How Does Being Pregnant Feel

The Mama Who Had Totally Different Cravings

How does it feel to be pregnant

‘When I was pregnant with my boys, I craved jalapeno-stuffed olives every single day, to the point that I would push myself to excruciating heartburn. With my daughter, I craved more sweets and baked foods. Also, I noticed a difference in morning sickness — I had none with my girl, but with my sons, I was throwing up every morning for months. I don’t know whether this was coincidence or if there were actual biological differences. It does seem that the pregnancies were different, but there were a few years between each, so it probably just felt this way because of the changes my body had gone through.’Ashley,

So here’s what we take from all this: Sure, being pregnant with a baby girl can feel different than being pregnant with a little man. But does it always? Not necessarily! Consider this: Actress and singer Jana Kramer already a mama to a gorgeous little girl is expecting her second baby. She admitted that she assumed she was carrying another girl because of how rough her first trimester was, and how similar it felt to her baby girl’s pregnancy. But as it turns out, Jana is set to welcome a baby boy. So those old wives tales don’t always hold true.

When Does Fatigue Start In Pregnancy

Fatigue is considered an early pregnancy symptom that almost all pregnant women experience it during the first trimester of pregnancy, the very few weeks after conception and implantation. It normally gets a little better when the second trimester of pregnancy starts, but it then returns in the last trimester. However, it all varies from one pregnancy to another.

And While Those Are The Most Common Things You May Feel

There are several other symptoms that may or may not impact you to some degree. Back and body aches, bloating, frequent urination, constipation and headaches are all fairly common, as are nasal congestion, postnasal drip and heartburn. Then, of course, you also have potential for the mood swings and food cravings Hollywood loves to portray in every pregnancy movie.

Yet with so many ways the body usually tries to tell you youre pregnant, some women legitimately dont realize they are pregnant for months. These women may have irregular periods to begin with, so missing a couple in a row isnt particularly uncommon for them. Or, as mentioned earlier, they may mistake implantation bleeding for their period. Or the other physical symptoms may just be so mild for them that they are overlooked.

Another common factor is denial, which is most often seen with unplanned pregnancies. In this circumstance, the woman is able to disregard or disassociate clear signs of pregnancy. This can be extremely dangerous for the health of both mother and baby, as it precludes getting necessary prenatal care.

If youre experiencing pregnancy symptoms or otherwise suspect you may be pregnant, the first step is to get a medical pregnancy test. Combined with an obstetrical ultrasound, youll know for certain whether or not you are pregnant.

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Basal Body Temperature Charting

Basal body temperature can predict and suggest ovulation. This only works if you have been taking your temperature in the days prior to ovulation. Temperature elevation begins one or two days after ovulation and persists for several days.

Temperature elevation identifies prior ovulation it does not diagnose pregnancy.

Cramping And Spotting During Early Pregnancy

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From week 1 to week 4, everything is still happening on a cellular level. The fertilized egg creates a blastocyst that will develop into the babys organs and body parts.

About 10 to 14 days after conception, the blastocyst will implant in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. This can cause implantation bleeding, which may be mistaken for a light period.

Here are some signs of implantation bleeding:

  • Color: The color of each episode may be pink, red, or brown.
  • Bleeding: Bleeding is usually compared to your regular menstrual period. Spotting is defined by blood present only when wiping.
  • Pain: Pain may be mild, moderate, or severe. According to a , 28 percent of women associated their spotting and light bleeding with pain.
  • Episodes: Implantation bleeding is likely to last less than three days and doesnt require treatment.

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illicit drugs, which are associated with heavy bleeding.

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How Does Your Stomach Feel In Early Pregnancy

Feeling pain in your lower abdomen or feeling like your stomach is hard, swollen, or heavy are not early signs of pregnancy.

To the touch, a person’s stomach and abdomen will not show any noticeable signs of pregnancy until later on, depending on your specific body type. People who are in their first pregnancy usually don’t start showing until twenty weeks or later.1 Those who have already been pregnant might start showing sooner.

People Think That Skinny Pregnant Women Are Lying

One of the first things pregnant women are asked is How far along are you? When I would respond eight months, people would say things like No way! Youre really three or four months, right? or even fun things like That cant be right. Youre too small! and Are you sure?

No really, Im not lying, and Im sure about how pregnant I am. I just happen to be one of the lucky few who dont gain a ton of weight when theyre pregnant. Im tall and naturally slim anyway. Sorry if the size of my belly doesnt work for you. I have no reason to lie and nothing to hide. Promise.

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Reaching The Pregnancy Finish Line

Labor itself was an experience, to say the least. I had awful back spasms and pains for two weeks prior to giving birth. I had to be induced because I missed my due date.

