Pregnancy

Early Signs of Pregnancy

How soon can you experience symptoms of pregnancy?

The first signs of pregnancy appear a few days after conception or two weeks before your scheduled upcoming periods. [1] Even though it is the ovulation phase after your last menstruation (10th to 15th days of previous period) that you conceive. Regardless, your first day of pregnancy is denoted to the first day of your last menstrual cycle. [2] Your delivery date is estimated as per your previous menstruation date.

However, it may be odd to say, but your first week of pregnancy is based on your last menstrual period. Your last menstrual period is considered as the 1st week of pregnancy, still if you are not pregnant. Keep in mind, the estimated due date of your delivery is calculated using the first day of your last period. Also, the online pregnancy due date calculator accounts for the first day of your last period to estimate the expected due date of your pregnancy, week-to-week highlights of your pregnancy and shows the probability birthday graph.
Remember that delivery date is based on the first day of your last period, That’s why, the first week when you even have no symptoms for pregnancy, also counted in the 40-week pregnancy
Try the online pregnancy calculator that shows you the related risks & pregnancy symptoms for a mother’s and shows the key milestones, weight & length of the baby in each of three trimesters.

Early Signs of Pregnancy

Cramps and spotting

Pregnancy

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After the fertilization of the egg, it implants itself into the walls of the uterus. This process, called the implantation bleeding, occurs anywhere between four to eight weeks. That marks light bleeding. Research shows that stomach cramps accompany light bleeding in 28 % of women. The episode generally lasts for about three days and doesn’t need treatment. [3]

 

Elevated body temperature

Your overall body temperature increases when you conceive. Body temperature also rises quickly while exercising and hot summer. It might go unnoticed, so you have to keep track of your body temperature. You should also make sure to drink a lot of water during this time. [4]

 

Fatigue and tiredness

During pregnancy, your progesterone levels will elevate. That will make you feel more tired and sleepy. Other factors, such as low blood sugar levels, lower BP, and increased blood production, may all contribute to tiredness. While you feel too exhausted, you should rest a lot and get enough sleep. [5]

 

Elevated heart rate

There are a lot of new changes that your body needs acclimatization too. That includes the flush of hormones. That, along with the increased blood flow, causes increased heart rate. Some physical exertion can also cause palpitations. [6]

 

Early mammary changes in pregnancy

One of the prominent early signs of pregnancy includes breast changes. That also occurs due to hormonal changes. These changes result in swollen, tender, or tingly breasts, which occur about one to two weeks after conception. The area around the nipples, called the areola, also darkens and widens. [5]

 

Mood swings

Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone lead to rapid mood swings. It can cause repeated episodes of excitement and euphoria accompanied by periods of depression, weeping, and irritability. That will also make you more reactive to situations that would typically not bear a reaction from you. Try to keep calm and remind yourself to take deep breaths. [7]

 

Hyper urination and incontinence

The inflow of hormones leads to an increased amount of blood flow in the body during pregnancy. That results in more blood supply to the kidneys, resulting in more fluid processing than usual. As there is more urine production, there is an increased amount of fluid in the bladder, causing more pressure and incontinence. Prepare yourself to have easy access to the toilet to prevent leaking. Also, drink a fair amount of water to avoid water shortage in your body. [8]

 

Constipation and bloating during early pregnancy

Bloating, similar to that which occurs during the menstrual cycle, is experienced during early pregnancy. Due to hormone inflow, particularly progesterone, this change reduces intestinal motility that results in constipation and, in turn, ads to bloating. To ease this out, you should take foods rich in fiber, drink a lot of water and exercise appropriately. You can consider talking to your doctor if this condition worsens. [5]

 

Morning sickness

Pregnancy

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Morning sickness is marked by nausea and vomiting. The severity of the condition may vary, and the number of vomiting episodes per day differs from person to person. Regardless, morning sickness is probably the most irritable early symptom of pregnancy. Although the term refers to morning sickness, it can occur at any time during the whole day. The exact reason for morning sickness is unclear. However, hormonal changes are thought to play a role.

Nausea and vomiting continue from the start of pregnancy throughout the first three months. It might worsen with the first trimester’s progress, but it generally relieves as you enter the second trimester.

