Are Cramps An Early Pregnancy Symptom

Pms Vs Pregnancy Symptoms

If youre feeling a bit crampy and tired, and your period is almost due, you may wonder if the symptoms youre feeling mean that your period is coming or youre pregnant.

The only way to know if its PMS is if your period arrives shortly after. And the only way to know if youre pregnant is if you confirm your pregnancy with a positive pregnancy test. But there are some nuances to early pregnancy and PMS symptoms that can offer additional clues.

When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start

Pregnancy symptoms are different for every woman . Some women feel the first twinges of pregnancy a week or two after conceiving, while others don’t feel any different for a few months.

In the best study on this question to date, 136 women who were trying to get pregnant kept daily records of their symptoms from the time they stopped using birth control until they were 8 weeks pregnant. The results:

• 50 percent had some pregnancy symptoms by 5 weeks pregnant
• 90 percent had pregnancy symptoms by 8 weeks pregnant

The first sign of pregnancy was usually a missed period. The most common symptoms to follow were nausea and vomiting, fatigue, frequent urination, and breast tenderness and swelling.

• Increased vaginal discharge

What Is A Pregnancy Test

A pregnancy test is a way to determine if youre pregnant by looking at the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin in your body. From the very beginning of pregnancy, your body starts to go through changes to support growth in the grouping of cells that will develop into your baby. One thing that happens very quickly is production of hCG. This chemical is only found in pregnant women and it starts to build up once the fertilized egg implants in the uterus about 10 days after conception.

There are two main types of pregnancy tests urine tests and blood tests. Often, youll take a urine test at home with a home pregnancy test kit. This type of test can be purchased over-the-counter and is available in a variety of price ranges. Blood tests to check for pregnancy are done in your healthcare providers office.

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What Stomach Pain And Cramps Should I Look Out For In Pregnancy

Most stomach pain and cramps in pregnancy are nothing to worry about. But there are some symptoms you should know about as they could be a sign of something more serious.

If you feel any of the following pains, even if you’re not experiencing any of the other symptoms listed, call your midwife, doctor or hospital immediately.

Severe pain on one side of the lower stomach in early pregnancyThis pain could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Other symptoms may include:

• pain in the tip of your shoulder
• brown discharge

How Is Pregnancy Diagnosed

The diagnosis of pregnancy can be made by several methods. A woman with a 28-day cycle who presents with a missed period and has the typical history and physical exam findings can be diagnosed with a viable intrauterine pregnancy test if she progresses accordingly. Most women are diagnosed with pregnancy after a missed menstrual cycle. The positive result depends on the presence of human chorionic gonadotrophin in maternal serum and urine.

• Agglutination test: Latex particles or sheep erythrocyte coated with anti-hCG.
• Agglutination inhibition tests
• Rapid and simple tests based on enzyme-labeled monoclonal antibodies assay can detect low level of hCG in urine

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Early Signs Of Pregnancy Before A Missed Period

While pregnancy tests and your practitioner can offer definitive answers, these early pregnancy symptoms may be clues that you’re expecting.

Keep in mind, just because youve experienced some of these symptoms doesnt mean youre pregnant. You could also have none of them at all and still go on to have a perfectly healthy pregnancy.

Although every woman is different, these early symptoms can first appear before you even miss your period.

Interventions To Reduce Leg Ache

If leg pains are mild to moderate, the following interventions can help alleviate them.

• Include a calcium-rich diet: Inadequate calcium during pregnancy can pose pregnancy complications affecting both the mother and the foetus. Calcium-fortified foods such as milk, milk products, meat, soy products, broccoli, okra, eggs can boost calcium levels in the body.
• Intake of adequate minerals and salts: Have a balanced diet to get essential nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and iron. Get vitamin D through the early rays of the sun and indulge in vitamin C, and vitamin B-rich foods. Talk to your nutritionist or doctor to know more about nutrients and dietary requirements.
• Calcium, vitamins, and mineral supplements are a must: Nutrient supplements are an excellent way to fulfil your nutrient requirements. Your doctor can help you prescribe the necessary supplements required for your body.
• Hydration is essential: Dehydration often causes muscle rigidity and pains. Keeping yourself hydrated with enough fluid intake can reduce leg pains.
• Exercise and walking routine: Regular exercising and walking can help maintain a healthy weight, intensify blood circulation in the lower half of the body, and minimise leg pain.
• Stretching, massages, and more: Stretching of calf muscles, hot oil leg massages, keeping the leg in an elevated position can also help relieve pain and spasms of the leg.

