Early Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs: Are You Pregnant?

Early Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs: Are You Pregnant?

How soon do you get early pregnancy symptoms?

 

Some of the initial signs of pregnancy that you can locate are- implantation bleeding or spotting, slight cramps, nausea, vomiting fatigue and a missed menstrual period. However, we would recommend that you get a blood pregnancy test and a urine pregnancy test done before confirming the condition.

 

A missed period is usually one of the first signs of pregnancy in women. However, the other signs may vary in degree and intensity from person to person. There are cases when the woman displays no outward signs of pregnancy even weeks after the missed cycle. Others may feel the signs right from the start.

 

The top 12 earliest pregnancy symptoms in order of appearance:

  1. Implantation bleeding
  2. Implantation cramps
  3. Nausea and vomiting
  4. Tiredness and fatigue
  5. Positive blood pregnancy test
  6. Positive urine home pregnancy test
  7. Elevated basal body temperature chart
  8. A missed menstrual period
  9. Breast tenderness
  10. Mood swings and emotional changes
  11. Frequent urination
  12. Difficulties sleeping

Implantation bleeding

 

Implantation bleeding is a phenomenon that occurs about 9 days after ovulation and 4-5 days before your next period cycle. The fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus about 6-12 days after conception. It is only after implantation that you might begin to notice the first few signs of pregnancy. Some women experience some slight cramping or even spotting in the initial days, however it is a long while before the pregnancy begins to manifest in your physical appearance. You can calculate the days when the cramping and bleeding might occur according to your body clock and then take the necessary measures. Some other signs that you might experience are morning sickness, swollen tender breasts, and heaviness and general fatigue. This is usually caused because of an increase in estrogen levels in the body that empties the stomach, leading to weakness and loss of appetite. Reduced blood sugar levels and low pressure can cause frequent fainting spells as well.

 

Vaginal spotting

 

After ovulation, the egg travels through the fallopian tubes and moves towards the uterus to attach itself to the uterine lining. The implantation occurs in 6-12 days. This process may cause slight bleeding and cramping. Visit a doctor if the signs are too uncomfortable or serious

 

Cramping

 

The cramps that pregnant women experience in the lower abdomen is very similar to menstrual cramps. Also, the spotting that you see in the initial days looks a lot like period blood. However note that spotting is lighter and often lasts only for a few days. Some women have also observed a milky white vaginal discharge during the initial weeks.

 

Vaginal discharge

 

Vaginal discharge is a white, sticky liquid type substance that is released by pregnant women because of the thickening of the vaginal walls. This discharge can continue throughout the pregnancy and doesn’t cause any harm. However if your discharge has a foul smell or leaves behind a burning sensation and causes irritation, consult a doctor immediately. This can be a result of some bacterial infection or other issues

 

Cervical mucus plug

 

Besides an increase in vaginal discharge, observing a cervical mucus plug may be among the early pregnancy signs.

 

Breast changes

 

Pregnancy also causes the breasts to get heavier and swell a bit. Breast swelling, size changes, or tenderness leads to soreness and slight pain. Fat accumulation and hormonal changes may cause varying degrees of changes in the body and that is normal

 

"All day" sickness, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP)

 

Morning sickness and nausea are probably some of the most well-known tell-tale signs of pregnancy. However, contradictory to its name, morning sickness can happen anytime during the day. This is usually caused by an imbalance in hormones and an increase in stomach acid levels that cause vomiting and loss of appetite. Check here to assess online how severe your nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is

 

Sickening scents

 

Some women, from the very initial stages of pregnancy, develop a sense of smell that is extremely sensitive and heightened. Some scents can become so overwhelming that they might even experience intense nausea and vomiting. This drastically alters their everyday routine and diet.

 

Exhaustion

 

Pregnancy causes random mood swings, irritation, crankiness and even constant exhaustion and as you grow bigger and heavier, it gets even worse. The increasing progesterone levels are to be blamed for this phenomenon. Fatigue usually subsides by your second trimester and can resurface later in the course of your pregnancy.

 

Bathroom breaks

 

Pregnant women constantly feel the need to urinate. These bathroom breaks can be because of the hormonal changes or simply because it’s the body’s way of self-cleaning itself and flushing out the toxins to keep you healthy. The growing uterus and swollen vaginal walls put a lot of pressure on the bladder causing the tendency to pass water increase considerably

 

Itching

Itching and skin irritation is another thing that pregnant women often complain about. The breasts and abdomen usually get very itchy because the skin stretches to accommodate the growing baby inside.

 

Changes in digestion

Pregnancy can even lead to digestion-related issues. Women often complain of constipation during their pregnancy. This can be the result of increased progesterone levels, more water absorption in the intestines, lack of iron supplements or excessive pressure on the rectum. Heartburn, acidity and bad eating habits can also cause indigestion. Consult a doctor if the problem becomes serious.

 

Allergies

 

Pregnancy also leads to a lower immunity as the body is going through hormonal imbalances. A slight change in the temperature can lead to cough and cold. Also, seasonal allergies and breathing problems are very common among women during this time. Expectant moms also have chances of getting asthma. In these cases, visit your doctor and continue with your inhaler and other meds.

 

Early pregnancy signs timeline

 

There are slight and subtle changes that occur in the female body soon after the conception of the baby. However, these changes are not very noticeable and have any physical manifestations until the first week of pregnancy. From the first week to the end of the pregnancy, you can see the physical changes the entire time.

 

  • 6 to 12 days after conception: Implantation of the fertilized egg may cause cramping.
  • 7 to 14 days after conception: Breasts may feel swollen, sore, tingly and heavy.
  • 7 to 14 days after conception: Fatigue, increased progesterone, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure.
  • 7 to 14 days after conception: Increased estrogen and slowed gastric emptying may lead to nausea known as morning sickness.

