What to expect in early pregnancy?

SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY

Every woman has different symptoms of pregnancy. The earliest symptoms appear in the first ten weeks after conception.

Some of the important symptoms are:

1) Morning sickness- which can occur at any time of day or night usually begins as early as three weeks of conception. Due to increased level of hormone estrogens and progesterone, this problem arises. Pregnant women usually have heightened sense of smell to various odours such as food, cooking, perfume or smoke.

2) Missed period - it is the most common symptom of pregnancy but it is not necessary that if you miss the periods you are supposed to be pregnant. A simple pregnancy test can usually help you to determine positive pregnancy test. The urine and blood pregnancy test look for the hormone HCG.

3) Breast changes - when there is increase in the level of hormone after conception changes occur in breast; it may become swollen, sore or tingly, and heavy with fullness. It usually takes one week’s time to adjust with new changes in hormones. But when it does the breast pain should ease up.

4) Fatigue - Fatigue is most likely to occur in early pregnancy. You will feel very lethargic every time it will also lower down your blood pressure and sugar levels.

5) Frequent urination - this usually occurs in women due to pregnancy itself. It starts around the sixth or eighth week after conception. This happens because the embryo starts to secrete the pregnancy hormone HCG, which signals for the blood supply to increase in the pelvic area. This results in the bladder becoming irritable and it passes even small amounts of urine. Other reasons maybe urinary infection or diabetes.

6) Pimples and acne - this is the most common symptom that occur in women in pregnancy. But as soon as your hormone level stabilises this will be settle down. Don’t try to squeeze the pimples as it will leave scars and it will increase the chances of spreading bacterial infections.

7) Constipation - due to increase in the level of hormone usually progesterone which causes your food to slowly pass down intestine. To get rid of this problem drink plenty of water, exercise, and eat plenty of high-fiber foods.

8) Mood swings - this symptom usually occur in the first trimester of pregnancy. Sometimes women become emotional and happy: it depends on the rise and fall in hormone. Right from conception, your body goes full speed ahead doing an incredible job, creating an environment to support and protect your baby.

9) Spotting - around 8-10 days after ovulation you will observe light spotting which is caused by the implantation of the embryo in the lining of the uterus . The spotting is usually red in colour not red like normal period.

10) High basal body temperature (BBT) - if you are regularly measuring your temperature you will observe your BBT remains high throughout your lethal phase. Due to fluctuation of hormone progesterone BBT, rises upon ovulation and stays elevated. If you are not pregnant, your BBT will drop right down and you’ll get your period as normal.