What Are The Most Common Causes Of Bleeding In The First Trimester
Bleeding or spotting in the first trimester can be common and doesnt always mean there is something wrong. Try not to worry. Take notes of the type of bleeding you see and call your healthcare provider to let them know your symptoms.
Some causes of bleeding in the first part of pregnancy are:
- Implantation bleeding: This is when the fertilized egg implants in the wall of your uterus and causes light bleeding. Its considered a normal part of early pregnancy.
- Molar pregnancy: A rare condition when a fertilized egg implants in your uterus, but a tumor forms instead of a baby.
- Ectopic pregnancy: When a pregnancy forms outside of your uterus . It can be life-threatening.
- Subchorionic hematoma: Bleeding from one of the membranes that surround the embryo inside your uterus. Subchorionic hematomas usually resolve on their own.
- Cervical polyps: A noncancerous growth on your cervix that bleeds in pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels.
- Miscarriage: The loss of the pregnancy before 20 weeks. It usually starts as light bleeding and gets heavier. It can be accompanied by severe cramping.
What Should I Watch Out For In The 6th Week Of Pregnancy
- You should still make sure you take folic acid2 and any additional supplements advised by your doctor.
- There are a few simple tricks to counteract morning sickness: Try to have a piece of dry bread or a few sips of unsweetened tea before you get up. Fatty, spicy foods can make you feel sick. Try to eat regularly with lighter, smaller portions than usually.
Note: The information on length and weight are average values that cannot be applied to individual cases. Every baby develops individually.
1 Moore KL et al., editors. The developing human: Clinically oriented embryology. Eleventh edition. Edinburgh: Elsevier 2020.
2 World Health Organization . Integrated Management of pregnancy and birth: Standards for Maternal and Neonatal Care. Geneva, Switzerland 2007 .
Can I Prevent An Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy cannot be prevented. But you can try to reduce your risk factors by following good lifestyle habits. These can include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and preventing any sexually transmitted infections . Talk to your healthcare provider about any risk factors you may have before trying to become pregnant.
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What Should I Do After Getting A Positive Pregnancy Test
If you take a pregnancy test at home and its positive, there are a few things you should do, including:
- Take your prenatal vitamins pick a vitamin with folic acid included in the ingredient list. Its recommended that you actually start taking these vitamins before becoming pregnant. This is because the folic acid can help prevent birth defects.
- Make sure to pursue healthy habits. Its recommended that you dont drink alcohol or smoke during pregnancy. You may also want to limit the amount of caffeine you consume each day during pregnancy.
Tender Tingly Darker More ‘sticky Out’ Nipples
Your nipples may also change significantly during the early weeks of pregnancy. “Your nipples may begin to ache, tingle or protrude more than usual,” says midwife Ellie. “The areoles the dark circle around your nipple may also become even darker and larger.”
Tender nipples were the first sign for Tamarabell on our forum. “I started to get a feeling I was pregnant about 1.5 weeks before I was due on, so pretty early,” she says. “I had really tender nipples and sort of butterflies in my tummy for a few days. My test came up positive the week before I was due. The doctor didnt believe it and made me do another one. I just sort of knew that something was different!”
“Who’d have thought we’d ever get excited about sore/dark nipples!” adds lynz_81, who’s been pregnant before. “Be warned: they will only get bigger and darker now!”
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Can You Feel Conception
Not usually. You may notice signs that you’ve ovulated, such as changes in your cervical mucus or basal body temperature. However, most people don’t feel fertilization. You may feel a dull ache or experience light spotting several days after conception. This could be from the fertilized egg implanting in your uterus.
When do you start feeling pregnant?
How long it takes to feel pregnant varies. Some people may start to feel pregnant shortly after conception, while others dont have any pregnancy symptoms for weeks after a positive test.
Take a home pregnancy test if you have any of the above symptoms and think theres a chance youre pregnant. Your healthcare provider can order a blood test to confirm pregnancy.
How Does Conception Occur
Conception is when sperm and an egg join together. Its one of the many steps that happen to create a pregnancy.
Conception is closely related to a persons menstrual cycle. A menstrual cycle describes the sequence of events that occur within your body as it prepares for the possibility of pregnancy each month. Women or people assigned female at birth ovulate during their menstrual cycle. Ovulation is when your ovary releases an egg for fertilization. Tiny finger-like structures called fimbriae help guide the egg through your fallopian tubes towards your uterus. During this journey through your fallopian tubes, an egg can be fertilized by sperm.
