Early pregnancy 5 weeks symptoms
5 Weeks Pregnant | Pregnancy
When you're pregnant, you have lots of questions. Our week-by-week pregnancy guide is packed with lots of useful information. From what's happening inside your body, to how your baby is developing, and tips and advice on having a healthy pregnancy – this is your one-stop pregnancy guide!
- 1st trimester
- 2nd trimester
- 3rd trimester
Our week-by-week pregnancy guide is full of essential information. From early pregnancy symptoms to how your baby is growing and developing, you' ll find it all here.
- Week 4
- Week 5
- Week 6
- Week 7
- Week 8
- Week 9
- Week 10
- Week 11
- Week 12
To the outside world, you'll look much the same as usual – but on the inside, some amazing things are happening.
What's happening in my body?
Your baby's nervous system is developing, and the brain and spinal cord are taking shape. The tiny heart is starting to form and will beat for the first time around now.
Many women realise that they're pregnant around week 5. You might notice that your period is late, and you may feel a bit under the weather. If you're wondering when to take a pregnancy test, now is a good time as they are sensitive to changes in your urine from week 3 or 4 onwards.
Finding out that you are pregnant can be exciting, but it's normal to have worries too. More than 1 in 10 mums feel anxious during pregnancy. Try not to keep your worries to yourself – talk to your midwife or doctor. You could also try doing some relaxing breathing exercises.
Food cravings
Are you getting food cravings? Some people do, some don't. Pregnancy cravings are caused by hormonal changes affecting your senses of taste and smell. Try to eat a balanced healthy diet. If you have any unusual cravings, like wanting to eat dirt, talk to your midwife or doctor, as you may have a condition called pica which is caused by a lack of iron.
Early pregnancy symptoms (at 5 weeks)
It's still early days, and many women won't know they're pregnant at 5 weeks. Not everyone has regular menstrual cycles, so you may not realise that your period is late. You might notice some light bleeding, and think it's your period, but it can also be a sign of implantation bleeding (when an embryo attaches to the lining of the womb).
In the 1st trimester, many women feel extreme tiredness. Other early signs of pregnancy can include:
- a metallic taste in your mouth
- sore breasts
- nausea - also known as "morning sickness", although you can experience it at any time (read about morning sickness in week 6)
- mood swings (week 8's page has information on mood swings)
- new food likes and dislikes
- a heightened sense of smell
- needing to pee more frequently
- a milky white pregnancy discharge from your vagina
- light spotting (see your doctor if you get bleeding in pregnancy)
- cramping, a bit like period pains
- darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma faciei or the "mask of pregnancy"
- thicker and shinier hair
- bloating (read about bloating on week 16's page)
Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.
What does my baby look like?
Your baby, or embryo, is around 2mm long (about the size of a sesame seed). The face is starting to take shape, with a tiny nose and little eyes which stay closed until around 28 weeks. Your baby's brain and spinal cord are forming rapidly inside you.
Your baby already has some of its own blood vessels and a string of them will make up the umbilical cord. This cord delivers everything it needs from the placenta. The placenta, which is being created now, will give your baby nutrients and oxygen, while removing waste products.
Action stations
The advice for week 5 is the same as for week 4 - basically keep up the good work looking after yourself!
In particular:
Share the news with your GP or ask for an appointment with a midwife at your doctors' surgery. Alternatively you can refer yourself to your local hospital – look for contact details on their website.
You'll need to arrange a booking appointment. This usually takes place between weeks 8 and 12 and takes around an hour. You can talk about the options for your pregnancy and the birth. You will also be offered screening tests for infectious diseases and conditions such as Down's syndrome. Now is a good time to ask about the Maternity Transformation Programme and how it could benefit you.
You will be offered your first dating scan at 8 to 14 weeks.
If it's your first pregnancy, you will probably have around 10 appointments and 2 scans in total.
Ask your midwife or doctor about online antenatal classes – they may be able to recommend one. The charity Tommy's has lots of useful information on antenatal classes and preparing you for birth.
