscarriages. Miscarriages are also caused by a variety of unknown and known factors.

1. Genetic or hereditary factors: Around 50 percent of all miscarriages may be attributed to the genetic disposition of the mother-to-be.
2. Immunological factors: Some women have antibodies in their blood, which invade their own cells. Some of these antibodies invade the placenta or promote the formation of a blood clot, which affects fetal development and eventually causes a miscarriage.
3. Anatomical Factors: Some women have septum or walls in their wombs, and some may develop fibroids that may hinder the required space for fetal development in the womb.

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4. Infection: Infection spread due to bacteria, viruses, or any other parasite may also lead to miscarriage, though such cases are very rare.
5. Hormonal imbalance: Certain hormones help in flourishing the placenta by providing the ambiance and if there is an imbalance, this may lead to miscarriage as well. It is thus advised for women with complications in their menses (irregular periods, Endometriosis, PCOD, etc) to be extra precautions as their vulnerability among them is high.

Dr. Singh shares, that it is of utmost importance to immediately connect with your gynecologist to analyze the situation. Miscarriages may be due to an underlying cause of any reproductive ailment which may or may not be a serious condition. As this process cannot be reversed or stopped, supportive care can ensure the scope of improvement for the mother.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Am I pregnant?

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A. The most reliable and foremost sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Keep a track of your ovulation cycles. If need be, take a stick test to preliminarily rule out the confusion.

Q. When do cravings start?

A. Every woman experiences food cravings at different intervals. However, usually, it is in the first trimester that a pregnant woman ideally starts experiencing food cravings. Some may crave fatty chips, some may crave fried food or some might even feel like having meat. Although it is completely alright to give in to these cravings, try to consume as many healthy foods as possible.

Q. How to stay fit during pregnancy?

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A. Before starting to follow a fitness routine, consult with your obstetrician and gynecologist as to what suits you based on your pregnancy type. The safer options are to do yoga asanas, walking, breathing exercises, meditation and aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises.

Q. Can you feel pregnant after 2 days?

A. As mentioned, the symptoms of early pregnancy and PMS can be similar. Also, pregnancy symptoms don't often occur until after you've missed a period. So, if you experience symptoms a day or two after having sex, they are not usually a sign of pregnancy.

Q. How does your lower stomach feel in early pregnancy?

A. At the end of the first trimester, your baby is still tiny, weighing under 30 grams. As such, your belly will not feel any different, probably just a little bigger like when you are bloated.

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Q. Is your stomach hard or soft in early pregnancy?

A. Your belly undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy, depending on the stage of the pregnancy. During the first trimester, there might not be much of a difference. Your belly will be just a little bigger, like when you are bloated and most likely soft.

Also Read: Your Search For An Expert-Approved Pregnancy Diet Chart Ends Here