Changes In Nipple Color
Women may notice a deepening of the color of the area surrounding the nipple, called the areola and/or a dark line going down from the middle of the central abdomen area to the pubic area . Some degree of darkening of the areola persists after pregnancy in many women, but the linea nigra typically disappears in the months following delivery of the baby.
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.
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.
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Is It Just A Pregnancy Symptom Or Something More
Pregnancy is a confusing time. Your body is going through a lot of changes and it can be hard to tell what’s normal and what’s a red flag. Learning more about the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can help you identify a problem early and ensure the best possible outcome. Some characteristics of preeclampsia are signs that can be measured, but may not be apparent to you, such as high blood pressure. A symptom is something you may experience and recognize, such as a headache or loss of vision.
What Are The Earliest Signs Of Pregnancy
Some symptoms to watch for before you miss your period are sore breasts, fatigue, sensitivity to smell, food aversions, nausea, and more frequent urination. Keep in mind, however, that it’s very likely you will have no symptoms.
One study found that 50% of women showed no symptoms at five weeks after conception, 30% had none six weeks after conception, and 10% still didn’t have any at two months after conception!3
Below there are three tables.
- One is the signs of pregnancy you might experience before you miss your period.
- The next is the most commonly reported first signs of pregnancy, so you can get a sense of how common these symptoms are.
- The third shows 14 signs of pregnancy you might experience within the first three weeks after conception to get a better look at some other symptom possibilities.
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Other Early Signs Of Pregnancy
These early pregnancy symptoms tend to appear around or after the time that you miss your period, usually sometime between weeks 4 and 9. But again, every woman and every pregnancy is different, so you may not experience these symptoms at all, while other moms-to-be may notice them a little earlier.
Sickness Nausea And Vomiting
If youre sitting in meetings fighting the urge to vomit, youre definitely not alone. About 50% to 80% of pregnant women will throw up or feel nauseous . That can start happening any time from two to eight weeks after you conceive your baby.
The most likely cause is fluctuating levels of pregnancy hormones .
Oh, and the term morning sickness is a bit misleading too. Nausea or vomiting can happen at any time during the day .
A small number of women might find themselves with a severe form of nausea and vomiting called hyperemis gravadarum . HG can lead to pregnancy complications like dehydration, weight loss and electrolyte imbalance so you might need to be admitted to hospital .
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Lightheadedness Is Quite Normal During Early Pregnancy Stages
With all the upset to your hormones in early pregnancy, its no surprise that you might feel dizzy or lightheaded in the first few weeks after implantation.
The American Pregnancy Association say that fluctuation in your blood circulation can restrict the amount of oxygen that your brain needs. This usually starts early on in pregnancy in the first trimester and can last into the second or third trimester.12
Tummy Twinges Pulling And Pinching
These are some of the terms our mums use in our forum when describing the sometimes curious feelings many of us have in our stomachs in early pregnancy.
It might feel like your muscles are being stretched or even pinched from inside, and can seem to be on either side, as forum mum Louis2 who is 5 weeks pregnant, describes. For the past few days, she says, I have been having a few lower abdominal twinges, often on one side, but occasionally on the other.
I had abdominal twinges at approx 5 weeks and panicked, adds xxmrsjohnstonexx. But the doctor said it was just everything stretching and changing and not to worry.
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Presumptive Signs Of Pregnancy
Presumptive signs are those that raise some suspicion that a person might be pregnant. These signs are subjective, meaning they are reported by the patient.
Presumptive signs of pregnancy could have other causes, which is why additional diagnostic signs must be present before a positive diagnosis can be made.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Missed menstrual periods
- Painful breasts
- An increase in urination
- Quickening (a feeling of movement in the lower abdomen, usually felt for the first time at around 16 to 22 weeks of gestation.
- Jacquemier’s sign
Air Bloating & Constipation
Progesterone, the hormones responsible with the installation of pregnancy, slows the intestinal transit that leads to constipation and bloating you might alternate between these 2 symptoms. You may also experience once of them. The fact is that you may start to experience these new symptoms from just about any reason.
