Pregnancy refers to the time period in which a fetus develops inside the uterus of a woman. It could last about 40 weeks, or nearly 9 months, from the last menstrual period. This time period is mostly divided into three trimesters, which last approximately 13 weeks. Early symptoms of pregnancy often include a missed menstrual period, swollen or tender breasts, nausea (referred to as morning sickness), and increased urination. Other symptoms of early pregnancy include mood swings, fatigue, and subtle changes in taste or smell sensitivity. There are many first month of pregnancy symptoms. The symptoms of pregnancy in first month include bloating, increased urination, etc. The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy could differ but often include lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and in some cases shoulder pain. Know the uncommon early Pregnancy symptoms. Find out the ways to deal with the symptoms of pregnancy. Read more to know about the symptoms of pregnancy.
It might seem strange to you, but doctors start the count of your pregnancy weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Your LMP date is considered the beginning of week one, even though you were not pregnant then. After that, your doctors determine the expected date based on the first day of your last menstrual period.
That is why the first few weeks of your 40-week pregnancy journey might pass without developing any noticeable symptoms. Are you curious about early pregnancy symptoms? Here are early signs and symptoms you should discover if you are planning to conceive.
Early symptoms of pregnancy include a missed period, breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea (morning sickness), frequent urination, mood swings, food cravings or aversions, and light spotting known as implantation bleeding. Other signs can be constipation, bloating, headaches, and increased sensitivity to smells.
Let’s deep dive into the symptoms and understand more about them!
If you are in the two-week wait (TWW) and searching for early signs of pregnancy, it is crucial to know that the experience of early pregnancy symptoms varies significantly from woman to woman. The journey to motherhood is unique for everyone, and comparing your symptoms to others can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Some women may notice several very early signs of pregnancy, while others have no symptoms at all before their expected period, and both scenarios are completely normal.
Understanding your body during this time means recognizing the subtle clues it may be sending. While a missed period is the most well-known indicator, many women report experiencing early pregnancy symptoms just 1-2 weeks after conception. These signs are primarily caused by the rapid increase of hormones like progesterone and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests.
Here are the most common symptoms described in the following:
Some additional early pregnancy signs are not as common as the previous ones. They are:
Many women reports experiencing a metallic taste in their mouths during the early days of their pregnancy. They report that it feels as if you are tasting a handful of coins. This sensation can occur while eating some specific foods. It can even appear unexpectedly at any time of the day.
Headaches, along with feelings of light-headedness and dizziness, are common in early pregnancy. A woman experiences these symptoms because of hormonal changes and the increased blood volume in your body.
As your hormone levels rise and fall, you may experience mood swings, which are a normal part of pregnancy and considered among healthy early pregnancy symptoms. However, if you ever feel anxious or depressed and face persistent negative thoughts, it is crucial to seek support from your doctor.
Hormonal level variations and increased blood volume can affect someone's skin during early pregnancy. Some ladies develop healthier, glowing skin than ever. On the other hand, others may experience more breakouts.
While these symptoms can be suggestive, they are not definitive proof of pregnancy, as they can also be confused with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) signs. The most reliable way to confirm a pregnancy is with a home pregnancy test. For the most accurate result, it's best to wait until the first day of your missed period or thereafter, as this allows hCG levels to be high enough to detect.
If you receive a positive test result, your next step should be to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or an OB-GYN to begin your prenatal care journey. Remember, listening to your body and seeking professional medical advice is always the best course of action.
Early pregnancy symptoms by days past ovulation (DPO) are pretty similar to symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). These are bloating or gas (fullness or tightness in the abdomen), breast tenderness, changes in nipples, cravings for specific foods, and more.
After ovulation, whether an egg is fertilized or not, the corpus luteum (the structure left behind after the egg is released) produces progesterone. This hormone is responsible for preparing the body for a potential pregnancy, and it causes many of the physical sensations we feel.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of early pregnancy symptoms by days past ovulation (DPO), keeping in mind that the timing and presence of these symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.
The Hormonal Overlap: Why PMS and Early Pregnancy Feel the Same
If you look at when early pregnancy symptoms start on the internet, the answer will likely be that it varies. Some women feel pregnant within a few days of conception, while others may not notice any symptoms for weeks and may need to take a pregnancy test. These symptoms can vary significantly between women and even between different pregnancies.
Though symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy are often similar, there are several key differences, which are listed below.
Aspects | PMS | Early Pregnancy |
Breast Pain | Breast tissue may become bumpy and dense, especially in the outer areas. | Most females feel soreness, sensitivity, or tenderness. |
Bleeding | In general, females do not experience bleeding or spotting if it is PMS. | In this case, a light vaginal bleeding or spotting is normal. |
Eating Habits | When considering PMS, you may observe your eating habits change or experience a ravenous appetite. | When considering pregnancy, you may experience intense cravings for specific foods. Additionally, you might develop aversions to certain smells and tastes. |
Cramping | With PMS, women may experience dysmenorrhea, cramps that generally occur 1 to 2 days before their period. | With early pregnancy, some females may experience mild or light cramps. |
An ectopic pregnancy can be confusing because its early signs often resemble those of a healthy pregnancy. You may have a missed period, tender breasts, or nausea. However, certain symptoms should never be ignored as they indicate the pregnancy is developing outside the uterus.
Early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include:
Here are the natural ways to cope with the most common discomforts of early pregnancy:
Early pregnancy brings significant changes to your body, including common symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and the hallmark symptom-a missed period. As you move further into the second trimester, many of these early pregnancy symptoms may begin to fade.
However, if you think you are pregnant, consider a home pregnancy test. You need a pregnancy test kit that is available at pharmacies and stores without a prescription.
Once you get a positive result, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. They will confirm the result through an exam and additional tests, making it the first step toward starting your pregnancy journey.
In summary, while the timeline above can be a helpful guide, the overlap with PMS makes it impossible to diagnose pregnancy based on symptoms alone. Patience until test day is the most challenging but most reliable path.
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