While Every Person Is Different Heres When You Can Tentatively Expect Breast Tenderness Nausea Fatigue Frequent Urination And Other Signs Of Pregnancy
You received a positive pregnancy test, and now youre waiting for the telltale signs youre expecting. So when do you start having pregnancy symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, and fatigue?
As it turns out, every person is different, says Marra Francis, M.D., an OB-GYN in Woodlands, Texas, and an author of the Mommy MD Guides. Some never experience the typical early signs of pregnancy, while others feel immediate changes in their body. And you cant use previous pregnancies as a guide either symptoms might appear at different points in every gestation, adds Dr. Francis.
To give you a basic guideline, we rounded up nine common early pregnancy symptoms and their typical start time. Remember to take this estimated schedule with a grain of salt, though, and ask your doctor about any concerns.
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.
To 3 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
Yes, itâs early, but itâs also an exciting time! As you anticipate your new pregnancy, consider the following to-dos:
â¡ Even if youâve already taken one, you might want to complete another home pregnancy test after your missed period for the best results.
â¡ Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy with a blood test.
â¡ Check out our pregnancy calendar to know what to anticipate in the next few weeks.
â¡ Though you canât find out your babyâs gender just yet, have a little fun with our Chinese Gender Predictor!
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How Late Can A Period Be
A typical menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but depending on the woman, a healthy cycle can be as short as 21 or as long as 35 days.Trusted SourceMayo ClinicMenstrual Cycle: What’s Normal, What’s NotSee All Sources Track your period over several months to look for cycle patterns and changes. This will help you figure out what a “normal” menstrual cycle usually looks like for you.
A period is usually considered late if it hasn’t started within seven days of when you expect it. Most pregnancy tests will also be able to give you accurate results by this time.
How To Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant The Early Signs And What To Do If She Is
Sure, we all know that a protruding belly and certain behavioral changes are indicative of a pregnant dog, but are you aware of all the signs that point to this? Whether you are intentionally breeding your dog or accidentally let her out of your sight during heat and are concerned she may have come in contact with a male dog, it is important to learn how to tell if your dog is pregnant right from the get-go.
In addition to being aware of the early signs of pregnancy, it is also a good idea to educate yourself on how to care for your pregnant pup, should you determine that is the case. From a healthy diet to moderate exercise and plenty of rest, there are a handful of things you can do to make sure the pregnancy is a smooth one.
Before we dive into the signs of pregnancy, it is important to bear in mind that a female dogs gestation period is only about two months, and most dogs are pregnant from between 58 and 66 days. Because the pregnancy term is so short, it can be easy for owners to miss some of the early signs of pregnancy. This is why we encourage you to pay attention to your dogs habits, behavioral patterns and physical attributes. In doing so, you will have a much better chance of catching the pregnancy early, and in turn providing your pregnant dog with the care she deserves.
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How To Determine Your Due Date
âIf I’m 3 weeks pregnant when is my due date?â It’s natural to wonder about your due date right away when you find out youâre pregnant, as youâre already looking forward to meeting your new baby!
For an estimate, try our Due Date Calculator, where you can simply enter the first day of your last menstrual period or the date of conception.
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Again, healthcare providers use the LMP method to determine your estimated due date. So once you start to notice those early pregnancy signs or have the feeling that you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test at home or confirm your pregnancy with your healthcare provider so you can calculate your due date!
Common Early Signs Of Pregnancy
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When Can You Do A Pregnancy Test
A very sensitive pregnancy test can be used to get an accurate result even before you miss your period.
This means you can get a positive result as early as eight days after conception.
You should try to do a pregnancy test about 21 days after you last had unprotected sex, or from the first day of a missed period.
You can do a pregnancy test on your urine at any time of the day, it doesnt have to be in the morning.
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.
The increased activity of your bodys oil glands gives your skin a flushed, glossy appearance. On the other hand, you may also develop acne.
in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that taking a home pregnancy test at this point will give a more accurate result.