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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.
Conditions That Mimic Chadwicks Sign
If a pregnancy is not confirmed, other causes will need to be evaluated. Some medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of pregnancy, including Chadwicks sign.
There are other conditions that can cause bluish discoloration of the cervix:
- Cervical endometriosis: This condition can cause blue cervical lesions and other symptoms, such as red, black, or blue cervical lesions discharge dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain.
- Adenomyosis: When endometrial tissue is present in the uterine muscle, it may also affect the cervix if a mass protrudes into the endocervical canal.
- Peudocyesis : False pregnancy occurs when a person believes they are pregnant when they are not. The belief can trigger the brain to release pregnancy hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. An increase in hormone levels causes a person to have the physical signs and symptoms of pregnancy, including Chadwick’s sign.
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Missed Period Is A Sign Of Pregnancy
Of course, missing a period is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy or implantation. For women who have regular menstrual cycles, missing a period will usually prompt them to get a pregnancy test.
There can also be other reasons, apart from pregnancy, that cause you to miss a period. Dr. Pagano says that stress, losing or gaining a lot of weight, fatigue, or hormonal problems can also affect your menstrual cycle. However, if your period is late and you have other signs of implantation, then you should get a pregnancy test.5
Conception And Signs Of Implantation
Many of the signs of implantation are due to hormonal changes in your body when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of your uterus.
In order to get pregnant, your cervix releases an egg around about the middle of your menstrual cycle. At this time, its natural to see an increase in sticky white discharge and other signs of ovulation. Only when a sperm lives long enough to make its way to the egg and fertilizes it, can a pregnancy happen.
Implantation happens when the fertilized egg implants itself in the lining of your uterus. According to Dr. Nivin Todd on WebMD, implantation happens 3 to 4 days after fertilization. Signs of implantation such as light spotting and cramping can happen when this occurs.1
According to the American Pregnancy Association, the signs of implantation occur just before your next period. They say that implantation signs are usually noticeable 10 to 14 days after ovulation.2 Therefore, its easy to confuse signs of implantation with the onset of your menstrual period. However, if you have signs of implantation and you miss your period, there is a good chance that you are pregnant.
Recommended Reading: How To Check Your Stomach For Pregnancy
Is It Possible For A Teenager To Have A Healthy Baby
Teen moms can have healthy babies. Make sure you see your doctor as soon as you know youre pregnant, and attend all your scheduled appointments.
Proper obstetrical care throughout your pregnancy is so important to the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Eat well, exercise, and confide in supportive friends and family members.
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy has been shown to lower birth weight and cause babies to be born prematurely. You shouldnt smoke during pregnancy.
Drugs and alcohol can have very damaging effects on a mother and her unborn child. Dont drink alcohol or use illicit drugs during pregnancy. If you think you might be addicted to drugs or alcohol, ask your doctor about counseling and treatment programs to help you quit.
Only take the medicines your doctor prescribes. Make sure your doctor knows about any over-the-counter medicines you are taking.
Its important for all pregnant women to get proper medical care regardless of how old they are. But because teens bodies are still developing, seeing a doctor regularly is especially important for teen mothers.
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.
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The Majority Of People Will Start Experiencing The Token Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy Around Eight Weeks What Are Other Early Signs Of Pregnancy
As the body produces more hormones to support the pregnancy, additional signs and symptoms will appear. Progesterone and estrogen production ramps up during pregnancy to support the health of the placenta and uterus and help the fetus develop. These hormones are largely responsible for many of the changes that set in after becoming pregnant. Soon after the missed period, breasts will enlarge and become tender. Some people will experience shortness of breath, especially after physically exerting themselves. Others will have difficulty sleeping, and about half of pregnant people will experience fatigue. Food aversions or cravings may set in. In the early part, you are more likely to have food aversions, Dr. MacLean says. These symptoms may set in as early as six weeks of pregnancy, but the majority of people will start experiencing the token signs and symptoms of pregnancy around eight weeks. Later on in the first trimester, there may be some increased frequency of urination. Nausea, which may occur with or without vomiting, typically peaks around nine weeks.Most people wont experience changes in discharge until later on in their pregnancy. At that time, the discharge develops a thin, white consistency. According to Dr. MacLean, there are typically no signs of early pregnancy discharge at the start of your pregnancy.
