When You Are Not Pregnant
Early Signs Of Pregnancy Before A Missed Period
While pregnancy tests and your practitioner can offer definitive answers, these early pregnancy symptoms may be clues that you’re expecting.
Keep in mind, just because youve experienced some of these symptoms doesnt mean youre pregnant. You could also have none of them at all and still go on to have a perfectly healthy pregnancy.
Although every woman is different, these early symptoms can first appear before you even miss your period.
Cramping And Spotting During Early Pregnancy
From weeks 1 to 4, everything is still happening on a cellular level. The fertilized egg creates a blastocyst that will develop into the fetuss organs and body parts.
About 10 to 14 days after conception, the blastocyst will implant in the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. This can cause implantation bleeding, which may be mistaken for a light period. It does not occur for everyone. If it does occur, it will usually happen around the time you expect your period.
Here are some signs of implantation bleeding:
- Color. The color of each episode may be pink, red, or brown.
- Bleeding. Implantation bleeding is usually much less than your usual period. Its often described as light bleeding that never turns into a flow or enough to need a tampon.
- Pain. Pain is usually milder than your usual menstrual pain. It may involve some cramping. It can be moderate or severe, but its most often mild.
- Episodes. Implantation bleeding is likely to last less than 3 days and does not require treatment. It can sometimes last only a few hours.
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The Most Common Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Your body experiences a lot of changes during pregnancy and this can result in many different symptoms from early on, such as the ones below. But keep in mind, these symptoms dont automatically mean youre pregnant and there can be other medical reasons why youre experiencing these changes.
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms, and what else they could mean if you have them.
Are Home Pregnancy Tests The Best Way To Check For An Early Pregnancy
Home pregnancy tests are generally very reliable. These tests involve urinating on a small test strip and then waiting for a symbol to appear in the result window. This window will usually show a test image . This symbol appears first and means that the test is working. Always check the packaging and instructions of your test to make sure it is working correctly. Within a few minutes, the test will show either a positive result or a negative result. Some digital tests will display a word or phrase .
Blood tests for a possible pregnancy are done in your healthcare providers office. This version of the test looks for hCG in your blood. You still need to wait for hCG to build up in your body before taking this type of pregnancy test. Your healthcare provider may recommend this option in some cases. Call your provider if you suspect youre pregnant and discuss the best type of test.
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What Causes Frequent Urination During Pregnancy
The following are the main causes why expecting moms would be peeing a lot.
- Increased Blood Flow The blood flow and volume of blood increases during pregnancy. Your kidneys will be processing extra fluid to process this increased blood flow, thus resulting in more frequent washroom trips.
- Hormones The hormones in your body will manipulate even the simplest functions of your organs and body to accommodate and aid the growing baby inside you. This is also the main reason for frequent urination in early pregnancy.
- The growing size of your baby The urge for frequent urination during the second trimester of pregnancy mainly happens because of the growing size of your baby and the baby weight constantly pushing and squeezing your bladder, thus leaving very little storage space resulting in more frequent washroom visits. Frequent urination during the third trimester of pregnancy is also very common and increased for the same reason.
How Can I Help Myself
Depression can make you want to hide away from the world and you may feel like you dont want to do anything. But it is important to make sure you take care of yourself. Start with little activities, take things at your own pace and most importantly, ask for help if you need it. Here are a few ideas for what you can do.
- Talk to someone you trust about your feelings, such as your partner, family or a friend.
- Try not to feel guilty, ashamed or embarrassed. These feelings are not your fault.
- Try some of our top tips for looking after your emotional wellbeing.
- Exercise as much as you can. Keeping active will release some feel-good endorphins.
- Eat well even if you dont have much appetite.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking. This can harm your baby and make you feel worse.
- Dont take St Johns Wort .
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When Do Pregnancy Blues Usually Begin
Feeling alone while pregnant can begin at any point during pregnancy. Circumstances such as how you are feeling physically and emotionally play a huge role. If, for instance, you are sick in the first trimester and feeling horrible, that may trigger feelings of pregnancy loneliness.
In general, physical health can play an important role in how youre feeling overall. If the morning sickness never seems to end, if heartburn seems a constant companion, or if sleep feels impossibly far, you are more likely to feel down.
If you are feeling down, dont hesitate to open up to someone you trust, whether its your own mom or your midwife.