Home pregnancy tests are inexpensive and widely available without a prescription in pharmacies and other stores.
You can take a test earlier than this if you want, but you run the risk of getting a false negative result. This means the test may say youre not pregnant, but in fact you are.
If you take a home pregnancy test too early, there may not be enough hCG in your urine yet for the test to detect it. Home pregnancy tests work by testing the amount of hCG in your urine. This is a hormone thats only present in the blood and urine of pregnant people.
Also, every persons body chemistry is a bit different. One person may get a positive result as early as a day after their period, while another persons positive results may not show up for another week. So, early test results may not be the most accurate.
Unlike at-home urine tests, blood tests are usually done in a clinical setting. Contact your doctor if you want this type of test.
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The Most Common Sign Of Early Pregnancy A Missed Period
Your menstrual cycle is your bodys way of preparing for a possible pregnancy each month. Part of that is the thickening of your uterine lining, which is where a fertilized egg would implant to begin a pregnancy.
If youre not pregnant, your period is how your uterus sheds that extra lining. If you are pregnant, that lining stays put and you dont get your normal flow. This is why a missed period is often the earliest sign of pregnancy.
Of course, a delayed or missed period doesnt always mean youre pregnant. If your body is under a lot of stress or you have a hormonal imbalance, you could be experiencing an irregular menstrual cycle.
When Do Early Pregnancy Symptoms Start
Regardless of your feelings about a possible pregnancy, it can be easy to ascribe any sensations you’re having to potential pregnancy symptoms. However, keep in mind that premenstrual syndrome symptoms and those of early pregnancy can be very similarand pregnancy symptoms most often don’t occur until after you’ve missed a period not before.
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As Hormones Shift Pregnancy Symptoms Start
An embryo is the tiniest thingnot even half an inch long in the first two months of pregnancy. But the changes it wreaks on a womans body right from the start are enormous. This is primarily due to the shifts in key hormones that start at the beginning of a pregnancy, says Sherry Ross, MD, a gynecologist and author of the books She-ology and She-ology,the she-quel.
These hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotrophin , which multiplies rapidly at the start of a pregnancy.
What Are Some Less Common Signs Of Early 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 experiences signs of pregnancy differently.
Less common signs of early pregnancy can include:
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Early Pregnancy Symptoms Vs Pms: Whats The Difference
Most early pregnancy symptoms before your period are strikingly similar to the side effects of PMS. However, youll only notice changes in your areolas if youre pregnant. A consistently elevated BBT and creamy vaginal discharge post-ovulation are also both relatively reliable signs of conception, but theyre certainly not foolproof.
Otherwise, the only way to know if other early pregnancy symptoms are due to a baby or PMS is to hold out until you can take a pregnancy test.
Moodiness And Mood Swings
Sometime between weeks 6 and 10 you might notice shifts in your mood. This is common in early pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, points out Nemours Childrens Health System. Mood shifts are caused by you guessed it! shifting hormones, which can also alter brain chemicals that regulate mood. The fatigue and physical stresses brought on by early pregnancy likely also contribute.
Mood shifts are usually nothing to worry about, but if they drop you into a deep depression, or if you develop thoughts of self-harm, its crucial that you reach out to a professional, the Cleveland Clinic cautions.
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Smell Sensitivity And Food Aversions During Early Pregnancy
Smell sensitivity is a symptom of early pregnancy thats mostly self-reported. Theres little scientific evidence about smell sensitivity during the first trimester. However, it might be important, since smell sensitivity may trigger nausea and vomiting. It may also cause strong distaste for certain foods.
You may experience either a heightened or lessened sense of smell during pregnancy, according to 2017 research. This is especially common during the first and third trimesters. Heightened smell is more common than lessened smell. Some smells that never bothered you before may become less pleasing or even trigger nausea.
The good news is that your sense of smell usually returns to normal after delivery, or within 6 to 12 weeks postpartum.
