Symptoms of Pregnancy - How Early do the Symptom Starts?

Am I Pregnant? 9 Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms

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 9 early signs and symptoms you should discover if you are planning to conceive.

9 Most Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms to Discover

If you are looking for what are the early pregnancy symptoms before a missed period, it is essential to remember that the experience of developing pregnancy symptoms varies from woman to woman. Hence, you must not compare yourself to others or feel discouraged, as symptoms can differ significantly.

However, there are several early pregnancy symptoms you may experience, though you might not have all of them. Here are the most common symptoms described in the following:

1. A Missed Period

The most noticeable and common sign of early pregnancy is a missed period. After a female conceives, her body releases hormones that prevent ovulation and stop the uterine lining from shedding. This is why the menstrual cycle stops, and they will not have another period before giving birth.

However, a missed period is not always considered one of the apparent early pregnancy symptoms. Other significant factors such as stress, intense exercise, improper dieting, hormonal level fluctuations, and other health conditions can also cause irregular or skipped periods.

2. Bleeding and Cramping

After the fertilisation process, the fertilised egg implants itself into the uterus. This process can cause light spotting and, in some cases, mild cramping, which is considered the primary sign in the list of all early pregnancy symptoms.

It is called implantation bleeding. It generally happens between 6 and 12 days after fertilisation. Since the cramps feel like menstrual cramps, some females might confuse them with period cramps. However, the bleeding and cramping are usually minimal.

3. Frequent Urination

Getting pressure for urination frequently and incontinence is another common symptom during early pregnancy. The female's body pumps more blood during this time, so the kidneys process more fluid than usual. It is why it leads to more fluid in your bladder.

In addition, hormonal imbalances play a vital role in keeping your bladder healthy. So, running to the bathroom more frequently or accidentally leaking are all common.

4. Milky Discharge

Besides implantation bleeding, most females notice a white-coloured, milky discharge from their vagina. It happens due to the thickening of the vaginal walls, a procedure that starts right after fertilisation. The increased production of cells lining the vagina is what leads to white discharge early pregnancy symptoms.

Typically, it happens throughout pregnancy and requires no treatment. However, if somebody gets an unpleasant odour or experiences a burning sensation, they must visit the doctor. It can lead to bacterial infection or sexually transmitted disease (STD).

5. Breast Changes

Breast changes are among the earliest and most common early pregnancy symptoms. After the sperm does the fertilisation, hormone levels fluctuate rapidly. As a result, females experience swollen, tender, or tingly breasts within a week or two. They may also appear fuller, heavier, or sensitive. In addition, the areola may become even darker.

However, changes in breasts can result from other factors as well. If pregnancy is the cause, it may take a few weeks to adjust to the fluctuating hormone levels. After that, the discomfort in your breasts should gradually ease up.

6. Backache

According to a survey, back pain affects more than one in three women. It occurs due to the loosening of ligaments and changes in posture over time.

You can help reduce back pain (another one on the list of early pregnancy symptoms) by wearing flat-heeled shoes, using comfortable chairs, avoiding lifting objects, and doing gentle workouts. Free-hand exercises, physiotherapy, and acupuncture may also help reduce back pain.

7. Pelvic Floor Pain

Pelvic floor pain or lower pelvic pain, when considering early pregnancy symptoms, is a common occurrence for many women. While a stretching uterus is one possible cause, hormonal imbalances can also influence how pelvic floor muscles function.

The pain can manifest in different ways. Some females feel sensations occurring near the uterus, or some feel them near their bladder, vagina, lower back or abdomen.

8. Abdominal Pain

During pregnancy, hormonal shifts make the body's ligaments more flexible to help the body adjust as the baby grows. This improved flexibility also allows your bones to widen during childbirth. In addition, females need to bear the extra weight of the baby, which adds more pressure.

These combined factors can cause discomfort and stomach pain in early pregnancy symptoms.

