Can I Hurt My Baby By Pressing On My Stomach
Due to the fact that the baby is so little during the first trimester of pregnancy, there is almost no danger to the infant from abdominal touch or trauma.It is not impossible to have an unfavorable outcome, but it would be extremely unusual unless the injury was significant.As both your baby and your stomach continue to expand throughout the second trimester of your pregnancy, the chance of complications rises somewhat.
Other Skin Effects You Might Experience Instead
As already mentioned, pregnancy acne occurs when your oil glands produce more sebum than normal. Not only can it make your skin look shiny, but it can lead to blemishes, too.
You should continue washing your face twice a day per usual, but you may need to switch to oily skin products for the duration of your pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about safe products for use during pregnancy.
Pregnancy mask is another pregnancy-related skin condition that may affect some women and not others. This condition refers to brown spots on your skin caused by hyperpigmentation from increased melanin production in your skin. These blotches go away after pregnancy when your hormone levels drop, but sun exposure can make them worse. Wear a sunscreen every day to help prevent this.
Are Second Pregnancies Harder
While every pregnancy is different, it is not uncommon to find your second or subsequent pregnancy more challenging. You are coping with the demands of carrying a baby whilst simultaneously caring for the child you might already have. You will probably find yourself asking if it was always this hard.
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Exercises To Do In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy
The first three months of pregnancy can be a wild ride of emotions. From elation and pure joy to concern, worry, and even fear as you begin to realize that youre responsible for nourishing, growing, and keeping this tiny soon-to-be human being safe and healthy.
As long as youre not considered a high-risk pregnancy, physical therapist Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, says you can continue with your regular exercise routine in the first trimester.
The foundation of a well-rounded prenatal fitness routine should include at least 150 minutes of cardiovascular activity each week and 2 to 3 days of strength training exercises that target the major muscle groups.
It should also focus on specific exercises that help make pregnancy easier and prepare you for labor and childbirth.
One area of importance, says Jeffcoat, is to work on body awareness to prepare for changes in your posture. Doing an exercise like the pelvic curl is a great way to begin working on spinal mobility and strengthening the abdominal muscles that will support your belly as it grows, she says.
Why Is My Belly So Big At 7 Weeks Pregnant
The muscles in your stomach are continuing to relax, and at the same time, your uterus is growing. It is estimated that by week seven it will be around the size of a lemon and will continue to grow in order to accommodate your developing kid. Additionally, the amount of blood that circulates throughout your body is significantly increased.
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When Do You Start To Show With A Second Pregnancy
If youve been pregnant before, dont be surprised if you start showing earlier. Actually, its not uncommon to develop a baby bump in the first trimester after your first pregnancy.
A previous pregnancy can stretch your stomach muscles, and sometimes, these muscles dont return to their original size. Because of this change, a baby bump might appear earlier.
Its Easy To Get The Care You Need
See a Premier Physician Network provider near you.
If youre trying to conceive, taking a pregnancy test at the right time is always your best bet to determine whether or not youre pregnant.
But even before its time to take a pregnancy test, you might notice symptoms. Thats because, even in early pregnancy, hormonal and physical changes can take place in your body.
With all of the hormones rushing through a pregnant womans body, its no wonder that headaches are another common early sign of pregnancy.
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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.
Follow My Babys Growth
For first-time parents, a baby bump can start showing between 12 and 16 weeks. But others may start showing sooner if its not their first baby. Learning more about the first trimester of pregnancy can explain whats happening in the early stages of pregnancy that may or may not be affecting the baby bump.
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Raised Basal Body Temperature
If you’ve been using a special basal body thermometer to track your first morning temperature, you might notice that it rises around 1 degree when you conceive and stays elevated throughout your pregnancy.
Though not a foolproof early pregnancy symptom , it could give you advance notice of the big news.
What Is A Miscarriage Like At 7 Weeks
A miscarriage can occur in the early stages of pregnancy in many women without them even being aware of it. They can just believe that they are experiencing a particularly heavy menstruation. If this occurs to you, you may have cramps, bleeding that is heavier than usual, discomfort in your stomach, pelvic, or back, and a general feeling of weakness.
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Will You Notice Any Pregnancy Symptoms During Weeks 1 2 Or 3
During weeks one, two, or three, you may not even suspect youâre pregnant and you might not notice any pregnancy symptoms at all, as itâs still very early. Donât worryâthis is common .Missing a period is often the first clue that you may be pregnant, and around the time you miss a periodâor a little laterâyou may start noticing those very early pregnancy symptoms. One common early pregnancy symptom is implantation bleeding, which is light spotting that occurs when the tiny ball of cells attaches to the uterine lining. Not everyone experiences it, but this light bleeding is normal and can sometimes be mistaken for menstrual blood. It usually happens 10 to 14 days after conception.Other signs of pregnancy in the first month can include
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frequent urination.
Morning sickness is another common symptom of early pregnancy, but it usually crops up between weeks 4 and 9.Now that you know these early signs of pregnancy, take our quiz to test your knowledge!
Im Not Showing So Why Dont My Clothes Fit
Some expectant moms will begin to notice that their clothes are fitting tighter even though they dont have the slightest hint of a baby bump.
If your clothes arent fitting, and you dont have a bump, you are likely experiencing early pregnancy bloating. Your pregnancy hormones can cause this bloating to occur, and it should not be mistaken for a baby bump.
It is possible your clothes will fit one day and not the next, depending on the severity of your bloating.
Your body is changing every day, trying to accommodate your little one. Cherish every moment your belly will pop soon enough!