Antenatal classes will give you the chance to meet other people and prepare you for parenthood. The NCT offers online antenatal classes with small groups of people that live locally to you.
Take prenatal vitamins. You're advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid, every day, until at least week 12. This helps your baby's nervous system to form and offers some protection from conditions such as spina bifida.
To keep bones and muscles healthy, we need vitamin D. From late March/early April to the end of September, most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight on their skin. However, between October and early March, consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement because we cannot make enough from sunlight.
Some people should take a vitamin D supplement all year round, find out if this applies to you on the NHS website. You just need 10 micrograms (it's the same for grown-ups and kids). Check if you're entitled to free vitamins.
Do you think you or your partner could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? If so, get it checked out, as this could affect your baby's development. Talk to your midwife or GP, or visit a sexual health clinic.
It's recommended that you do 150 minutes of exercise a week while pregnant. You could start off with just 10 minutes of daily exercise - perhaps take a brisk walk outside. Check out Sport England's #StayInWorkOut online exercises (scroll to the pregnancy section). Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.
There's no need to eat for 2. If you pile on the pounds, you could put you and your baby at risk of health problems such as high blood pressure. Eat healthily, with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid processed, fatty and salty foods. You may be able to get free milk, fruit and veg through the Healthy Start scheme.
If you have a long-term health condition, then let your specialist or GP know that you're pregnant as soon as possible. Don't stop taking any regular medication without discussing it first with your doctor.
How are you today? If you're feeling anxious or low, then talk to your midwife or doctor who can point you in the right direction to get all the support that you need.
You could also discuss your worries with your partner, friends and family. You may be worried about your relationship, or money, or having somewhere permanent to live. Don't keep it to yourself. It's important to ask for help if you need it.
You and your family should follow the government and NHS guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19):
To find out about about COVID-19 and pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, have a look at advice on the:
Go back to week 4
Go to week 6
5 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development
Even though it’s still early in your pregnancy, a lot happens at 5 weeks, both for you and your baby. The placenta and the beginnings of the umbilical cord are developing, and you might feel a pregnancy symptom or two. Keep reading to learn more about what happens at 5 weeks pregnant, what symptoms to anticipate, and what changes to make to support a healthy pregnancy.
Highlights at 5 Weeks PregnantCheck out what's going on and what to do during your fifth week of pregnancy:
This week, the neural tube continues developing, on its way to becoming your little one's spine and brain. The placenta and umbilical cord are also progressing in order to channel oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
Despite all the action going on, your little one is still very tiny, just the size of
a small orange seed or a grain of rice.
You may have no pregnancy symptoms at 5 weeks pregnant, but it’s also likely that you may experience fatigue, spotting, breast tenderness, and even morning sickness at this stage.
You might consider adopting some lifestyle changes at this point in your pregnancy, such as eating a healthy diet, avoiding certain foods, and reducing stress.
Can you be 5 weeks pregnant and test negative? This is a common question, as confirming your pregnancy is likely something you’ll want to do as soon as possible! Home pregnancy tests work by detecting levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, in your urine, which could be high enough at 5 weeks pregnant. If hCG levels are not yet high enough, you could receive a false negative. Wait a few days and test again before confirming with your healthcare provider.
“If I'm 5 weeks pregnant, what is my due date?” After confirming your pregnancy, this is likely the next question you’ll ask yourself! Again, your healthcare provider is your point person during your pregnancy and can help you determine your due date. In the meantime, try our Due Date Calculator.
How Many Months Is 5 Weeks Pregnant?Your healthcare provider will refer to your pregnancy in weeks, but it’s common to think in months, too. It gets a little tricky, but at 5 weeks pregnant, you’re usually considered to be in your second month of pregnancy, which typically includes weeks 5 through 8.