During labor, my son wouldnt descend, so I had an emergency cesarean delivery. Saying I was scared would be an understatement. I was terrified. The cesarean was my first-ever surgical procedure. And I was afraid of the worst.

Luckily, I gave birth to a healthy, chubby, vibrant baby boy. I thought he sounded like a cat when he first cried in the doctors arms. That moment made every single, painful second of pregnancy worth it.

Your Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week

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Check out this week-by-week pregnancy symptom timeline so you know what to expect while carrying a baby.

Your body experiences a wide range of changes throughout pregnancy, ranging from breast tenderness in the first trimester to backaches in the third. Prepare for whats coming with our list of pregnancy symptoms by week.

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How Does It Feel To Be Pregnant

You may feel pregnant before a test can confirm you are. Theres an indescribable sense of a subtle change in your internal state that only the most intuitive seem to pick up.

A knowing. Acceptance of an almost imperceptible difference.

  • If you were trying to become pregnant and the test confirms your wishes, theres a huge sense of relief and accomplishment.
  • If your pregnancy is unexpected, there may be tears of doubt.

Both scenarios are coupled with a feeling of fear.

No matter how happy you may be, for the first time in your life, youve never quite been here before.

Theres pride. Pride in yourself for creating an environment in which your little one will grow. And pride in yourself for doing so.

  • Your heart will swell to epic proportions when you think about how clever you are and how clever your body is to have made such a precious human being.
  • Pride in yourself for following that handy ovulation calendar so carefully and insisting to your husband that it was go-time when you did.
  • Pride in your partner for delivering.

Theres gratefulness. A bliss sprinkled thankfulness in realizing youve been entrusted with the care of someone so incredibly special.

  • Gratefulness that youre going to have this experience.

Theres anxiety. Fear of labor. Fear of birth complications. Fear of the impending blood work, even.

  • Fear of turning into your mother. < < < Thats a biggy!
  • Fear of all the big decisions you now have to make.

Excitement. For many women, becoming a mom is the home run.

Early Changes To Breasts: Tingling Aching Growing

Breast changes can occur between weeks 4 and 6. Youre likely to develop tender and swollen breasts due to hormone changes. This is likely to go away after a few weeks when your body has adjusted to the hormones.

Nipple and breast changes can also occur around week 11. Hormones continue to cause your breasts to grow. The areola the area around the nipple may change to a darker color and grow larger.

If youve had bouts with acne before your pregnancy, you may also experience breakouts again.

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What Does It Mean To Dream About Being Pregnant And The Baby Passes Away

I am sorry you had such a terrible dream. To dream where you are pregnant and the baby passes away denotes that, whatever project you are working hard to get to a conclusion is not going to be accomplished. Alternatively, you might not be able to bring some important things in your life to a conclusion. It is an indicator that, things are not going to work in the upcoming days. I know this can be quite a distressing dream but overall it can indicate a challenge that you will not take on! If the baby dies while being pregnant in a dream I can assure you this is symbolic meaning a new beginning may suddenly come to an end.

People Think That Pregnancy Isnt As Hard If Youre Skinny

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If you are pregnant and skinny, people assume that you must not have any pregnancy symptoms.

Look, I got those god-awful leg cramps just like everybody else. I couldnt sleep comfortably. I got migraines. When I was pregnant with twins, I peed about every 10 minutes for the last couple of months of my pregnancy. My pregnancy was just as rough as yours, trust me.

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Causes Of Fatigue In The Third Trimester

Tiredness from early pregnancy could return with a vengeance later on in pregnancy. Third trimester fatigue is due to:

  • Your growing baby bump. Your baby is growing fast, and you’re carrying more weight than you were earlier on in pregnancy. Carting around all those pounds can be exhausting.
  • Pregnancy insomnia and other symptoms. Your burgeoning bump along with pregnancy symptoms including heartburn, backache and restless leg syndrome may make sleep more elusive than ever.
  • The stress of having a baby. Your baby-overloaded life, which may be jam-packed with shopping lists, to-do lists, baby-name lists and other decisions to be made, could also be costing you sleep and energy.
  • Multi-tasking. Add responsibilities like a job and other kids to the mix, and the fatigue factor often multiplies.

Do You Feel Anything When You Get Pregnant

Some women may experience symptoms as early as 5 days after conception, but they wont know for sure whether theyre pregnant until much later. Implantation bleeding or cramps, which can occur 56 days after the sperm fertilizes the egg, are early signs and symptoms. Breast tenderness and mood swings are two other early signs.

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Remember: Take A Test

The most important thing you can do if you feel you may be pregnant is take a pregnancy test. These are inexpensive and widely available. You can even find them sometimes at the dollar stores! There are also community resources available such as Planned Parenthood, where you can get a test for free if you cannot afford to pay.