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Early Signs Of Teenage Pregnancy

Early Signs Of Teenage Pregnancy

There are a few early signs of teenage pregnancy that you can watch for. If your teenager is exhibiting any of these signs, it is important to talk to her and find out if she is pregnant.

Changes in eating habits. If your teenager is suddenly eating more or less than usual, she may be pregnant. Pregnant teenagers often have a change in their eating habits because of the hormones in their bodies.

Changes in mood. If your teenager is moody or irritable more than usual, she may be pregnant. Pregnant teenagers often experience mood swings because of the hormones in their bodies.

Changes in appearance. If your teenager is suddenly gaining or losing weight, she may be pregnant. Pregnant teenagers often have a change in their appearance because of the hormones in their bodies.

Changes in menstrual cycle. If your teenagers menstrual cycle changes, she may be pregnant. Pregnant teenagers often have a change in their menstrual cycles because of the hormones in their bodies.

If your teenager is exhibiting any of these signs, it is important to talk to her and find out if she is pregnant. If she is pregnant, she will need help and support from her parents to deal with the pregnancy.

Are All Home Pregnancy Testing Methods The Same

Most brands of at-home pregnancy tests are reliable. Although the exact testing method of different pregnancy tests can differ from one type to the other, they all look for hCG in your body. Some tests might do this through urine while others look for the pregnancy hormone in your blood. If youre using an at-home test, most will give you the same result. The difference with your at-home tests will be the sensitivity of the test. Some might be more sensitive than others and produce a positive result detect hCG in your urine sooner than others. For the most accurate reading, its still recommended that you wait till youve missed your period. At that point, all tests should be accurate.

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What Results Do You Get On A Pregnancy Ultrasound

Your ultrasound results will be normal or abnormal. A normal result means your pregnancy care provider didnt find any problems and that your baby is growing and developing normally. An abnormal result means your provider noticed something irregular. If they do, your provider will order additional ultrasounds or diagnostic tests to determine if something is wrong.

Occasionally, the ultrasound is incomplete if theres difficulty seeing all the structures needed for that particular ultrasound. Your babys position or movement sometimes makes it difficult to see everything your provider needs to see. If this is the case, youll need a repeat ultrasound and theyll try again.

There are some limitations to ultrasounds, so your provider may not find certain abnormalities until after birth.

Varicose Veins And Leg Oedema

Varicose veins of the legs are very common in pregnancy due to a combination of factors, including increased volume of circulating blood during pregnancy, and pressure of the pregnant uterus on the larger veins. This increased pressure on the veins can also result in swelling of the legs that can cause pain, feelings of heaviness, cramps and other unusual sensations.

If you have varicose veins, it is recommended that you:

• Wear support stockings.
• Avoid standing for long periods.
• Exercise gently and regularly .
• Lie down to rest with feet elevated, when you can.
• Try massaging your legs.

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Cramping In Early Pregnancy

Having cramps in your lower abdominal area or lower back in early pregnancy most likely signals one of three things:

• Ectopic pregnancy: Faintness and/or severe abdominal cramping may be a symptom of ectopic pregnancy. This occurs when the egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. While rare, ectopic pregnancies are not viable and can put your life in danger. If you suspect this issue, go to the emergency room right away.
• Miscarriage: When cramping is accompanied by spotting or vaginal bleeding, it can be a sign of miscarriage. Call your doctor for advice they may suggest testing to determine whether you are having a miscarriage. A miscarriage can occur within the first 20 weeks of gestation, but the risk is higher in the first trimester.
• Normal pains: Cramping without bleeding is usually not a sign of miscarriage. Cramps or short-lived pains in your lower abdomen can happen early in normal pregnancy as your uterus adjusts to the implanted embryo, or even if you have a urinary tract infection. These pains are likely mild and brief. If you feel anything severe and/or prolonged, always call your doctor to be safe.

Normal Cramps In Early Pregnancy

During your first trimester, you experience cramps as your body prepares for the pregnancy. You may initially experience cramping in your lower abdomen or lower back even before you know youre pregnant. This is due to implantation, which is the process of the fertilized egg implanting in the uterus. You may feel a small twinge or sharper cramps that may double you over at times. After you know youre pregnant, cramping is due to your uterus growing and expanding to accommodate your growing baby. Its perfectly normal and happens to all women. Cramps often feel similar to your normal menstrual cramps. Once you pass your first trimester, you might experience occasional cramping. Its important to remember that the uterus is a muscle, which means it can contract and cause pain or discomfort. The same can happen when you have gas, constipation, bloating, or even a full bladder.