5 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby's DevelopmentWhen you’re 5 weeks pregnant, important changes are taking place to support your baby’s development. Here's what's happening during your fifth week of pregnancy:
The placenta and the beginnings of the umbilical cord are forming. These channel essential nutrients (like calcium, folic acid, and other vitamins) and oxygen from your body to the embryo, playing a vital role in healthy development.
The neural tube continues to develop. It will eventually become the spinal column and the brain. At this point, taking at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day is a great way to support your baby’s healthy growth and development and reduce the risk of neural tube disorders.
Your baby's heart will develop from what is now just a bulge in the middle of the embryo, and the heartbeat itself may be detected as early as the sixth week of pregnancy.
At five weeks pregnant, the embryo is still very small but growing quickly! Picture a small orange seed or a grain of rice. At this stage, your little one could be between about 1/16 of an inch long, with a shape like that of a tiny tadpole.
Your Baby: What Does 5 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?Look at this visual of your uterus and the gestational sac at 5 weeks for an idea of how your body is creating a comfortable home for your baby during your pregnancy.
5 Weeks Pregnant: Your SymptomsIt’s possible to have a range of common symptoms at 5 weeks pregnant, or symptoms that come and go, or even no symptoms at all! Every pregnancy is different, but early signs that you’re pregnant could include both physical symptoms and emotional changes.
Physical and Emotional SymptomsThese are some of the physical and emotional symptoms you might experience at 5 weeks pregnant:
Morning sickness. It’s possible to experience morning sickness at 5 weeks pregnant. This unpleasant nausea and vomiting can happen in the morning, evening, or all day long. To help ease these symptoms, drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration and avoid any greasy, spicy, or fatty foods that may trigger your bouts of nausea. You also might want to eat small meals and snacks throughout the day rather than bigger meals.
Light bleeding or spotting. It’s not unusual to see some light bleeding or spotting at 5 weeks pregnant. If you see a lot of blood, if the spotting lasts longer than two days, or you have any concerns, consult your healthcare provider right away.
Breast tenderness. Around five weeks pregnant, a surge of hormones might cause your breasts to ache as they continue to stretch and grow in preparation for breastfeeding. If your breasts are not sore anymore at 5 weeks pregnant, that’s also normal, as symptoms can occur earlier or come and go.
Frequent urination. The constant and urgent need to pee can strike any time, especially as your kidneys are starting to have extra fluid to process, thanks to the increasing volume of blood in your body. Although this symptom can be annoying, if you need to pee a lot at 5 weeks pregnant, know it’s totally normal.
Acne. Hormonal changes may be to blame for any pregnancy-related acne you’re experiencing. Though there are ways to combat pregnancy acne, remember that it’s just one of those pesky symptoms that should clear once your baby is born.
Bloating and cramping. At 5 weeks pregnant, bloating, cramping, and feeling gassy or experiencing slight gas pains (which could occur at the same time as implantation bleeding) are quite normal. However, if you’re experiencing a lot of pain or severe cramping, bloating, or bleeding, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Fatigue. Don’t be surprised if you feel completely wiped out. At 5 weeks pregnant, your body is dealing with an increase in levels of progesterone, which can leave you feeling more tired than usual. Some things that may help include avoiding caffeine and vigorous activity before bed, keeping a consistent daily schedule, and taking time to rest or nap when you need it. You'll be doing yourself and your little one a big favor by getting as much rest as you can now!
Mood swings. Happy one moment, crying the next? Mood swings are common when you're pregnant and could feel like PMS at its worst. It may help to find some ways to distract yourself when an unpleasant mood interferes with your normal routine. Try going for a walk or listening to music, for example.
Mild or no symptoms. What if, at 5 weeks pregnant, you experience no symptoms? It’s not unusual to feel and look completely normal at this stage, or for certain symptoms to come and go. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about the changes that are taking place, or if the lack of any symptoms has you feeling uneasy.
The above signs and symptoms are common at 5 weeks pregnant, but nothing you experience should be particularly painful. If you’re feeling pain or observing changes that aren’t normal for you, contact your healthcare provider.