You can take measures to keep morning sickness to a minimum. Keep healthy snacks such as nuts and crackers at your bedside to toss in a few whenever you feel nauseated. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Consult your doctor for medication if your condition becomes too severe and unbearable. [9]

 

Food aversion and sensitivity to smell

There have been self-reported events of odor sensitivity or disgust by many pregnant women. However, there is little evidence as to why this occurs during the first trimester. It is essential to consider, as the sensitivity to smell may instigate episodes of nausea and vomiting.

Hypersensitive smell to certain foods may generate food aversions throughout pregnancy. A literature review explored the relationship effect of pregnancy on smell sensitivity. It was reported that odor perception is stronger and intense in pregnant women. [10]

 

Dizziness and high BP

The onset of pregnancy accompanies blood pressure changes. You can have low blood pressure because of the dilation of vessels due to hormones like progesterone. As a result, you will experience dizziness and lightheadedness. On the other hand, symptoms of high blood pressure may also occur. That can be due to family history, first conception, obesity, smoking, or alcohol.

Your doctor will keep track of your vitals on every appointment, so please never miss one. Ask your physician about the diet you should take to keep BP at normal levels. Stay hydrated and snack up regularly. Also, try to stand up and change posture slowly to avoid sudden blood pressure changes [11]

 

Heartburn

Hormones may result in relaxation of the sphincter between your stomach and esophagus. That results in the regurgitation of acids from the stomach causing heartburn. You can minimize this by eating small portions of meals instead of a single larger one. Try to stay in an upright position either by sitting or standing for an hour after dinner. If heartburn becomes unbearable, talk to your specialist about the safe use of antacids.   

 

Skin changes during early pregnancy

You might have seen the experienced aunts figuring out your pregnancy even before you’ve got the test positive. That is the pregnancy glow, which enables them to guess by looking at your skin and eyes. The flow of more blood into your skin and the flush of hormones have your sebaceous glands startled. That gives your skin a certain glow that is not there otherwise. Women who are prone to acne may also experience unusual acne breakouts.

How can I tell if I’m pregnant after one week?

When you’re one week pregnant, you can’t tell if you’re pregnant yet, because you are not! If you are experiencing any odd symptoms like headaches, bloating, or lower back pain, they are due to your upcoming menstrual cycle. These symptoms’ duration may vary from period to person and may last from three to seven days.

As per the gynecologist’s terms, your pregnancy count starts from the first day of your previous periods. But, since ovulation occurs later, one-week pregnancy means you’ve not conceived yet. The average time to create is 2 to 3 weeks after your last cycle.

When you’re hoping to be pregnant at a one-week post-cycle, it is a good idea to prepare your body for a baby. It would be best to consume a healthy diet, take vitamins, folic acid, and other supplements, and, most importantly, avoid smoking and alcohol. Also, limit your coffee and tea to one do per day. Keep track of your menstrual cycle to make use of your fertile days. [12]

 

Can a pregnancy test be positive in one week?

Pregnancy Test

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Generally, the first positive test comes out to be at two weeks of pregnancy. That is when human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has started to produce after conception. Even with the more sensitive tests, one will confirm pregnancy about eight days after conception.

At one week, your uterus hasn’t received the mature egg follicle yet. The previous month’s uterine lining is being shed at this time. This way, it will prepare itself for acquiring the fertilized zygote.

However, some pregnancy tests can estimate conception time, depending on the HCG level in your urine. [13]

 

Pregnancy symptoms

Generally, the symptoms of pregnancy are categorized as per trimesters. There are three trimesters of pregnancy, first being the most difficult to handle symptomatically. By the time you have your missed period, your pregnancy tests will also be positive. The severity of symptoms may vary from person to person.

 

The first trimester

However, in general, the early symptoms are aggravated and increase in severity as the first trimester progresses. Extreme nausea and, at times, vomiting kicks in, particularly when on an empty stomach. Frequent urination, heartburn, and breast tenderness also worsen. Faster heartbeat, acne outbreaks are also common. Gaining much weight is not a standard feature or the first trimester. However, the risk of miscarriage is the highest during this time. So, extra care and caution should be practiced. [14]

The second trimester

Some of the first trimester symptoms usually fade away or completely vanish by the beginning of the second trimester. That is, from the fourth month onwards, your nausea and vomiting would ease out a lot. However, other issues like constipation, heartburn, breast changes would continue. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and tiredness would also not seem to leave until the end. Gum bleeding, nasal bleeding, and stiffness are also some unwanted pregnancy symptoms during the second trimester. But there is some good news. Every mom-to-be is excited about the start of the fetal movement, which begins in the fifth month.