If you are too shy to buy one yourself, ask a friend to pick one up for you. You can even buy them on Amazon. For your health and your baby’s health, it’s best to know as soon as you can if you are indeed pregnant. Buck up and get one!

When taken properly, home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate. Though some say you can take them up for five days before your missed period, the earlier you test, the more likely you are to get a false negative. If the test is negative and your period still doesnt come, try again.

What Are Some Less Common Signs Of Early Pregnancy

how I really feel about pregnancy

There are some additional signs of early pregnancy that arent as common. Just like with the most common symptoms, these signs of pregnancy may or may not happen. Its important to remember that everyone is different and will experience unique symptoms.

Less common signs of early pregnancy can include:

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Your Relationship With Your Partner

Pregnancy will bring about big changes to your relationship, especially if this is your first baby. Some people cope with these changes easily, while others find it harder.

It’s quite common for couples to have arguments every now and then during pregnancy. It’s important to realise that during pregnancy there are understandable reasons for the occasional difficulty, and good reasons for feeling closer and more loving.

These communication tips can help to nurture your relationship during pregnancy:

  • Talk to each other about how you feel about being pregnant and what’s to come the positives and negatives. Try to talk in a way that explains your views rather than blames your partner.
  • Talk about your hopes and dreams for your family and what rituals and traditions are important.
  • Talk about your individual parenting styles. If your styles turn out to be different, you might need to work on solving problems together with negotiation and compromise.
  • Be open and honest about your sexual needs.

There are also practical ways you can help to manage the impact of pregnancy on your relationship:

My Stomach Feels Weirddoes Your Stomach Hurt In Early Pregnancy

It depends on what you mean by hurt.

In general, the kinds of pain youll experience in your belly or lower abdomen in early pregnancy are related to:

  • Nausea usually happens between two and eight weeks after conception2
  • Cramping these can feel similar to pre-menstrual cramps and can be a sign of implantation2
  • Bloating and abdominal discomfort similar to PMS symptoms

Below I talk a little more about nausea, which is common in early pregnancy .

So in the sense of feeling nauseous, yes, your stomach can hurt. Some women also feel some light cramping at the very beginning of their pregnancy, which may or may not be accompanied by spotting . This usually occurs around the predicted time of the period or a couple of days before.

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Changes To Your Body That May Indicate Pregnancy

You may first realise that youre pregnant when you miss your period. Thats a good time to take a pregnancy test or speak with your doctor.

In early pregnancy, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

  • aches and pains
  • morning sickness, which may be nausea or actual vomiting, and does not just happen in the morning
  • fatigue, or lack of energy
  • nasal problems, or shortness of breath
  • larger, tender breasts.

Better Health Channel has more information about these pregnancy symptoms.

If any of the symptoms become difficult to manage, talk to your doctor about what to do. In particular, if any morning sickness, aches and pains, dizziness or breathing difficulties make it hard to get through your normal day, ask for advice.

When To Call The Doctor

Being Pregnant Feels Like...

Though pregnancy fatigue is a totally normal symptom, if you’re feeling unrelentingly tired or are otherwise concerned about your health, don’t hesitate to check in with your health care provider. He or she can rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms, which may include:

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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Start Doing Pelvic Floor Exercises

It’s a good time to tone up those muscles ‘down under’. Gentle exercises can help to prevent leakage when you laugh, sneeze, cough or jump around on your future baby’s trampoline. Get the muscles going by pretending that you’re having a wee and then stop the ‘urine’ in midflow. Visit Tommys.org for more ideas.

Varicose Veins Hemorrhoids And Constipation

Varicose veins, usually found in the legs and genital area, happen when blood pools in veins enlarged by pregnancy hormones. Varicose veins often go away after pregnancy. To help prevent them:

  • avoid standing or sitting for long periods
  • wear loose-fitting clothing
  • wear support hose
  • raise your feet when you sit

Hemorrhoids varicose veins in the rectum are common during pregnancy as well. Your blood volume has increased and your uterus puts pressure on your pelvis. So the veins in your rectum may enlarge into grape-like clusters. Hemorrhoids can be very painful, and can bleed, itch, or sting, especially during or after a bowel movement .

Constipation is another common pregnancy woe. It happens because pregnancy hormones slow the passing of food through the gastrointestinal tract. During the later stages of pregnancy, your uterus may push against your large intestine, making it hard for you to have a BM. And constipation can contribute to hemorrhoids because straining to go may enlarge the veins of the rectum.

The best way to deal with constipation and hemorrhoids is to prevent them. Eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking plenty of liquids daily, and exercising regularly can help keep BMs regular. Stool softeners may also help. If you do have hemorrhoids, talk to your health care provider about a cream or ointment that can shrink them.

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