9. Bloating and Constipation

Early pregnancy symptoms of bloating and constipation should be on that list. Significant hormonal changes cause bloating. It slows down digestion and may lead to constipation. That is why most women feel blocked or uncomfortable these days. During constipation, the feeling of bloating in your abdomen can worsen.

Some Uncommon Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Some additional early pregnancy signs are not as common as the previous ones. They are:

● Metallic Taste in Mouth

Many women report 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 and Dizziness

Headaches, along with feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness, are common in early pregnancy. A woman experiences these symptoms because of hormonal changes and the increased blood volume in your body.

● Mood Swings

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.

● Increased Acne or Skin Changes

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.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms After Ovulation

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.

When Do Early Pregnancy Symptoms Start?

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.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms vs PMS

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.

How to Deal With Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

Here are the natural ways to cope with the most common discomforts of early pregnancy:

● Eat small and frequent meals to avoid vomiting. For people experiencing continuous nausea, eat every one to two hours.

● Eat carbohydrate-rich foods as much as possible, including cereal, fruit, bread and rice. They are easier to digest and help you gain energy.

● Drink a lot of fluids, such as water and fruit juice, to prevent constipation. This also helps remove gas (regarded as one of the early pregnancy symptoms).

● Keep your digestion smooth by eating a fibre-rich diet to reduce the risk of haemorrhoids.

● Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep and rest as much as possible, as short naps will help combat fatigue.

● To cope with the issue of breast tenderness, you are supposed to wear a good support bra. It may help you feel more comfortable.

● One solution for leg cramps may be to increase your calcium intake. Ask your doctor about a calcium supplement and consume it accordingly.

● If you have heartburn, avoid highly seasoned, rich, and spicy foods. Instead of lying down flat after eating, walk for a few minutes.

● Frequent urination, among pronounced early pregnancy symptoms, gets stopped with time. Do not reduce fluid intake to normalise the frequency of urination.

Conclusion

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.

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FAQ

How early do pregnancy symptoms start?

One of the early indicators of pregnancy may be light spotting. It happens around 10 to 14 days after conception when the fertilised egg adheres to the lining of the uterus and is known as implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding typically happens around the time that a person anticipates their menstrual cycle.

Can you feel a pregnancy after 2 days?

The first symptoms may appear in some women a week or two after conception, while others may not feel anything for months. Within two to three weeks of conception, many women can tell if they are pregnant, and some people can even tell within a few days.

How do I prepare for breastfeeding?

Preparing for breastfeeding requires consultation from a gynaecologist or a lactation counsellor. Planning for skin-to-skin contact immediately post-delivery helps establish the mother-baby bond. Breastfeeding classes are available these days. Mental preparation is necessary before anything.

How does your lower stomach feel in early pregnancy?

The most typical time for lower abdomen pain to occur during pregnancy is between 18 and 24 weeks. The uterus is expanding, which strains the muscles that hold it up. Pregnant women can experience severe pains or only a slight pulling feeling. It frequently happens during intercourse, when a person coughs, sneezes, stands up, sits down or rolls over.

How to Treat Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Indigestion and Heartburn are a few things that affect most expectant mothers. If you are one of them then try having some milk or yoghurt to get relief from heartburn during pregnancy.

When should I call my doctor about a new pregnancy?

Calling a doctor for an initial appointment is necessary if one hasn’t had their period in a while and has a positive pregnancy test. Prenatal vitamins are crucial in the early stages of pregnancy since they aid in the neural tube development of the unborn child.An individual with Diabetes, high blood pressure, lupus or other medical disorders, or if a person takes medication for a chronic illness, they should schedule a preconception appointment at once. The doctor will review any ongoing medical issues and general health before becoming pregnant during the hospital visit.

Does Everyone Experience Early Symptoms of Pregnancy in the Same Way?

Not everyone experiences early symptoms of pregnancy in the same way. It differs between people. If you think that you are pregnant but have not experienced most of the symptoms discussed in the article, you still might be. Hence, it is better to consult a medical professional to get it checked out. They will take accurate and reliable tests to let you know about your condition and whether you are actually pregnant or not.