At 5 weeks pregnant, symptoms not to ignore include pain in your body (such as in your buttocks, upper abdomen, lower back, middle back, or shoulder), abnormal diarrhea or constipation, pelvic pressure, or passing blood clots.
Experiencing pain at your c-section scar (if you had one in the past), night sweats, shortness of breath, or feeling like it hurts to sneeze at 5 weeks pregnant are also symptoms not to ignore.
Basically, if anything is painful or abnormal, consult your healthcare provider right away. Keep in mind that symptoms of a second (or subsequent) pregnancy could be different from those of your first pregnancy.
Are you keeping an eye on your belly, wondering if it has gotten bigger? At 5 weeks pregnant, you probably won’t have a baby bump just yet, nor will you notice a darker line, called the linea nigra, on your stomach. Everyone is different, but you might see a bulging belly at around 12 to 16 weeks and the linea nigra closer to 20 weeks.
What Does 5 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?To help you get a better sense of what your belly might look like at 5 weeks pregnant, check out the visual below:
5 Weeks Pregnant: Things to ConsiderIt’s still early in your pregnancy journey, but there are plenty of important things to consider, from sharing the news with someone close to focusing on a healthy diet. Check out our lists below.
Lifestyle ChangesNow that you're pregnant, you may need to make some adjustments to make sure you and your baby stay healthy and safe.
Give some thought to what you're eating, making sure that you're consuming a variety of healthy foods. Avoid fish that could contain high levels of mercury—like shark, swordfish, and mackerel—and skip any food that’s undercooked or unpasteurized. Foods to avoid when pregnant also include things like sushi made with raw fish and oysters, as well as soft cheeses like Brie and feta. These items can cause food-borne illnesses that can affect you and your little one.
Curious about other early signs and symptoms of pregnancy and how to cope? Try our Early Signs of Pregnancy quiz to learn more.
Have a cat? Now is the time to get someone else to take care of the litter box so that you can stay clear of toxoplasmosis, an infection that can harm unborn babies.
Sharing the news with your partner and others is a fun part of being pregnant, and so is looking ahead and learning about pregnancy and parenting. Here are some ideas.
If you haven’t yet told your partner you’re pregnant, and you’re looking for fun ways to surprise them, check out these cute and creative pregnancy announcements for partners.
As for telling others, you may prefer to wait at least until the end of the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage drops significantly.
Download our Pregnancy Guide to learn more about what to look forward to over the coming weeks and months. Our guide covers everything from nutrition and weight gain to all the questions you'll want to ask your healthcare provider.
If this is your first pregnancy, you might want to read up on the trimesters of pregnancy so you know more about what to anticipate in the coming months.
Start a journal. It’s normal to feel a range of different emotions as you adjust to pregnancy. Emotions can change from one day to the next and writing in a journal is one way to get your innermost thoughts and feelings out of your system. And as for those joyous moments, you may want to remember them!
Although you won’t be showing just yet, you may want to start a month-by-month baby bump photo shoot. You can either save the photos as a private keepsake or share the images on social media (once you’re ready to share news of your pregnancy). In the years to come, you’ll love to look back on how your bump grew during your pregnancy, and your little one will also love to see their first “home.”
Have you seen your healthcare provider yet? Your first appointment and your subsequent checkups are the perfect time to raise questions and bring up concerns, such as the following:
Are there any possible risks for your pregnancy based on your health, age, or family history?
What should you do if you notice slight bleeding at this stage of pregnancy?
What is normal pregnancy discharge and should you be concerned if you see brown discharge at 5 weeks pregnant?
How often should you see your healthcare provider during your pregnancy?
How far along are you and when is your due date?
As you anticipate your new pregnancy and all that lies ahead, consider the following to-dos:
□ Read up on how to choose a prenatal care provider if you haven't chosen one already.
□ Schedule your first prenatal appointment. Your healthcare provider will be able to fill you in on the specifics of your care, but you can read up on prenatal care to get a general idea of what’s coming.