If a sperm is successful on its quest to fertilize an egg, the now fertilized egg continues to move down your fallopian tube, dividing into two cells, then four cells, then more cells. About a week after the sperm has fertilized the egg, the zygote has traveled to your uterus. It’s now a growing cluster of about 100 cells called a blastocyst.
The blastocyst then attaches itself to the lining of your uterus . This attachment process is called implantation. However, just because conception occurs doesn’t mean implantation will. Sometimes implantation doesn’t happen, and you pass the fertilized egg in your next menstrual period.
Timeline of getting pregnant
The process of getting pregnant in a 28-day menstrual cycle is:
Conception and a positive pregnancy test
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Blood And Urine Tests
check for the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin . A person might take an over-the-counter test at home, or they might visit a clinic and provide a urine or blood sample for testing.
The body produces hCG after implantation. Some rare conditions and diseases can also raise levels of this hormone. It is a good idea for anyone who has received a positive test result to have this confirmed by a healthcare professional.
Follow Your Baby’s Amazing Development
BabyCenter’s editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
ACOG. 2021. Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
ACOG. 2021. Bleeding during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/bleeding-during-pregnancy
ACOG. 2021. Good Health Before Pregnancy: Prepregnancy Care. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/good-health-before-pregnancy-prepregnancy-care
Mayo Clinic. 2021. Symptoms of Pregnancy: What happens first. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853.
NICHD. 2017. What are some common signs of pregnancy? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/signs
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Pain In Your Boobs Sensitive Breasts
Breast tenderness if one of the earliest and most common signs of pregnancy. It occurs as a result of hormonal changes which start the process of getting your milk ducts ready to feed the baby, Ross says.
Your boobs may feel as sore as they sometimes feel before your period, the Cleveland Clinic notes. But other changes may accompany this soreness: Nipples may darken and enlarge. And some women start busting out of their bra because the hormones enlarge breast tissue.
How Do I Work Out My Due Date
Most babies are born about 38 weeks after conception. Since many women ovulate and conceive about 2 weeks after their last period, this is often about 40 weeks since the beginning of their last period. Thats why people often talk about pregnancy lasting for 40 weeks.
Women with a regular 28-day cycle can calculate an estimated due date for their baby by counting 40 weeks from the first day of their last period. This may not be so simple or accurate in other situations, such as if you have long or irregular cycles, dont remember when you had your last period, or if you became pregnant while taking contraception that affected your cycle.
Use the due date calculator to calculate your estimated due date.
If youre not sure when you conceived, your doctor or midwife may refer you for a dating scan that uses ultrasound to estimate your due date based on your babys size.
Read Also: Can I Get Medical Insurance While Pregnant
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.
When To Take A Pregnancy Test
A pregnancy test measures the amount of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone in the urine. This hormone is only present when a woman is pregnant. As the egg grows into an embryo, the cells that surround it and later become the placenta produce hCG.
Planned Parenthood indicate that it is best to take a pregnancy test as soon after a missed period as possible. A pregnancy test may return a positive result as early as 10 days after a person has had sex without contraception. However, it typically takes about 3 weeks before theres enough hCG in the urine to produce a positive pregnancy test.
There are many affordable and reliable pregnancy tests available over-the-counter or online. A home pregnancy test can tell whether you are pregnant in a few minutes, with most claiming to offer almost
1 week after a missed period. Results of a pregnancy test are either positive or negative.
If a woman takes the pregnancy test earlier than 1 week after a missed period, it may give a negative result, even if the person is actually pregnant.
If a person believes they are pregnant despite a negative test result, they should repeat the test after 1 week.
To avoid a false negative result, check the pregnancy tests expiration date, and carefully follow the written directions.
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Do All Women Experience Early Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy
Each mom-to-be and each pregnancy is unique, so you may only notice some of these early signs of pregnancy. For example, the first signs and symptoms of pregnancy could occur before a missed period alternatively, missing a period may be your first clue that youâre pregnant. Whatâs more, the symptoms you notice in a second pregnancy may be different from what you experienced the first time around.
Additional Signs Of Pregnancy
As the body continues to change with each passing week, many individuals experience additional signs and symptoms of early pregnancy. These symptoms may leave you wondering what will happen next on your pregnancy journey. Learn more about what to expect during pregnancy by visiting our Pregnancy FAQ page.
