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Early Pregnancy Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of
Whether you’re planning on getting pregnant or trying to avoid it, it’s important to know what early pregnancy symptoms you should be aware of. Most of the symptoms listed below will occur in the first 3-4 weeks after conception occurs, and they may disappear before your missed period arrives (around 6-7 weeks after conception). But, of course, this means you could have one of these early pregnancy symptoms and not know it yet, so don’t panic if you experience any of them!
Vaginal Discharge
Some women experience a change in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. For example, you may notice a watery, white discharge during early pregnancy as your oestrogen levels increase. You may also see an increased frequency and shots as your pregnancy progresses. However, the release is almost always odourless and nothing to be concerned about unless it smells foul or changes colour or consistency.
Changes in your appetite
One of the very first symptoms is an increased appetite. There’s a perfectly good reason for that! Oestrogen and progesterone levels rise, increasing your body’s production of leptin. Leptin sends hunger signals to your brain, making you feel hungrier. You may notice that you suddenly have a huge craving for chocolate or salty snacks.
Constipation
According to WebMD, one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy is constipation. It happens due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow. The good news is that constipation should clear up with a few adjustments in diet and lifestyle.
Breast tenderness
If you notice your breasts feeling slightly swollen or tender, it could be an early sign of pregnancy. Breast changes usually begin within two weeks after conception but can happen anytime from six days to four weeks. If you haven’t had your period in a while and suspect you’re pregnant, take a home pregnancy test as soon as possible to get a clear answer. There’s no guessing in understanding your cycle and charting when you experience ovulation and menstruation!
Frequent urination
It’s hard to miss that you’re peeing more often when pregnant. There are a few reasons for frequent urination during pregnancy, but most of them come down to one thing: pregnancy hormones. These hormones loosen up your pelvic muscles, which results in an increased urge to go, and sooner than usual. So, while it can be annoying, know that these frequent trips to the bathroom are completely normal.
Fatigue
It’s common to experience mild sleepiness in your early pregnancy. You might want to slip back into bed for a couple more hours of sleep. However, getting enough sleep when you’re pregnant is still essential. To help yourself get a good night’s rest:
• Maintain a consistent sleep routine
• Every day, go to bed and wake up at the same hour.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
• Workout on a regular basis.
If you can stick with these habits throughout pregnancy, you’ll be less likely to experience severe fatigue later on in your pregnancy.
Missed Period
Experiencing a missed period is one of the most cited early pregnancy symptoms. If you’re late for your period, visit your doctor for a blood test to determine if you’re pregnant. Your chances of being pregnant increase exponentially with each passing day you experience a missed period.
Nausea (may also be accompanied by vomiting)
It’s no surprise that morning sickness is one of the first symptoms many women experience while pregnant. Nausea usually occurs in week two of pregnancy, peaks in week three and subsides in week four, according to WebMD. Although it is not common for sickness to continue through all nine months, if it does and causes you to lose more than 5 percent of your body weight, you should contact your doctor immediately..
Final Thoughts
While you might be excited to learn that you’re pregnant, remember that your body has gone through much. So take some time, get used to it and take care of yourself until those early pregnancy symptoms subside.