□ Find out who to call if your healthcare provider is unavailable or if it’s after hours and you have a medical concern.
□ Save your provider’s number to your phone and have emergency contact numbers stuck on your fridge and saved to your contact list, too.
□ Be ready to feel anxious or excited, worried or ecstatic—all normal reactions to becoming pregnant.
□ Soothe any cramps and backaches with a warm bath or a nap.
□ Cut out smoking and alcohol if you haven't already.
□ Although rare, it’s a good idea to read up on the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy just in case.
Early pregnancy | Shchelkovsky perinatal center
Pregnancy is a wonderful period! However, the changes taking place in the body at this time can greatly frighten you. The phenomena characteristic of pregnancy are different for all women, and will not necessarily be repeated during each subsequent gestation. Let's analyze the most common symptoms, their causes and possible methods of correction.
1. Frequent urination.
Frequent, painless (!) urge to urinate is one of the signs of pregnancy. This is due to increased secretion of progesterone (pregnancy hormone), changes in metabolism and pressure from the growing uterus on the bladder.
Be sure to see a doctor if:
- painful urination (this may be a sign of an infection)
- urine of strange color (stained with blood, brown)
- the amount of urine excreted per day is much less than the liquid drunk per day
Life hack! Under no circumstances should fluid intake be restricted! To alleviate the condition and reduce the frequent urge to urinate, it is necessary to exclude products that have a diuretic effect: tea, coffee, zucchini, watermelon; as well as salty, spicy and fried foods. It is better to drink water or juice. Wear comfortable cotton underwear that does not squeeze the lower abdomen.
2. Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, increased susceptibility to smells.
Nausea is one of the common symptoms of early pregnancy. The range of issues related to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is quite wide. From "it's good, I don't even feel sick" (with relief), "I don't feel sick, what's wrong with me?" (with anxiety) to "when will this nausea pass" (with hope). Indeed, these symptoms are not at all a mandatory accompaniment of gestation, they can manifest at 7-8 weeks and last up to 12-14 weeks. The duration of this condition can sometimes be delayed, but rarely persists throughout pregnancy.
Life hack! For nausea, eat before feeling hungry. Solid, non-hot food and drinks at a cool temperature are best. With heartburn, you should eat small portions of food and often, and most importantly, sit, stand or walk for at least 30 minutes after eating, but do not lie down.
You should definitely consult a doctor if:
- vomiting occurs even after drinking water
- vomiting is exhausting, accompanied by dizziness, weakness
- dryness, jaundice and flaking of the skin appear
- Nausea and vomiting interfere with proper nutrition, accompanied by weight loss
To reduce nausea and vomiting in the morning, try eating something before you get out of bed. It can be a cracker, a cookie, a piece of hard cheese. And salty food is preferable to sweet. You can have a snack in the same way at night when you get up to go to the toilet. Do not lie down immediately after eating, this will only increase nausea. Vitamins for pregnant women with nausea should be taken in the evening after meals. Cool water with lemon, ginger, mint tea, or ginger or mint candies can alleviate the condition. It is necessary to exclude those foods, drinks and smells that are unpleasant to you. Brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth often can also reduce nausea.
3. Pain or cramps in the lower abdomen, constipation, pain in the lumbar region.
The simplest and most easily controlled cause of pain is delayed and incomplete bowel movements. An increase in the concentration of progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles, which are located not only in the uterus, but also in other hollow organs. In this case, the correction of the diet and the restoration of the passage of feces will help. If the measures are ineffective, the doctor may prescribe safe drugs for you. A special type of pain that occurs during exclusivity in pregnant women is pain in the round ligament of the uterus. This acute, rather intense pain occurs, as a rule, on the one hand with a sharp change in body position (for example, when getting up from a chair or leaving a car). This pain occurs due to stretching, and then a sharp contraction, like a spring, of the round uterine ligaments. The pain quickly passes if you immediately take a comfortable position and does not require special treatment.