In nine months, you arent going to be worried about whether you started showing too early or too late. You are just going to care about that special baby youre holding in your arms.
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Possible Complications Of Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting can easily cause a loss of appetite. Many pregnant women worry that this will harm their babies. Mild morning sickness is generally not harmful.
Women who experience morning sickness well beyond the first 3 to 4 months of their pregnancies should speak with their doctor. Also seek help if you arent gaining any weight during pregnancy.
Morning sickness is usually not severe enough to hinder fetal growth and development. For some pregnant women, nausea causes them to experience severe vomiting and weight loss.
This condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum. It causes electrolyte imbalances and unintentional weight loss. If left untreated, this condition may eventually harm your baby.
- inability to keep food down
- weight loss of 2 pounds or more
- spotting, or bleeding
Severe bouts of morning sickness generally require hospitalization. Hyperemesis gravidarum often requires intravenous fluids for rehydration.
Safety Tips For Exercises While Pregnant
When considering exercises for pregnancy, Cates says there arent a lot of activities that need to be removed from your current regimen.
While the majority of exercises can be continued throughout each trimester, modifying and scaling back where needed can help increase the strength, stability, and physical adaptability as your body changes, she says.
With that in mind, here are some general safety tips to consider when exercising during pregnancy, according to the ACOG.
- Get clearance from your doctor if youre new to exercise or you have any health conditions that may contraindicate exercise.
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.
- Wear supportive clothing such as a supportive sports bra or belly band.
- Dont become overheated, especially during the first trimester.
- Avoid lying flat on your back for too long, especially during the third trimester.
- Avoid contact sports and hot yoga.
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Missed Or Strange Period
A missed period is one of the most reliable signs of pregnancy. However, pregnancy isn’t always the reason for a missed period. If you do have a positive pregnancy test, a healthcare provider will ask you for the first day of your last normal menstrual period . That date will also help determine your due date if you are indeed pregnant.
Although some people experience implantation bleeding around the time that their period is due, it is usually just spotting and lighter or shorter than their normal period. Although rare, a few people may continue to cycle throughout their pregnancy.
It may be harder to note a missed or strange period if you typically experience irregular cycles. In this case, a pregnancy test followed by a pelvic exam may be necessary. If a healthcare provider rules out pregnancy as the cause for your missed period, they will take steps to rule out other possible causes.
When Do You Start Showing With A First Pregnancy
It might come as a surprise, but the number of pregnancies youve had can affect how early you start showing.
Typically, though, you wont have a baby bump in your first trimester especially if its your first pregnancy. Youll likely notice the first signs of a bump early in the second trimester, between weeks 12 and 16.
You might start showing closer to 12 weeks if you are a person of lower weight with a smaller midsection, and closer to 16 weeks if youre a person with more weight.
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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.
Worsening Of Preexisting Skin Conditions
If you have certain preexisting skin conditions, your symptoms may be worse during pregnancy. Such conditions include eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Due to increased blood flow and hormones, affected skin may redden further and look more noticeable. Sometimes this is mistaken for signs of pregnancy glow.
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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.
When To See Your Doctor
Although spotting usually isnt anything to worry about, you should see a health practitioner if it persists for more than two or three months. Theyll perform a physical exam, pelvic exam, or Pap smear to assess your symptoms and determine the underlying cause.
You should seek immediate medical attention if youre experiencing abnormally heavy bleeding or severe pelvic pain. These could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.
Those in menopause should always follow up with a healthcare practitioner if they experience spotting. It can be an early sign of uterine cancer and other vaginal diseases.
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Dizziness And High Blood Pressure
In the early stages of most cases of pregnancy, high or normal blood pressure will drop. This might cause dizziness, as the blood vessels dilate. On the other hand, there might be hypertension cases within the first 20 weeks of the pregnancy. Although hypertension is difficult to determine, it is what an OB/GYN does to prevent severe problems during your pregnancy.
Cramping And Spotting During Early Pregnancy
From weeks 1 to4, 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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When Does It Start And How Long Does It Last
Theres no set timeframe for experiencing pregnancy glow. However, you may be more likely to experience this glow during the height of changes in your body, especially during the second trimester.
The glow of pregnancy as well as its underlying causes go away soon after you give birth. This isnt a permanent change to your skin.
When Can You Confirm Your Pregnancy
If you think you might be pregnant because you missed your period or are experiencing some of the early symptoms of pregnancy listed above, you can take a home pregnancy test.These tests can confirm a pregnancy by checking your urine for the presence of a hormone called hCG.
If you think you may be pregnant, but the test says otherwise, test again after a few more days or speak to your healthcare provider. You can also ask your provider to confirm your pregnancy with a blood test. Think you might be pregnant? Take our Am I Pregnant quiz. It wonât tell you for sure, but itâs all good fun!
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Early Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy
Early pregnancy symptoms can be subtle. You may notice your breasts feel different when you put on your bra, you feel more tired than normal, or your usual breakfast is unappealing.
If you start to feel some of the early pregnancy symptoms below, you may very well be pregnant. Here are some of the first signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
When To Call A Doctor Or Midwife About Symptoms
If you have questions, it’s important to ask a healthcare provider. Even if you don’t have an appointment, they can address your concerns and make sure everything is okay.
They understand that you have a lot of questions and are willing to give you the answers, but you have to . Many practitioners have someone available who just answers patients’ questions all day long.
It’s not unusual for the answers to lead to more questions. It is appropriate to ask clarifying questionsdo not feel like you are taking up too much of your provider’s time. They are there to help.
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