Your Optimistic Body And Progesterone
What may surprise you is that these “pregnancy” feelings aren’t all in your head. They’re real reactions to the hormones in your body that are preparing for possible pregnancy. Women’s bodies are optimistic when it comes to pregnancy potential. As soon as ovulation occurs, the body starts preparing for a new life. This occurs even if conception did not take place.
One of the hormones responsible for maintaining a healthy early pregnancy is progesterone. Progesterone increases just after ovulation. One of its many roles is to support a potential embryo. If you’re not pregnant, your progesterone levels will fall after 12 to 16 days after ovulation. This drop brings on your period.
High levels of progesterone can make you feel tired and emotional. This hormone is also responsible for tender breasts, constipation, and fluid retention.
Progesterone levels will rise in your body whether or not you are pregnant. Also, fertility drug side effects can sometimes be mistaken for early pregnancy symptoms. This is especially true if you’re taking progesterone injections or suppositories.
Teeth Whiteners Teeth Bleaching
Should I avoid them? Maybe. As with self-tanners, no good studies have been done on teeth whiteners that say for sure whether they’re safe to use if you’re expecting. And some makers of whitening products do caution against using them during pregnancy. Some dentists encourage waiting until after pregnancy to get your teeth whitened and others say that the procedures are safe. The concern is mostly about the chemicals used in teeth whitening products that could be swallowed and the potential effect on a fetus.
What are the risks, if any, to my baby? There’s currently no evidence that teeth whitening can harm a fetus.
What can I do about it? Talk to your doctor before using whitening products. If you’d rather wait until after your pregnancy to try to make your teeth pearly white, simply brush regularly with whitening toothpaste, which may give a little extra kick to your smile.
You’re Not Used To Hot Weather
The more time you spend outside, the easier it is for your body to get used to the heat. It takes about 2 weeks for a healthy person to get “acclimated” to a new temperature — longer if you’re older or ill. Once it does, you’ll feel cooler and your body will be better at staying cool and hydrated when working hard. It can help to set your indoor temperature no more than 10 degrees cooler than the outdoor temperature.
Also Check: Can You Get Lasik Eye Surgery While Pregnant
Tap Water Drinking Water
Should I avoid it? Not necessarily. Before you go out and buy a 9-month supply of bottled water, tell your doctor where you live and whether you have public water or well water.
It’s also important to note that just because water is bottled doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safer. Although bottled water may taste better or just different, tap water meets the same Environmental Protection Agency standards.
What are the risks, if any, to my baby? Different studies show different things, according to the March of Dimes. Some have found that the chlorine used to treat public water can turn into chloroform when it mixes with other materials in the water, which can increase the risk of miscarriage and poor fetal growth. But other studies have found no such links. Also of concern to some is the potential for the water to be contaminated by things like lead and pesticides. If you have well water, you should probably have it checked regularly, such as once a year, whether you’re pregnant or not.
What can I do about it? If you’re worried, contact your local water supplier to get a copy of the annual water quality report. If you’re still concerned and/or have private well water, have your water tested by a state-certified laboratory. This can cost anywhere from $15 to hundreds of dollars, depending on the number of contaminants you want to have your water tested for.
p
Pregnancy Glow And Acne During Early Pregnancy
Many people may begin saying you have the pregnancy glow. The combination of increased blood volume and higher hormone levels pushes more blood through your vessels. This causes the bodys oil glands to work overtime.
This increased activity of your bodys oil glands gives your skin a flushed, glossy appearance. On the other hand, you may also develop acne.
You May Like: Is It Safe To Use Vagisil Cream While Pregnant
What The Research Says
Yes to a degree . Medical research shows that overheating during pregnancy can put your baby at risk. Health guidelines advise that getting your core body temperature at or over 102°F can be too hot for your little one .
But also, its normal to feel somewhat warmer when youre pregnant you really do have a bun in the oven. Several body changes during pregnancy can slightly raise your body temperature, and thats completely fine. Its when youre exposed to too much heat that you can feel unwell and it can affect how your little one develops.
According to medical studies , heat stress can cause problems with how a babys spinal cord and backbones develop. These complications are called neural tube defects.
Fortunately, even though you may feel hotter, its fairly difficult to raise your body temperature to harmful levels even during pregnancy.
Make Your Own Air Conditioner
A great way to cool you down at night is to have a fan circulating cold air around your room. You could even consider putting a two-litre bottle of frozen water in front of it for instant air-conditioning.
If youre out and about, pharmacist Daniel recommends a portable, hand-held fan. Then you always have something handy as and when you need it, he said.
Also Check: Kt Tape Pregnancy Round Ligament Pain
What Does A Hot Flush Feel And Look Like
Intense heat spreads throughout the upper body for anywhere from thirty seconds to five minutes typically starting in the neck and head.
But like so many pregnancy symptoms, they can feel different for different people. For example. they could start lower down in the body, and be shorter, or longer in time.