You should definitely consult a doctor if:
- pain is accompanied by spotting bloody discharge from the external genitalia
- increasing duration and intensity of pain
- abdominal pain accompanied by dizziness, fever, loss of consciousness
Life hack! To normalize bowel movements, eat more vegetables and fruits, drink water and move more during the day. Try to eat often and in small portions.
4. Enlargement and soreness of the mammary glands.
Hormonal restructuring of the body during gestation is accompanied, among other things, by an increase in the size of the mammary glands and an increase in their sensitivity. By the end of the first trimester, the soreness usually disappears, no additional methods of treatment are needed.
Life hack! Choose comfortable supportive underwear (it should not leave marks on the skin at the end of the day). You may need a larger size or a sports bra. Pain in the mammary glands is relieved by a warm shower at the end of the day.
You should definitely see a doctor if:
- the pain is intense
- mammary glands are very dense with redness and body temperature is increased
- discharge from the nipples appears (purulent, bloody)
5. Increased body temperature.
In early pregnancy, an increase in body temperature to 37.5 ° C is not necessary, but is possible due to the peculiarities of the action of progesterone. Because of this, it is difficult for pregnant women to endure stuffy, hot rooms. Self-medication is dangerous: an attempt to bring down the temperature even with a seemingly harmless folk method - tea with raspberries - can mask the true cause of hyperthermia and delay the diagnosis. Due to the increased body temperature, pregnant women should dress in layers and avoid stuffy and hot rooms and spaces so that they can always “adjust” their temperature on their own.
- temperature above 37.5 °C
- along with fever, any pain occurs
- runny nose, cough, body aches appear
6. Nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, nosebleeds.
These symptoms can be explained by the individual reaction of the vascular system to the increase in blood volume that occurs during pregnancy. Another possible reason is dry air in the room, the operation of central heating batteries.
Life hack! The easiest way to deal with nasal congestion is to use a humidifier. If you don't have one, you can put a damp towel on the battery - less effective, but better than nothing. It is possible to use sprays with sea salt, but you need to carefully read the instructions and especially the "Indications" section, it should contain information about the safety of the product during pregnancy.
You should definitely see a doctor if:
- symptoms of a cold occur
- nasal congestion accompanied by ear congestion
- These symptoms appeared after exposure to the allergen known to you
7. Blood pressure fluctuations.
An ideal option for the course of any pregnancy is the stability of the blood pressure throughout the gestation. However, this is extremely rare. A small (up to 10 units) increase in pressure from the usual reference may be due to an increase in the load on the cardiovascular system as a result of changes in body weight, hormonal changes, and uterine pressure on the vessels. Normal pressure: systolic below 130 mm Hg, diastolic no more than 85 mm Hg. Blood pressure in the range of 130-139/ 85–89 mm Hg considered high to be normal. High numbers are often observed in patients of older reproductive age, suffering from diabetes mellitus and kidney disease, obesity, etc. However, it is imperative to tell the doctor about all these concomitant pathological conditions at the first appointment and, if necessary, consult a neurologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist and other related specialists . Reasonable physical activity, adherence to sleep and wakefulness, a balanced diet, and the rejection of coffee and strong tea allow you to keep pressure within limits. Of the completely exotic for our days, but no less significant - the prevention of stress.
Life hack! If you first discovered that you have high normal pressure, repeat the measurement after 15 minutes. If the pressure remains elevated, see a doctor.
Be sure to see a doctor if:
- your blood pressure is above 140/90 mmHg.
- pressure increased by more than 10 mm Hg. relative to your usual
- an increase in the pressure indicator is accompanied by edema, the appearance of "flies" before the eyes
NB! You should also pay attention to lowering blood pressure. Numbers less than 90/60 mmHg - an excuse to see a doctor.
Life hack! Keep a blood pressure diary, especially if you are prone to hypertension. Show your diary to your doctor at every appointment.