Food Aversions And Sensitivity To Smell
Sensitivity to certain smells is a common symptom for pregnant women. You may also find that your tastes have changed for certain types of food.
Any of the above signs can mean youre pregnant, but there are women who conceive and experience none of them. Likewise, you can experience all ten and not be pregnant. The best way to confirm pregnancy is to schedule an appointment with a provider, preferably your gynecologist.
If you notice a few of the early pregnancy symptoms above and think you may be pregnant, wait one or two days after your missed period and take a pregnancy test. If the test is negative, wait a few more days and take another, just in case the first was a false negative. If the test is positive, schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN.
At Baptist Health, were committed to helping women through every stage of their health journeys. If youre trying to conceive or thinking about getting pregnant, read through our preconception to-do list, or if you have an upcoming OB/GYN appointment, learn how you can get the most out of your visit.
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Elevated Basal Body Temperature
A persistently elevated basal body temperature is another characteristic sign of early pregnancy. An elevation in the basal body temperature occurs shortly after ovulation and persists until the next menstrual period occurs. Persistence of the elevated basal body temperature beyond the time of the expected menstrual period is another sign of early pregnancy.
What Do I Do Next
If you would like to speak to someone about your pregnancy symptoms or the possibility of being pregnant, click the chat button below or call us toll free at 1-800-672-2296.
- If you need a free pregnancy test or ultrasound you can use your zip code to find a free pregnancy testing center.
- If you are trying to get pregnant and need help, check out the fertility product and resource guide provided by our corporate sponsor. Review resource guides here.
- Questions about paternity? Call for free paternity info at 1-800-798-0580.
- Trying to conceive? Order Fertility Products
Want to Know More?
Recommended Reading: Mayo Clinic Pregnancy
What Are The Symptoms Of Pregnancy At 2 Days
Another trick question! You wont experience any pregnancy symptoms two days after your last menstrual period, because youre not technically pregnant during that time. Even at two days past conception youre unlikely to experience any pregnancy symptoms. It generally takes between 12 and 24 hours for the sperm to meet the egg. Once this happens, it takes another 3 to 5 days for the fertilized egg to implant into the uterine lining. Though some women say they just know when pregnancy has occurred, its unlikely youll experience any early pregnancy symptoms before 3 to 4 weeks.
Other Possible Signs Of Pregnancy
While these are five common early signs in most pregnancies, there are other signs you might experience. Many of these symptoms resemble premenstrual syndrome. You may have headaches or feel lightheaded. You may have mood swings characterized by weeping and intense emotions. Bloating and constipation are not uncommon in early pregnancy.
The presence of any or all of these symptoms doesn?t necessarily mean you are pregnant. Many times they just mean that your period is about to start. Some people have no symptoms at all in early pregnancy.
If you have missed a period and have noticed any of these signs, take an at-home pregnancy test, or make an appointment to see your OBGYN or midwife. If you are pregnant, it?s important to begin prenatal care early.
? If you?d like to see a gynecologist at NSAGO, please contact us at our Wilmette or Glenview locations.
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When Should I Call My Doctor About A New Pregnancy
If you have missed a period, taken a pregnancy test and gotten a positive result, your next step will be to call your healthcare provider for your first appointment. While scheduling, your provider may ask if you have already started taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400mcg of folic acid. These vitamins are important in early pregnancy because they help in the development of your babys neural tube. The neural tube will become the brain and spine. Many healthcare providers recommend that any women who could become pregnant take folic acid at all times.
If you are planning a pregnancy, a preconception appointment with your healthcare provider is a good place to start. A preconception appointment is especially important if you take medication for a chronic illness or have other medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension or lupus.
During this appointment, your provider will discuss any current medical conditions, as well as your general health before pregnancy. This appointment is meant to get you into the best place for a new pregnancy.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/01/2020.
References
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