Tingling And Numbness In Your Hands
Carpal tunnel syndrome tingling and numbness in your hands affects up to 60 per cent of women during pregnancy. It is caused by compression of the median nerve due to an increase in the tissue fluids during pregnancy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome may be mild, intermittently painful, or severe, which may cause partial paralysis of the thumb or loss of sensation. Symptoms usually resolve on their own soon after birth.
If you are experiencing tingling and numbness in your hands, inform your doctor or midwife. In very severe cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgical treatment.
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Weight Gain And Heartburn
Towards the end of the first trimester, weight gain becomes more common. While the first few months the body usually gains about 1 to 4 pounds, the calorie requirements will increase as pregnancy progresses. Moreover, the presence of hormones leads to a relaxation of the sphincter muscle between the stomach and esophagus, which causes heartburn.
Signs You Should Take A Pregnancy Test: Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Different people have different reactions to the idea that they might be pregnant. Whatever your feelings are, you can prepare for the future by learning about the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
If you want to find out if youre pregnant for sure, youll need to get a testing kit. You can buy a pregnancy test at most drugstores and pharmacies or order one online.
Many of the early signs of pregnancy are very similar to those youd experience around the time of your period. None of these early signs of pregnancy can determine that youre pregnant for sure, so consider them symptoms to look out for, rather than a reliable test. Youll need to take a pregnancy test if you want to confirm that youve conceived.
Here are 10 common signs of early pregnancy:
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Psychological Symptoms Of Pregnancy
The first signs of pregnancy may occur before a woman even knows she is pregnant. One of the earliest signs is changes in mood that may include irritability, anxiety, euphoria, frequent crying, and depressed mood. Women may also experience changes in their food cravings and aversions towards certain tastes and smells. Other common physical symptoms that usually occur early on in the first trimester are increased fatigue, nausea, vomiting , breast swelling and tenderness, increased urination frequency, constipation, headaches and bloating. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to disturbances in sleep patterns as well. Additionally, some women report increased sensitivity to emotions as they go through their pregnancy as they become more aware of other peoples feelings.
Physical Symptoms Of Pregnancy
The most noticeable early symptom of pregnancy is a missed period. However, some women experience other symptoms shortly after becoming pregnant, although they are usually not as obvious as the missed period. Some of the physical symptoms of early pregnancy include:
Breast tenderness or swelling: This is one of the most common signs, and usually occurs within two to three weeks after conception. Many women also notice their breasts becoming larger or larger in size throughout their pregnancy.
Nausea and vomiting : Most women have bouts of morning sickness during their first trimester, although some may experience it later on in the pregnancy. Morning sickness can range from mild nausea to frequent vomiting. It should not be confused with hyperemesis gravidarum, which is more severe and requires medical intervention.
Increased urination: Frequent urination occurs during pregnancy for many reasons your kidneys and bladder must work harder to filter fluids out of your body, and hormones cause more blood vessels to be present in your lower abdominal region, putting pressure on your bladder and causing you to urinate more often. Additionally, the growing fetus puts increased pressure on the walls of your bladder.
Fatigue: During the first trimester you may find yourself feeling a lot more tired than usual this is caused by hormonal changes within your body that cause an increase in progesterone levels leading to fatigue and exhaustion.
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What Are Some Of The Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Most women will have some symptoms of early pregnancy within a few weeks of becoming pregnant.
The most common symptom of early pregnancy is a missed period. This may be less obvious to women with irregular cycles or who are using a type of contraception that affect their periods. These women may not notice a missed period. Its also common to notice physical changes such as:
- morning sickness nausea and/or vomiting that may come and go throughout the day
- needing to pass urine more frequently
- an increase in breast size
Some women will experience many of these changes, while others wont feel very different to usual. If you are having severe symptoms, ask your doctor about things you can do to help you feel better.
The hormonal changes in early pregnancy can also cause changes to your mood. You may feel more emotional and cry more easily. These feelings are very common in early pregnancy, but if they become severe and start to affect your daily life, its a good idea to discuss them with your doctor or pregnancy care provider.