 

Each woman has a different experience when it comes to the initial signs of pregnancy. This is because there is no standard for the female body. Each woman has a different composition and different ways to react to the situation. Typically, the first signs of pregnancy are not recognized as being associated with pregnancy until after a positive pregnancy test or a missed menstrual cycle.

 

 

Pregnancy Symptoms

Timing of Pregnancy Symptom

Temperature drop (dip)

Implantation day

Implantation bleeding or spotting: (a slight staining of a pink or brown color)

8-10 days after ovulation

Thick White or Milky White Vaginal Discharge

8-14 days after ovulation/fertilization

Cervical mucus or mucus plug and bloody show

shortly after implantation

Lower abdominal cramps / Implantation cramps / hot flashes

8-10 days after ovulation

A positive blood hCG pregnancy test

10 days after fertilization/ovulation

A positive urine home pregnancy test (HPT)

 

10-14 days after ovulation/fertilization

An elevated BBT

15+ days without a menstrual period

No period. A missed menstrual period
(amenorrhea)

Your period is supposed to come 14-16 days after ovulation

Nausea

2-4 weeks after ovulation

Nipple or breast tenderness

3-4 weeks after conception

Fatigue and tiredness

3-10 weeks after conception

Vomiting

3-10 weeks after conception

Food cravings

1-2 months after conception

Frequent urination

Usually after 1-2 months

Softening of cervix

6+ weeks after LMP

Constipation

Later

Lower-back pain

Later

Breast changes

After 14 weeks

Fetal heartbeat on sonogram

8-9 weeks after conception

Fetal movements

18-20+ weeks

 

How many women have typical pregnancy signs and symptoms?

 

These typical pregnancy symptoms that we have discussed above are not common for all women. This means that not every woman out there is going to experience the early signs of nausea or sickness, cramps and spotting. And even if they do it will not be in the same intensity. 1 in every 2 pregnant women do not have any of these conventional signs and that is completely normal.

In some women, the first week is like a breeze where they feel no discomfort at all. For others the day after ovulation, fertilization and implantation bring a lot of suffering and pain. Therefore, it is always advised that you get a proper pregnancy test done to confirm the condition and not rely on the traditional signs.

Also, note that sometimes the cramping and weakness can be because of some other medical issue or nutrient deficiency. If you feel that the condition is serious, there is no harm in getting it checked by a doctor and see if everything is alright.

 

Abnormal pregnancy symptoms

 

Pregnancy brings about a lot of changes in the body that can come in varying degrees of intensity. Amidst all these alterations, it can be difficult to pinpoint any serious complications that might have come masquerading as just another pregnancy symptom. These are some of the things that you should look out for.

 

  • Excessive bleeding: this is different from spot that usually occurs in the initial stages of pregnancy. However serious heavy bleeding should always be reported
  • Itching and rashes if serious and occurring in the third trimester can be a sign of impending liver problem called intrahepatic cholestasis.
  • Nausea, blurred vision, breathing issues, headaches and pain in the right side of the stomach are also serious signs

 

These symptoms can occur either in isolation or all at once. However even if you have one of these signs, there is a chance that you are vulnerable to preeclampsia — the medical term used to denote high blood pressure during pregnancy.

 

Top questions about early signs and symptoms of pregnancy:

 

  • Top Am I Pregnant? FAQs
  • Morning Sickness
  • Could I Be Pregnant With A Period?
  • Amenorrhea - Missing Your Period
  • The 2WW Pregnancy Symptoms
  • Cramps and Cramping Symptoms
  • All Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms
  • Nausea as an Early Pregnancy Sign
  • Breast Tenderness
  • Tired and Fatigued: First Pregnancy Sign
  • Spotting
  • Ovulation Symptoms
  • Viable Pregnancy Symptoms
  • Miscarriage Symptoms

 

Comprehensive Pregnancy Symptoms

  • Implantation Bleeding and Spotting
  • Timing of Implantation Bleeding
  • Is There Always Implantation Bleeding

 

Pregnancy Testing

  • Urinalysis: Urine Test
  • Home Pregnancy Test - HPT
  • Blood Pregnancy Test
  • Pregnancy Test: When Positive
  • Normal hCG Pregnancy Hormone Levels
  • False Negative Pregnancy Test
  • False Positive Pregnancy Test

 

 

 


 

Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Pregnancy Likely?

Positive blood hCG pregnancy test

YES!

Positive urine home pregnancy test (HPT)

YES!

Gestational sac on sonogram

YES!

Fetal heartbeat on sonogram

YES!

Elevated BBT curve: 15+ days after ovulation, no period

Highly likely

BBT: Temperature drop (dip)

Maybe

No period. A missed menstrual period (amenorrhea)

Maybe

Implantation bleeding or spotting:(a slight staining of a pink or brown color)

Maybe

Lower abdominal cramps / Implantation cramps / hot flashes

Less likely

Nausea

Less likely

Just "feeling" pregnant

Maybe

Strange Cravings

Less likely

Darkening of areola (area around breast nipple)

Maybe

Changes in libido

Less likely

Nipple or breast tenderness

Maybe

Fatigue and tiredness

Less likely

Vomiting

Maybe

Food cravings

Less likely

Frequent urination

Less likely

Softening of cervix

Maybe

Constipation

Less likely

Lower-back pain

Less likely

Montgomery's Tubercules

Maybe

Skin Changes

Less likely

Fetal movements

Maybe

Enlarged Abdomen

Maybe

Change in uterine shape

Maybe

Colostrum from Breasts

Maybe

Stretch Marks

Maybe

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Maybe

Enlarging Uterus

Maybe

Palpation of the Baby

Yes

 

Swollen Legs, Ankles and Feet During Pregnancy and Postpartum

 

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