Have you ever reached a point where you feel like you are pregnant and not sure of it? You may be wondering what you need to do at that particular time.
In most cases, people tend to make a conclusion that they are pregnant whenever they missed their periods. That might not be true as someone can miss periods when they are stressed, have anxiety, or when under some medications.
In a nutshell, pregnancy starts when someone conceives to a point in time when she gives birth. During pregnancy, many changes happen, which include changes in hormones level for pregnancy to be sustained. The most hormones that play key roles are estrogen and progesterone hormones.
These changes in hormone levels are responsible for the early signs of pregnancy. Pregnancy signs vary from one person to another. However, there are some common early signs of pregnancy that can be ascertained through pregnancy tests only.
Common Early Signs of Pregnancy
Missed Periods
This is the first sign that every female will experience after conceiving. The period fails on dates when it was due. However, that might not be a sure signal that you are pregnant. This is because weight gain, hormonal irregularities, and menopause can cause this as well.
Tips
- Upon Missing your period, you are advised to do a pregnancy home test or visit the nearest clinical center to do the test.
- When you do a Home Pregnancy Test, follow the instructions label on the test kits on how to do it properly. It often varies with Pregnancy Test kits.
Light Spotting
This happens after conception when the fertilized egg form the blastocyst that develops into the fetus’s organs and body parts. The blastocyst often implants on the uterus walls within the first 4 weeks after conception. During the process of implantation, it results in light spotting and cramping.
In some people, it occurs on the days when you are expecting the periods. However, it is often light as compared to normal periods.
Tips:
- Avoid any drugs that may cause excessive bleeding
- Avoid extreme exercise during that period
- Avoid using tampons as they can cause infections
Morning Sickness
During the first trimester of pregnancy, Morning sickness is common and often is accompanied by Nausea and Vomiting. Even though the name suggests Morning sickness, it can happen throughout the day.
Pregnancy duration in a human being has been divided into three, commonly call 1st Trimester (0-13 Weeks after conception), 2nd trimester (14-26 Weeks), and 3rd trimester (27-40 weeks). Each trimester has different unique characteristics due to changing levels of hormones in the body.
There is no backing for this morning sickness, however, it is often accredited to hormone changes.
Tips:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water more than often
- Have plenty of rest
- Avoid voids or smells that make you feel nausea
- Eat more frequently food rich in carbohydrates and fewer fats.
- Seek Medication if it persists
Increase Body temperature
In normal circumstance, body temperature increase when there is an increase in temperature in your environment and when you do exercise.
However, it has been noted that the majority of people experience an increased body temperature when they get pregnant.
Tip
It is advisable to remain hydrated when you experience these signs.
Mood swings
An increase in the level of estrogen and progesterone hormones is responsible for mood changes during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is a very common sign that needs to be checked to avoid falling into depression or anxiety disorder state.
Frequent urination
During the early stages of pregnancy, you might experience more frequent peeing than usual. Even though peeing frequency can be caused by increased intake of water and changes in environmental temperatures. Increased urination could be because of an increase in blood levels that is being purified through the kidneys thus more fluids is being filtered as waste.
It is advisable to take more water during this stage.
Sensitivity to Smells and the metallic mouth taste
Most pregnant women report an increase in sensitivity to surrounding smells. Though there are no scientific reasons, it could be caused by changes in hormones level.
The changes in sensitivity can make one reactive to any unique smells. In some cases, the reaction can make one start vomiting.
The metallic mouth taste is often common during the trimester of pregnancy and is accredited to the estrogen hormones
This sensitivity returns normal after giving birth, not immediately but a few weeks after giving birth.
Sensitivity and Darkening of Areolas
Breast changes during the first few weeks of pregnancy as the body’s hormones change. It often adjusts a few weeks before the second trimester.
Someone of the visible changes includes swelling of the breasts, increase in breasts weight, and darkening of areolas (nipples).
Bloating and Constipation
Bloating and constipation are common signs that a woman experiences after conceiving and it is similar to when they are on periods. The changes in hormone levels in the body tend to affect the normal process that happens in the digestive system.
This sign fades away when one is headed to the second trimester of pregnancy.
Take Away
Pregnancy can only be ascertained through Home Test or Clinical test. Reaching a conclusion based on early signs is not the recommended way.
Upon getting the results showing that indeed you are pregnant. It is advisable to start prenatal care with your medical doctor. This will ensure that you are educated on what to expect during the period of pregnancy and reduce potential pregnancy risks and complications when giving birth.