One mum-to-be myturnforabfp even experienced hot flashes in her legs. Yesterday my hands were freezing and my legs were sweating.
For SOP1 a red hot face was a telltale sign. Last night my face started burning up from the neck upwards and its returned this morning.
Sealeyb experienced her hot flushes at night. I had lower back ache at night and also one night of hot sweats.
Keep Your Wrists Cold
Of course its not possible to keep your hands under a cold tap all day, but for those unbearable moments in the hot weather, simply hold your wrists under some cold running water for a moment. This will cool your pulse points immediately.
It also helps to keep your forehead and back of your neck cold too, try using a wet cloth or a flannel that has been in the freezer, these little things will help you master how to keep cool in hot weather throughout your pregnancy.
Don’t Miss: Lasik Eye Surgery And Pregnancy
When Is Overheating A Concern
Usually overheating is just generally uncomfortable for pregnant people and doesnt pose health risks to you or developing baby. But sometimes overheating can become a problem, and its important to be aware of when those instances might be.
For example, you can become lightheaded because of the heat, and even faint. Fainting and falling can result in significant injuries, Dr. Gersh explains.
Becoming overheated can also lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration, all of which can be dangerous for pregnant people and their babies, says. Dr. Kramer. Watch for symptoms like warm, clammy skin, feeling lightheaded, rapid heartbeat, and nausea.
Dr. Johnson warns that overheating can sometimes cause premature contractions. “After the twentieth week, when the placenta receives a significant amount of blood flow, an overheated body can start diverting resources from the placenta and, therefore, the fetus, which can cause contractions,” she explains.
If you are experienced contractions after being overheated, Dr. Johnson advises that you stop what you’re doing, rest, and hydrate. If the contractions persist, contact a healthcare provider.
I’m Trying To Drink Lots Of Water
The office is super hot and heats up like a greenhouse with no air con. We have fans blasting all day but I’m still feeling very uncomfortable and am finding it hard to focus. My hands and feet have swollen up and feel very tight. Over lunch I’ve been lying on the sofa in the kitchen trying to raise my feet up to try and relieve some the swelling later on in the day I found my pregnant colleague there trying to do the same thing! I’ve even taken my rings off as I’m worried they’ll cut off my fingers soon!
I’m trying to drink a lot of water as I know that’s important but I still seem to be dehydrated so I’m not sure where all the fluid is going probably sweat! I’m thinking of bringing a paddling pool in and putting it under my desk but I think the health and safety people may have something to say about that.
Also Check: Is It Bad To Donate Plasma While Pregnant
Is It Ok For Me To Use A Heating Pad
A heating pad or a hot water bottle can help soothe muscle pain right where you need it. Its OK to use one occasionally while youre pregnant. But its best to avoid using it near your stomach you dont want to directly heat up your baby. There is danger to heating up the belly.
Make sure the heating pad is a comfortable temperature. Too hot and it can scald your skin. Use a towel or soft cloth between the heating pad and your body to avoid too much heat.
You can also spot treat areas with a heating pad. Rest your tired feet on one or soothe back pain. Never use a heating pad while sleeping. If you think you might fall asleep during heat therapy, unplug it first!
New Skin Tags Can Also Be Subtle Signs Of Pregnancy
It goes without saying that there’s a lot happening in your body while you’re pregnant, so don’t be too shocked if you notice a few new skin tags popping up in unexpected places.
Dermatologist Diane Berson told Parents in 2015 that they’re normal and harmless, and she explained they’re usually just caused by the hormone fluctuations that occur during pregnancy.
You May Like: Can You Get Lasik Eye Surgery While Pregnant
Just How Early Can Hot Flushes Start
They can start straight away following conception, and some mums-to-be identify them as one of their earliest pregnancy symptoms.
But independent midwife Helen Taylor, of Midwife Care, warns that hot flushes are not the most common symptom of early pregnancy by a long way and I wouldnt describe them as a reliable sign of pregnancy especially if theyre youre only symptom.
Look out for other early signs of pregnancy too, such as:
- Sore breasts
* Find out more about all the early signs of pregnancy
Forum poster Mummy_2be tested positive 3 days before her period was due, after experiencing symptoms including hot flashes, sore throat and enlarged breasts.
Tested this morning and got very faint 2nd line. For those of you who cant resist symptom spotting : enlarged bb and extremely sore big nipples from 1dpo , hot flashes/raised temperature, very emotional , had runny nose/sore throat, not sleeping well.
One of our forum users, Miracles do Happen, found hot flashes were among the pregnancy symptoms she experienced early on, after trying to conceive for almost 4 years.
Before I found out I was pregnant, my period was 5 days late and I had bad cramps as if my period was coming. I also had hot flashes, a headache, and I was sick every night.
Temperature Rise During Pregnancy
Is it the weather or does the temperature rise for all pregnant women? If you’ve been feeling the heat you’ll be pleased to hear that temperature fluctuations are a normal part of pregnancy.
