Feeling Sick During Pregnancy
You may feel sick or be sick. This is commonly known as morning sickness, but it can happen at any time of the day or night.
Morning sickness symptoms usually start when youre around 4-6 weeks pregnant
If you’re being sick all the time and cannot keep anything down, see a GP.
You may have hyperemesis gravidarum, a serious condition in pregnancy that causes severe vomiting and needs treatment.
Change In Cervical Mucus
Some of our forum mums find their cervical mucus changes and they seem to have more mucus than usual.
In very early pregnancy, your mucus may seem to be thinnish and slippery for longer than usual and it will then thicken due to the increase in progesterone.
For forum mum Blue_Gecko, this thickened mucus was one of the clearest early signs she was pregnant. The cervical mucus was creamy and quite heavy, she recalls. It felt quite moist down there.
Cervical mucus is usually a pale white/yellow colour but dont worry if you see a brownish discharge: this is also common. Its usually harmless, but if youre worried, have a chat with your GP.
Very Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Think you might be pregnant? Check out these early symptoms of pregnancy that can show up one week before your missed period. If you’ve already experienced a few, it may be time to head to the drugstore to pick up a pregnancy test or schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN.
Your breasts may be extra tender as early as one or two weeks after conception. Youre making so much estrogen and progesterone in early pregnancy that the glands in the breasts start growing, explains Jasbir Singh, M.D., an OB-GYN at Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie in Texas. This hormone surge causes breasts to retain more fluids and feel heavy, sore, or more sensitive than normal PMS tenderness.
Many women mistake these early signs of pregnancy for PMS symptoms, but theyre actually caused by hormonal changes and the growth of the uterus. About 30 percent of women experience cramping after conception, which is triggered by implantationwhen the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. Your uterus may be stretching a little now to prep for its massive expansion over the next nine months
When a fertilized egg implants into the plush lining of the uterus about six to 12 days after conception, light vaginal spotting may occur. You might mistake this “implantation bleeding” for your period, but it’s generally lighter than menstruation and brown or pink in color.
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Breast Swelling Tenderness And Pain
Breast enlargement, tenderness, or pain similar to premenstrual symptoms can occur early in pregnancy. The breasts may feel full or heavy, and the area around the nipple may darken. A dark line called the linea nigra that runs from the middle of the abdomen to the pubic area may appear. You may notice tenderness or swelling in your breasts in the first or second week after you conceive.
Your Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week
Check out this week-by-week pregnancy symptom timeline so you know what to expect while carrying a baby.
Your body experiences a wide range of changes throughout pregnancy, ranging from breast tenderness in the first trimester to backaches in the third. Prepare for whats coming with our list of pregnancy symptoms by week.
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Which Pregnancy Books Should I Buy
If you are expecting or trying for a baby, you might want to buy some pregnancy books to help you prepare for motherhood. Weve put together some recommendations below, along with descriptions to help you decide whether or not these books are suitable for you or not.
First-Time Parent: The honest guide to coping brilliantly and staying sane in your babys first year, by Lucy Atkins
This includes surviving the first few days, adapting to your new routine, why your baby is crying, sleep advice, and so much more. Her guide also includes information on single parenting, and on adopted, multiple and special needs babies.
The Modern Midwifes Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, by Marie Louise
Senior Midwife Marie Louise created this book to share up-to-date findings and expert insights into pregnancy, and this book is suitable for any women. Whether youre planning a pregnancy, you are pregnant, or youre well into your third trimester, this book is packed with facts and advice.
From incredible facts about breast milk to educating about labour, Maries guide is designed to help women understand more about their body and their growing baby, and what they can do to support them.
Were Pregnant! The First Time Dads Pregnancy Handbook, by Adrian Kulp
If youre a Dad whos expecting, or someone who wants to prepare their partner for what to expect, then this seems like the book for you.