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Implantation Bleeding Or Spotting

If you’re pregnant, the lastthing you’d expect to see is any spotting or vaginal bleeding. But if you notice light spotting around the time your period is due, it could be implantation bleeding. This might be caused by the fertilized egg settling into the lining of your uterus.

Note: About 1 in 4 women experience spotting or light bleeding during the first trimester. It’s often nothing, but sometimes it’s a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. If your bleeding is severe or accompanied by pain or lightheadedness, or if you’re at all concerned, call your doctor or midwife.

Morning Sickness Or Nausea

That telltale, queasy feeling known as morning sickness can hit you at any time of day and it typically begins when you’re about 6 weeks pregnant, though it can vary and strike even earlier. For most women, nausea starts by week 9.

Hormones, mainly increased levels of progesterone , can cause the stomach to empty more slowly, resulting in this early pregnancy symptom resembling seasickness.

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Early Signs Of Pregnancy Cramps

Pregnancy cramps are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. For most women, they typically occur during the first trimester. While some women experience little to no cramping, others may feel quite a bit of discomfort.

The cramps may be described as a dull ache or a sharp pain. They may be located in the lower abdomen, but can also spread to the thighs and buttocks. Some women also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea during the early stages of pregnancy.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor. While most of these symptoms are due to the changes that are taking place in your body as you prepare for pregnancy, there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Your doctor can help to diagnose the cause and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

First Signs Of Pregnancy

Did you miss your period, and are starting to ask yourself âAm I pregnantâ? Or, maybe there’s a gut feeling that you canât shake. It’s normal and understandable to wonder what are the early signs of pregnancy as you mentally cross off the different feelings youâve been experiencing in the past few days.You may start experiencing specific signs and symptoms of pregnancy early on even before you know for sure that youâre pregnant. Of course, either a home pregnancy test or a test through your healthcare provider will be the best way to determine if youâre pregnant.In the meantime, take this âAm I Pregnant?â quiz and read up on some of the early pregnancy signs and symptoms you may start feeling about one to two weeks after a missed period and within the first month of being pregnant:

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Signs Of Hormone Imbalance After Pregnancy

Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms after giving birth?

If youre experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from hormone imbalance after pregnancy:

1. Mood swings

9. Irregular periods

10. Depression

If youre experiencing any of these symptoms, its important to see your doctor to get help. Many of these symptoms can be caused by hormone imbalance, which can be a sign of a number of different health problems.

There are a number of things you can do to help address hormone imbalance after pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy, which can help to restore your hormone levels to their normal state. You can also make some healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.

Stages Of Growth Month

First trimester

The first trimester will span from conception to 12 weeks. This is generally the first three months of pregnancy. During this trimester, the fertilized egg will change from a small grouping of cells to a fetus that is starting to have a babys features.

Month 1

As the fertilized egg grows, a water-tight sac forms around it, gradually filling with fluid. This is called the amniotic sac, and it helps cushion the growing embryo.

During this time, the placenta also develops. The placenta is a round, flat organ that transfers nutrients from the mother to the fetus, and transfers wastes from the fetus. Think of the placenta as a food source for the fetus throughout your pregnancy.

In these first few weeks, a primitive face will take form with large dark circles for eyes. The mouth, lower jaw and throat are developing. Blood cells are taking shape, and circulation will begin. The tiny “heart” tube will beat 65 times a minute by the end of the fourth week.

Month 2

Facial features continue to develop. Each ear begins as a little fold of skin at the side of the head. Tiny buds that eventually grow into arms and legs are forming. Fingers, toes and eyes are also forming.

The neural tube is well formed now. The digestive tract and sensory organs begin to develop too. Bone starts to replace cartilage.

The head is large in proportion to the rest of the body at this point. At about 6 weeks, a heartbeat can usually be detected.

Month 3

Second trimester

Month 4

Month 5

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Are Cramps Normal During Early Pregnancy

Stomach cramps during early pregnancy are relatively common. If you get a few stomach cramps during the first trimester of pregnancy, its probably not a cause for alarm. These cramps are typically part of the normal physical changes in the body that occur in preparation for the baby.

Very early in your pregnancy, you may get cramps as well as light bleeding when the embryo is implanted into the wall of the uterus. This process can sometimes lead to implantation cramps and bleeding. As the pregnancy progresses, you may also feel cramping as your uterus changes and stretches to accommodate the baby.

In the following sections, we will talk about the causes of pregnancy cramps and when to call your health care provider.