Your metabolic rate increases during pregnancy, to make more energy for you and your growing baby.
Its very normal to feel warmer than usual during pregnancy, says Halliday.
Your blood volume increases by up to 50 per cent and the blood vessels expand slightly to allow for this change. This means that the blood vessels move a little closer to the surface of your skin and may make you feel warmer.In addition, your metabolic rate increases during pregnancy, to allow you to make more energy for yourself and your growing baby. A side effect of this is also feeling warmer than you would normally.
Read Also: Can I Use Vagisil Wash While Pregnant
When To See A Doctor
Feeling warmer and having night sweats can be a normal part of a healthy pregnancy. Your slightly raised body temperature means you have to be extra careful when going out on hot days and during strenuous activity.
Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and other activities that warm you up too much. Heat stress can be harmful for your baby.
Tell your doctor if you feel that youve overheated during pregnancy. If you have night sweats along with other symptoms, you might have health complications like an infection. See your doctor urgently if you also have:
- a fever higher than 101°F
- nausea
Frequent Urination And Incontinence During Early Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body increase the amount of blood it pumps. This causes the kidney to process more fluid than usual, which leads to more fluid in your bladder.
Hormones also play a large role in bladder health. You may find yourself running to the bathroom more frequently or accidentally leaking.
Read Also: Can I Take Tums While Pregnant
How Do You Deal With Hot Flushes
The best advice is to try to stay cool:
- Wear loose clothing. Choose natural fibres if possible as these are more breathable than synthetic fibres
- Keep your room cool you could use an electric fan or keep a breeze coming through
- Refresh your face and skin with cold water or a light water spray
- Try to avoid hot, crowded rooms, trains or buses although thats easier said than done
How To Cool Down When Pregnant: 18 Tips To Reduce Body Heat Fast
Grace WalshJuly 16, 2021 11:41 am
Hot weather can be especially difficult for mums-to-be as their body temperature is naturally higher during pregnancy.
This rise in temperature can be down to many factors, including hormonal changes, increased blood flow and the warmth generated by the baby. Either way, its very difficult to know how to cool down when pregnant in the face of all these hurdles. Whether youre experiencing a steady, radiating heat or more sudden and intense hot flushes that leave you a little dizzy, its all a normal part of pregnancy.
Its more down to comfort and not really a health concern, says pharmacist Daniel Brash from HealthCare4All. Its just a case of trying to make the experience as pleasant as possible. However, Dr Ross Perry, GP and Medical Director of CosmedicsUK, warns pregnant women need to be careful not to pass off a fever as a hot flash in pregnancy.
If your body temperature is elevated for over 10 minutes , the heat can cause problems, he said. Especially in the first trimester as excessive heat can lead to neural tube defects and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Recommended Reading: Can You Use Vagisil When Pregnant
Breast Changes In Early Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there will bechanges in the levels of hormones in your body. Such changes will make you experience several body changes during pregnancy, like breast changes. Your breasts will become enlarge mainly due to estrogen. You may also notice some swelling, which happens because the milk ducts in your breasts startgrowing in preparation for breastfeeding. The increased blood supply is another reason why you notice breast changes in early pregnancy.Still, is it normal to have all those changes? Can you do something to reduce the discomfort? Keep reading to learn more.
What Else You Might Experience Throughout Pregnancy
Throughout your pregnancy, your body will do some weird and wonderful things. Some of these physical changes may subside, while others may continue over the course of your pregnancy. These are some of the changes you may experience during the second and third trimesters:
Most of the time, these physical discomforts and changes are completely normal, but there are some signs you should not ignore, including severe headaches, changes in eyesight, or sudden swelling . If you notice anything that just doesn’t seem right, consult your healthcare provider.
These daily signs of being pregnant can be pretty tiresome, but in no time at all, your due date will be here, and you’ll be taking your baby home. Putting up with all these pesky pregnancy symptoms will have been worth it! See our Pregnancy Calendar for a more detailed description of what happens during each week, month, and trimester. You’re embarking on an amazing journey â enjoy the ride.
- See all sources
Recommended Reading: Can You Donate Plasma When Pregnant
Symptoms With A Period
It is possible to be pregnant and get your period. This leads some women to hold onto hope that they may still be pregnant, even after Aunt Flo knocks at the door. Odds are, if you got your period, youre not pregnant. Feeling pregnant on your period could happen due to:
- Normal hormonal fluctuations during menstruation
- The flu or another illness
- Fatigue or queasiness for other non-pregnancy reasons
Just like feeling pregnant before your period doesnt mean youre pregnant, feeling pregnant on your period also doesnt indicate youre expecting.
If your period is very different than your usual, then you may want to take a pregnancy test or call your doctor.
For example, you might consider taking a pregnancy test if your period is:
- Abnormally light for you
- More like spotting than a period
- Much shorter than it usually is
There are non-pregnancy reasons to have an off period. Anything from stress to illness can cause one irregular menstrual cycle.