How to Grow a Baby Journal, by Clemmie Hooper
Morning Sickness Nausea And Vomiting During Early Pregnancy
Nausea and morning sickness usually develops around weeks 4 to 6. Although its called morning sickness, it can occur any time during the day or night. Its unclear exactly what causes nausea and morning sickness, but hormones may play a role.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, many women experience mild to severe morning sickness. It may become more intense toward the end of the first trimester, but often becomes less severe as you enter the second trimester.
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What Should You Do
Get a supportive bra to ease the discomfort of this pregnancy symptom. Talk to a professional who can help you with a fitting, and be sure to leave a little extra room. Trust us, theyre going to keep growing. And dont be afraid to use either warm or cold compresses if things get really uncomfortablejust use whichever feels right for you.
Implantation Cramping And Bleeding
Women may experience cramps very early on in pregnancy. These are due to implantation, which is when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.
Implantation cramps may occur a few days after ovulation, and many women say that they feel cramps around 5 DPO. These cramps may occur in the lower back, abdomen, or pelvis.
Around 25 percent of women may notice slight bleeding around the time of implantation. This is called implantation bleeding, and it tends to be lighter in color and flow than a menstrual bleed.
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Sour Or Metallic Taste
Forum mum sealeyB says she had a really metallic taste in her mouth very soon after ovulation and it didnt go for 2 weeks. And shes definitely not alone in experiencing this early pregnancy symptom.
Experiencing strange tastes, known as dysgeusia, is one of the lesser-known but actually quite common early pregnancy signs, says Dr. Amin Gorgy. And, once again, pregnancy hormones are the culprit.
The metallic taste symptom can vary in its intensity but its definitely sour. Its as if I have sucked 2p pieces! says forum mum-to-be Deli3.
Other Causes Of Bleeding During Pregnancy
Many things can cause bleeding in pregnant women, some of them harmless and some serious. If youre bleeding a lot, with or without pain or cramping at any time, call your doctor.
Continued
If youre pregnant and see blood in your underwear, it may be caused by:
Sex. Hormonal and physical changes may be to blame for this. It should stop on its own.
Fibroids and polyps. Your doctor might do some tests to check for these growths on your uterus.
Cervical problems. Conditions like infection or growths on your cervix can also cause bleeding.
Infection. Sexually transmitted diseases like trichomoniasis can cause light bleeding as well as more serious problems. Starting treatment as soon as possible will keep your baby healthy.
Ectopic pregnancy. This is when an embryo implants outside your uterus. You may have bleeding with pain and cramps. Its dangerous and needs medical care right away.
Miscarriage. About 15% of known pregnancies end during the first few months. Most women bleed and cramp afterward. Call your doctor right away if you know that you’re pregnant and you have these symptoms.
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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
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Things To Think About
In the early days and weeks of pregnancy, you may not know if you’re pregnant.
But you can do the following things:
- take a folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms a day while you’re trying to get pregnant and until the 12th week of pregnancy
- consider taking a vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms a day
- avoid some foods to protect against infections
- not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your baby’s health
You can get supplements from pharmacies and supermarkets, or your GP may be able to prescribe them for you.
If you want to get your vitamin D or folic acid from a multivitamin tablet, make sure the tablet does not contain vitamin A .
You can get vitamin supplements containing folic acid and vitamin D free of charge if you’re under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding and qualify for the Healthy Start scheme.
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Timeline Of Early Pregnancy Symptoms
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.
More Hungry Or More Thirsty
While some mums-to-be suddenly cant bear the thought of eating, others suddenly find theyre so ravenous, eating is all they can think about.
For forum mum MsDodger, her appetite went through the roof. I eat a lot normally but this it was a massive leap, she says. I could not stop snacking all day and eating large meals.
And this ravenous urge can apply to drinking as well, as eating, as bleurgh discovered. Thirst! I wondered how much I could actually drink before drowning myself. Even my hubby said he nearly asked if I was drinking for two before I tested.
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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.
High Blood Pressure And Dizziness During Early Pregnancy
In most cases, high or normal blood pressure will drop in the early stages of pregnancy. This may also cause feelings of dizziness, since your blood vessels are dilated.