8. Heaviness and pain in the legs.
Heaviness and pain in the legs, especially in the evening, are frequent companions of pregnancy. There is an explanation for the occurrence of symptoms: an increase in load due to growing weight and a shift in the center of gravity of the body.
Life hack! Ask your partner/husband to give you a foot massage, relax with your limbs elevated (not too much!) A therapeutic pedicure, dousing the legs with cool water, a contrast shower, a cream or gel for legs with cooling components (menthol, essential oils), as well as compression stockings or stockings of the lightest degree of compression will help.
You should always see a doctor if:
- one or both legs are very swollen or discolored
- previously diagnosed varicose veins, family history of thrombosis
9. Skin changes.
During pregnancy, you may notice dark spots on your skin. Especially often such darkening (hyperpigmentation) is observed in the nipple area, along the white line of the abdomen. Stretch marks (stretch marks) may appear on the skin of the abdomen and thighs. These are normal signs and do not require any treatment. In most cases, skin color will return to normal after breastfeeding ends, and stretch marks will shrink and fade. Itching can be associated with stretching of the skin, especially in the abdomen and mammary glands. This symptom occurs infrequently and is usually successfully stopped by the use of special products to moisturize and soften the skin. By the way, these same remedies usually help in the fight against stretch marks.
Life hack! Oils and moisturizing creams to increase skin elasticity, contrast showers, massage with a hard brush will help reduce the likelihood of skin changes.
You should definitely consult a doctor if:
- along with itching there are areas of redness, spots, peeling
- itching increases
10. Bleeding gums.
Changes in the characteristics of blood circulation in the body of a pregnant woman can cause bleeding gums. The appearance of minor blood impurities during brushing your teeth, when eating solid foods (for example, an apple) is acceptable. However, the key provision is "insignificant". If you find it difficult to assess your own condition, consult a specialist.
You should definitely consult a doctor if:
- you have loose teeth, sore gums, bad breath
- bleeding in the gum area increases
11. Fatigue, mood instability.
Tearfulness, lack of strength, forgetfulness, distraction, the whole palette of feelings "here and now"... The list can be continued, and there is only one explanation for this - pregnancy. The most common early symptom is severe fatigue. There is no universal recipe, just as there is no single picture of these states. The main recommendation for all pregnant women is to rest often, relax and even sleep during the day. Most importantly, you need to remember: pregnancy is not a disease, but a great time to prepare for motherhood.
First signs of pregnancy before delay, early symptoms
Significant hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. This causes a number of symptoms. Some women experience pregnancy symptoms right away, while others may only have a few. About the first signs of pregnancy at an early stage and when exactly the initial signs of pregnancy appear are described in the article.
At what time do the first signs of pregnancy appear
The answer to the question when the first signs of pregnancy appear is quite ambiguous, because some women do not feel any signs at all during the first few weeks. At what week do the first signs of pregnancy appear in others? When do the first signs of pregnancy appear after conception? Symptoms of very early pregnancy (such as breast tenderness) may appear before a missed period, as early as six to seven days after conception, while other early signs of pregnancy (such as spotting) may appear about a week after ovulation. We will tell you more about the first signs of pregnancy before menstruation and when the signs of pregnancy appear.
What are the earliest signs of pregnancy?
The first signs of pregnancy in the early stages:
- delayed menstruation - 29%;
- nausea - 25%;
- mood swings - from 14 to 23%;
- breast changes - 17%;
- pain in the lower abdomen - 15%;
- depression - 15%;
- fatigue, drowsiness - 13%
- decrease in immunity - 6%;
- the first signs of pregnancy - discharge or implantation bleeding - only 3%.
Physiological first signs of pregnancy
What are the very first symptoms of pregnancy?
The most common physiological signs of pregnancy include:
- Tender and enlarged breasts. Signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception include breast changes (1-2 weeks after conception). The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken.
- Drowsiness and fatigue. Fatigue is also among the signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone rise dramatically, which can cause drowsiness.