Pregnancy blues are closely tied to circumstances that sometimes feel out of your control. Moms-to-be who dont have a strong support system are more at risk of feeling down. But even those who do have a support system may feel they cant confide their worries or feelings to their family and friends. If you are feeling down, dont hesitate to open up to someone you trust, whether its your own mom or your midwife. Holding in feelings, regardless of how irrational they may seem, is carrying a weight that is not necessary to bear.
How Reliable Are Home Pregnancy Tests
According to the NHS, home pregnancy tests are reliable as long as you follow the instructions correctly. It may not be reliable if you didnt follow instructions or youve taken the test too early.
Most pregnancy tests can be taken after the first missed period, with any tests taken before this time running the risk of being inaccurate. Professionals also recommend avoiding drinking too much fluid ahead of doing a test, as it can dilute the level of HGC.
Negative tests may not be reliable if youve taken it too early, as the level of HGC might not be enough at the time of taking it. Tests can also vary in their sensitivity and so its recommended you read instructions thoroughly before using one, as theres no guarantee each one will be the same.
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If I Am Taking Antidepressants Can I Breastfeed My Baby
Breastfeeding provides many health benefits for babies. It also helps mothers and babies bond. If you are taking antidepressants, small amounts will come out through your breast milk. But studies have shown that children exposed to these drugs through breast milk have not had problems.
Even if you are taking antidepressants, you can breastfeed your baby for as long as you wish. Stopping an antidepressant during breastfeeding may cause the depression to return.
Ultrasound At 2 Months Pregnant
Speaking of ultrasounds, your doctor could order an early one between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy. There are several reasons for this, ranging from serious to totally benign .
If you do get scheduled for an early ultrasound, it will likely be transvaginal, not abdominal, since your baby is teensy.
In a healthy pregnancy, you can expect to see some cool things during a transvaginal ultrasound: the gestational sac, the yolk sac, the early shape of your baby, and their super-fast heartbeat.
If youre earlier in your pregnancy than you expect, your baby may be too small to see or measure yet. The average gestational size at 8 weeks is about half an inch from crown to rump, or 12 millimeters.
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What Other Changes Can I Expect During The First Trimester
Frequent urination. Towards the end of the first trimester, you will feel like urinating more often. This is because your growing uterus pushes on your bladder. You may even leak a little urine when you cough or sneeze.
Lightheadedness. Your body is working overtime to make extra blood to support your baby. This can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Hunger, weakness, or stress can cause these symptoms as well.
Heartburn. The muscles that break down food become more relaxed during pregnancy. Hormone changes also slow down this process. Food also stays in your stomach longer to give your body more time to absorb nutrients. All these things can cause or worsen heartburn.
Constipation. You should be taking a daily prenatal vitamin that contains iron. The iron in the vitamin can lead to constipation. The slow process of breaking down food also can cause constipation, gas, and bloating. Your doctor may suggest taking fiber supplements or a stool softener to provide relief. Make sure you drink plenty of water . Tell your doctor if you have severe problems. They may switch you to a different prenatal vitamin.
Visible veins. Your body makes extra blood and your heart pumps faster to meet the needs of pregnancy. This can cause the blue veins in your belly, breasts, and legs to become more noticeable. You may develop spider veins on your face, neck, or arms. These are tiny blood vessels that branch out from a central area, like the legs of a spider.
Swelling Of The Hands And Feet
Slight swelling of the hands and feet are common in the later stages of pregnancy. Adequate fluid intake is always important. Improve the circulation in your legs and feet by elevating them as often as possible. Lie on a bed or floor and raise your legs up on the wall keeping your knees bent. If you are wearing elastic hose, drain your legs this way before putting them on.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
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Treatment For Vaginal Thrush
Treatment aims to reduce the number of yeasts so they no longer cause symptoms. Options that are available from your local pharmacist without a prescription include:
- antifungal creams or vaginal pessaries these are put inside the vagina with a special applicator and are used from one to six days, depending on the product. Occasionally a second course of treatment is required. Repeated topical treatments may occasionally cause skin irritation
- oral tablets this treatment is more expensive than other options and is not recommended for pregnant women or as a first line treatment. If you are on other medications or are pregnant, consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking oral medication for thrush.
Sometimes symptoms only last for a short time and treatment is not necessary.