High blood pressure as a result of pregnancy is more difficult to determine. Almost all cases of hypertension within the first 20 weeks indicate underlying problems. It may develop during early pregnancy, but it may also be present beforehand.
Your doctor will take your blood pressure during your first visit to help establish a baseline for a normal blood pressure reading.
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Many women wonder how soon you can feel pregnancy symptoms, and whether you can feel implantation or conception. The simple answer: you can get early pregnancy symptoms and signs even before you have a missed period, and you may feel pregnancy signs and symptoms right after implantation.
Check out your Fertility Knowledge, and how much you know about fertility
What Is Happening In The Womb At 5 Dpo
At 5 DPO, if the sperm has reached and fertilized the egg, the cells within the newly formed zygote begin multiplying to create a lump of cells called a blastocyst.
These cells continue to multiply as the blastocyst makes its way down the fallopian tubes and into the uterus.
When the blastocyst reaches the uterine wall, it attaches itself to get access to nutrients through the blood. At 5 DPO, the blastocyst may either be traveling to the uterine wall or already connected to it.
If it is attached, the blastocyst has started its journey toward becoming a fetus, and pregnancy is underway.
The specific symptoms of pregnancy vary hugely from woman to woman. There is no normal, as each pregnancy is unique.
However, some of the earliest symptoms that women may notice tend to include the following:
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How Soon Do Early Pregnancy Symptoms Start
Some women may experience early signs and symptoms within the first weeks of pregnancy in the first trimester, while others may develop symptoms later on in the pregnancy. The first signs and symptoms of early pregnancy can also be similar to symptoms experienced prior to the menstrual period, so a woman may not recognize the symptoms as related to pregnancy.
Very Early Signs Of Pregnancy You Need To Know
There ya go!
Some very early pregnancy symptoms you need to know did any of your symptoms match my list?
If so, you might want to take a pregnancy test.
Maybe youre TTC and waiting for that BPF . Or maybe youre completely surprised by some weird change currently happening in your body and want to know if you could be pregnant.
Either way, I truly hope you get the result you want!
Over to you!!
Let me know in the comments what symptoms first gave you the clue that you might be pregnant.
Dont forget to pin for later!
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Spotting Or Light Bleeding
Its not unusual at all to have light spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy in fact, it can occur in around 20% of pregnancies.
Dr Larisa explains the science behind it: This is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and is usually associated with implantation bleeding when the fertilized egg or embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus. The embryo usually implants between 6 to 12 days after conception.
Not all women will get spotting though, so dont worry its not a reflection of how successful the implantation has been!
Forum mum xFran82x says she had implantation bleeding 8 days after ovulating. I had some watery pink discharge when I wiped a few times, she says, and then found 2 dots of brown blood on my pants. I tested the next afternoon and got a faint positive result.
And it was similar for BabyGirlsMummy: I had a regular 28 day cycle and the implantation bleeding was about a week before Id have expected my period. Mine was some pink cervical mucus for a couple of days enough that I needed a panty liner.
If you do bleed, our expert say you should definitely get anything unusual checked out by your doctor. In most cases, spotting is nothing to worry about, says Dr Amin, but it can be a sign of something more serious like an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. If you experience any bleeding thats not normal for you, seek immediate medical attention.
Increased Sensitivity To Smells
This is a big early sign for lots of our forum mums. Can you suddenly smell damp? Does your pet have a new whiff about them? And have you started thinking your partner could do with a good wash and a splash of cologne?
Oh yes, your sense of smell may be so heightened that you can smell things that you didnt even know had a smell, as MadForNO5 experienced: Seven days after ovulating, I started to get a strong sense of smell. I could smell absolutely everything!
The downside? The slightest odour can make you feel queasy.
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All Day Sickness Nausea And Vomiting During Pregnancy
Morning sickness is probably the best known of the early pregnancy symptoms. Nausea may be more common in the mornings because stomach acids build up overnight, but most women who get morning sickness also feel nauseous at other times of the day.