- Nausea with vomiting. When do these signs of pregnancy appear? Morning sickness, which can appear at any time of the day or night, often appears between the second and eighth weeks after conception.
- Dizziness and fainting . This may be due to dilation of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Spasms. Some women experience symptoms of pregnancy in the early days, such as slight cramps in the uterus.
- Headaches and back pains. Many pregnant women complain of frequent headaches and others experience back pain.
- Insomnia - another first sign of pregnancy before the test. Causes can include stress, physical discomfort, and hormonal changes.
- Change in taste preferences. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these eating habits can be attributed to hormonal changes.
- Temperature. Early signs of pregnancy include fever (37-37.5).
- Delayed menstruation. How long does it take for the first signs of pregnancy to appear? If you are of childbearing age and a week or more has passed without your expected period, you may be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.
- Bloody discharge - the first signs of pregnancy . This bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, about 10 to 14 days after conception.
- Bloating, heartburn. Hormonal changes can cause problems with the stomach and esophagus - these are common signs of pregnancy at 2 weeks.
- Constipation . Hormonal changes cause the digestive system to slow down, which can lead to constipation (signs of pregnancy after a delay).
- Frequent urination. You may urinate more than usual, this is a common sign of pregnancy at 5 weeks. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, causing the kidneys to process excess fluid that enters the bladder.
- Runny nose. The appearance of this symptom is associated with excessive production of the hormone estrogen.
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases. This is a sign of pregnancy after ovulation.
- Increased salivation. Also associated with hormonal changes.
- Sense of smell enhancement . Signs of pregnancy in the first two weeks may cause sensitivity to certain smells and the sense of taste may change.
Emotional first signs of pregnancy
The first signs of pregnancy before delay (earliest signs of pregnancy) include psycho-emotional symptoms.
- Mood swings.
- Irritability.
- Vulnerability, tearfulness.
- Capriciousness.
- Depression.
These are all emotional signs of early pregnancy that many women report. They describe feelings of heightened emotion or even bouts of crying, which are associated with rapid changes in hormone levels in the body. Also, signs of pregnancy at week 4 can make you feel PMS-style cranky. In addition, about 15% of women suffer from depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And after childbirth, these conditions suffer even more. In this case, it is better to seek help from a doctor.
Do everything you can to improve your mood: get plenty of rest, eat well, get enough sleep, do things you love, and pamper yourself.
However, be aware that mood swings can be caused by a number of conditions other than pregnancy.
Impact of early pregnancy on daily routine
Early signs of pregnancy, mostly those that bring discomfort, may cause a change in daily routine. Here are some tips on what you can do with some of them:
- In case of toxicosis, avoid too hot or too cold food - this provokes an attack of vomiting. Eat often - at least 5-6 times a day, but in small portions.
- For nausea or vomiting, try ginger, chamomile, or vitamin B6.
- Drink plenty of water, in small sips between meals, to replenish lost fluids. Teas, juices, fruit drinks are also suitable.
- For back pain, wear shoes or shoe insoles designed for pregnant women and avoid high heels. Sleep on a firm mattress.
- For chest discomfort, wear a special bra that supports your enlarged breasts.
- For constipation, eat more fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran and fresh vegetables and fruits.
- If you suffer from headaches and mood swings, try stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Get outdoors more often, at least half an hour a day. This helps to reduce the symptoms of toxicosis, calm the nervous system.
- Maintain daily physical activity for as long as you feel comfortable doing certain activities.
- Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Important! All these tips are advisory in nature, be sure to consult your doctor if you encounter discomfort.
What to do if you find early signs of pregnancy
To make sure the signs of pregnancy are accurate, you can use the following methods to diagnose early pregnancy:
- Donate blood for hCG. This method can be used a few days after conception. This type of pregnancy test is done using a small sample of blood that is analyzed in a hospital. It determines whether there is a pregnancy hormone in your body and in what quantity. Its accuracy is 99%.
- Use test strip. It can be used at home from the first days of delay.