Whats The Difference Between Baby Blues And Postpartum Depression
The baby blues is a mild form of postpartum depression that many new moms experience. It usually starts 1 to 3 days after the birth and can last for 10 days to a few weeks. With baby blues, many women have mood swingshappy one minute and crying the next. They may feel anxious, confused, or have trouble eating or sleeping. Up to 80% of new moms have the baby blues. Its common, and it will go away on its own.
About 13% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, which is more serious and lasts longer. You are at a greater risk if you have a family history of depression or have had depression before.
Some of the symptoms include:
- feeling like you cant care for your baby,
- extreme anxiety or panic attacks,
- trouble making decisions,
- hopelessness, and
- feeling out of control.
No one knows exactly what causes postpartum depression. If you think you have the symptoms, its important to get help right away. Postpartum depression needs to be treated. Talk to your doctor or call your local public health office.
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What Are Five Common Signs Of Pregnancy
There are several signs of early pregnancy that you could experience. Not everyone will have all of these symptoms, and some women may not feel any of these things. Pregnancy symptoms throughout the entire pregnancy can vary dramatically between women. Its important not to compare your pregnancy to someone elses.
Common early pregnancy symptoms can include:
If I Take Antidepressants During My Pregnancy Will They Hurt My Baby
You may think you should stop taking medication for depression when you are pregnant. Remember that, if left untreated, depression can have serious effects for both you and your baby. If you are taking antidepressants and are thinking about getting pregnant , talk to your doctor first, before stopping any medication. You can also consult the following trusted resources: www.mothertobaby.org, www.medicinesinpregnancy.org.
Some newborn babies may have symptoms such as irritability, fast breathing, tremors and poor feeding if their mothers took antidepressants during pregnancy. These symptoms are usually mild and pass quickly, usually within 2 weeks. These babies typically respond well to a quiet environment, swaddling, skin-to-skin contact, and frequent small feeds. Serious problems such as heart defects or more severe breathing issues are very rare.After your baby is born, they will be watched closely to make sure they are healthy. Your doctors and nurses will make sure that you are both well before letting you go home. You may need to stay an extra day or two in the hospital so that they can be sure.
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Can You Take Antidepressants While Pregnant
When deciding whether to take antidepressants during pregnancy, you should carefully weigh all potential risks and benefits with your doctor. Consult with your healthcare provider to make a choice that gives the best chance for long-term health for you and your baby. As with any medication, be sure to monitor progress with your doctor or ob-gyn.
While feelings of loneliness are common, you can fight back by finding your tribe and getting the support and love you need. You are worth it.
Pregnancy can be one of the most challenging and unique times in a womans life. While feelings of loneliness are common, you can fight back by finding your tribe and getting the support and love you need. You are worth it.
Fertility Drug Side Effects
If you are working with a doctor to improve your chances of conceiving, it’s important to know that fertility drug side effects can sometimes be mistaken for early pregnancy symptoms. Progesterone supplements can cause nausea and a frequent urination. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation treatments like oral clomiphine citrate drugs or injectable gonadotropin may lead to moodiness, sore breasts, and bloating.
Be sure to keep in close touch with your fertility specialist to understand all possible side effects of any medications you are taking. This is a good idea to not only ensure you are in good health throughout treatments, but to also help temper expectations month to month.
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How Do I Know Im Pregnant
A missed period is often the first sign of pregnancy. You may have some other physical signs as well. These include mild cramping and a little bleeding when the fertilized egg implants itself in your uterus.
If youve missed your period and think you may be pregnant, you can take a home pregnancy test. These tests are very accurate if you take them a few days after you expected to get your period. Call your doctor if the test is positive.
How Is Your Due Date Calculated
At one month pregnant, youâll be eager to know when your newborn will arrive. Our Due Date Calculator can give you an estimate, but your healthcare provider may be able to give you a more accurate date. Your due date is calculated as 40 weeks, or 280 days, from the first day of your last menstrual period. Keep in mind that your due date is just an estimate. You may not remember the date of your last period the length of your menstrual cycle may be shorter or longer than the 28-day average and itâs very difficult to know exactly when ovulation or fertilization occurred. Keep in mind, only a small percentage of babies are born exactly on their due date and most babies are born in the two weeks either side of their due date.
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