By the end of the second trimester, there may be some improvement in the shortness of breath. Leakage of colostrum from your breasts and onset of Braxon-Hicks contractions (minor practice pains) may start to occur in some women. That will gradually develop and continue until the end of pregnancy. [15]

 

The third trimester

Expanding uterus is the primary sign marking the beginning of the last trimester. With the increasing size of the fetus, back pain is also inevitable. Some symptoms from the previous months continue. However, dizziness may ease out a bit. Difficulty breathing is a common complaint as the uterus enlargement occurs.

Varicose veins (swollen veins) occur most commonly in the legs. That can also take the form of hemorrhoids if varicose veins occur in the rectal region. Hemorrhoids can cause itching. They can also become painful and bleed. Stretching of the skin may cause stretch marks. Braxton-Hicks contractions, constipation, and heartburn may continue to strike from time to time.

Incontinence of urine may also occur while sneezing, coughing, or laughing because of uterine pressure. Nevertheless, don’t be dismayed. Pregnancy also adds to your beauty; one of its excellent features is fuller, firmer, and healthier hair due to benevolent hormones. The symptoms of the last trimester generally continue until the end. [16]

 

The last month

Just about the end of your pregnancy journey, your fetus drops into the lower pelvis; a process called lightening. That eases out the shortness of breath and improves your backache. But, excitable urination and incontinence continue, and pressure of the bladder remains.

However, before actually confirming your pregnancy through a pregnancy test, you can watch out for the earliest pregnancy signs and symptoms. These start way before you get a missed period. If you find it hard to wait for the confirmatory tests, here are the signs you should look for. Cervical dilation occurs, which causes sharp pains before you step into labor. [17]

Bonus video: 20 Early Signs Of Pregnancy

 

FAQs


How soon can you get symptoms of pregnancy?

Some women experience common early pregnancy symptoms like tender breasts, nausea, fatigue, sensitivity to smell or bloating within days after conception, or about a week-and-a-half before your period is scheduled to arrive.

How can I tell if I’m pregnant after one week?

The first signs of pregnancy won’t occur right away; many women miss their period at week four before they begin to feel “different.” But some common early signs of pregnancy in the first weeks after fertilization include breast soreness or tenderness, nausea, fatigue, and the frequent urge to pee.

What does your stomach feel like in early pregnancy?

Tummy twinges, pinching and pulling. Some women experience feelings inside their stomachs in the early stages of pregnancy that replicate the sensation of their muscles being pulled and stretched. Sometimes referred to as ‘abdominal twinges,’ these tingles are nothing to worry about.

How do you self check your stomach for pregnancy?

Walk your fingers up the side of her abdomen until you feel the top of her belly under the skin. It will feel like a hardball. You can feel the top by curving your fingers gently into the abdomen. With the woman lying on her back, begin by finding the top of the uterus with your fingers.

What do two weeks pregnant feel like?

You may not have any symptoms, or you may notice a few changes in your body. Week 2 symptoms aren’t pregnancy-related, but they may be signs of ovulation.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (glucose) that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after birth. It can happen at any stage of pregnancy but is more common in the second or third trimester. You must eat healthily throughout your pregnancy phase to ensure the birth of a healthy and well-nourished baby. Also, check Diabetes Mellitus.

Does your stomach hurt when your one week pregnant?

Women can also experience abdominal cramps in the early weeks of pregnancy due to the stretching and growing of the uterus. These cramps are usually sporadic and last a couple of weeks. Any bright red bleeding should not accompany them.

How can you tell if you are pregnant without a test?

The most common early signs and symptoms of pregnancy might include:

  • Missed period. If you’re in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without the start of an expected menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant.
  • Tender, swollen breasts
  • Nausea with or without vomiting
  • Increased urination
  • Fatigue

Can you feel pregnant after four days?

Some women may start to experience mild symptoms at 4 DPO, but it’s more likely that you’ll need to wait a few weeks. The earliest signs of pregnancy you may start to notice include Cramps. The previous days of pregnancy may include abdominal cramping.

Is pregnant tummy hard or soft?

Generally, you expect a hard stomach when you’re pregnant. Your hard-feeling stomach is caused by the pressure of your uterus growing and putting pressure on your abdomen. The hardness of your stomach while pregnant can be more pronounced if you eat a low-fiber diet or drink a lot of carbonated beverages.

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