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How To Know If Youre Pregnant
Nausea and fatigue. Headaches and bloating. Early signs and symptoms of pregnancy do not always tell the complete picture. If you think you are pregnant, the most reliable and accurate way to confirm it is with a pregnancy test. See a healthcare provider or ob-gyn to determine pregnancy with a blood test or urine test that accurately measures the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin .
At NewYork-Presbyterian, our expert doctors provide comprehensive pregnancy testing to help you confirm a positive pregnancy. NewYork-Presbyterian doctors and ob-gyns are here to provide personalized prenatal and maternal health services at every stage of pregnancy for your best care.
Early Signs Of Pregnancy
If you have a regular monthly menstrual cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period.
In the first few weeks of pregnancy you may have a bleed similar to a very light period, with some spotting or only losing a little blood. This is called implantation bleeding.
Every pregnancy is different and not everyone will notice all of these symptoms.
Read Also: How Early Can You Have Symptoms Of Being Pregnant
Missed Period During Early Pregnancy
Once implantation is complete, your body will begin making human chorionic gonadotropin . This hormone helps the body maintain the pregnancy. It also tells the ovaries to stop releasing mature eggs each month.
You will likely miss your next period 4 weeks after conception. If you typically have an irregular period, youll want to take a pregnancy test to confirm.
Most home tests can detect hCG as soon as 8 days after a missed period. A pregnancy test will be able to detect hCG levels in your urine and show if you are pregnant.
Can You Feel Pregnant Before You Miss Your Period
Yes, you can feel pregnant before you miss your period. Some people say theyve felt pregnancy symptoms within a week of conception .
Could I have the symptoms of early pregnancy and not be pregnant?
Many of the symptoms of early pregnancy overlap with other medical conditions, as well as your typical menstrual cycle. Premenstrual symptoms can be very similar to pregnancy symptoms. This can make it difficult to tell the difference. You can also miss a period and not be pregnant. This can happen when you lose or gain a lot of weight or are stressed. Breastfeeding can also cause your period to stop.
The best way to know youre pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available at your local pharmacy or grocery store without a prescription.
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Follow Your Babys Amazing Development
BabyCenters editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information youre seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
ACOG. 2021. Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
ACOG. 2021. Bleeding during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/bleeding-during-pregnancy
ACOG. 2021. Good Health Before Pregnancy: Prepregnancy Care. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/good-health-before-pregnancy-prepregnancy-care
Mayo Clinic. 2021. Symptoms of Pregnancy: What happens first. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853.
NICHD. 2017. What are some common signs of pregnancy? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/signs
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What Are Other Causes Of Bleeding During Pregnancy
Sometimes bleeding isn’t caused by any medical conditions and your healthcare provider won’t be concerned. However, its always better to discuss any spotting or bleeding with them to make sure.
Other reasons you may bleed during pregnancy are:
- Sex: Some women experience light bleeding after sex. This is due to your cervix being extra tender during pregnancy.
- Pelvic exam or ultrasound: Your cervix can bleed after a pelvic exam or transvaginal ultrasound because its highly sensitive .
- Infection:Chlamydia, gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections , or urinary tract infections can cause light bleeding. These infections will need to be treated by your healthcare provider.
Read Also: How To Reduce Pregnancy Nausea And Vomiting
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy
1.Spotting and Cramping
Development is on the cellular level between week 1 to week 4. Also, there is a creation of a fluid-filled group of cells or blastocyst. Due to the fertilized egg for the development of body parts and organs of the baby. On week four, after conception, the implantation of the blastocyst in the lining of the uterus can cause bleeding you may mistake it as a light period. Some signs of implantation bleeding are:
- Colour: red, brown, or pink color for each episode.
- Episode: implantation bleeding does not require any treatment and lasts for a minimum of three days.
- Bleeding: Bleeding is similar to a regular menstrual period. Spotting is bleeding on wiping.
- Pain: you may have severe, mild, or moderate pain.
2. You May Miss Period at The Time of Early Pregnancy
On completion of implantation, the body initiates the production of human chorionic gonadotropin . This hormone is useful for the maintenance of pregnancy and indicates ovaries to abort releasing mature eggs every month.
Four weeks after conception, you are likely to miss your next period. It would be best if you went for a pregnancy test for an irregular period.
In between eight days after a missed period, most home tests are capable of detecting hCG. A pregnancy test detects hCG levels in your urine.
3. High Temperature of Body
4. Fatigue
Any time you can develop fatigue, if pregnant. It is quite common during early pregnancy. You feel sleepy by soar progesterone levels.
7. Mood Change
