Fatigue in first week of pregnancy
9 Early Pregnancy Signs (That You’re Not Imagining)
- Getting Pregnant
Women. Wisdom. Wellness. Aug 30, 2018
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If you’re trying to conceive, taking a pregnancy test at the right time is always your best bet to determine whether or not you’re pregnant.
But even before it’s time to take a pregnancy test, you might notice symptoms. That’s because, even in early pregnancy, hormonal and physical changes can take place in your body.
With all of the hormones rushing through a pregnant woman’s body, it’s no wonder that headaches are another common early sign of pregnancy.
Common Early Signs of Pregnancy
- Missed period. First and foremost, the most obvious sign of pregnancy is a missed period. For many women, that’s the first symptom they notice. A missed period occurs two weeks after conception.
- Extreme tiredness. Have you been feeling exhausted lately? Many women feel tired in early pregnancy. That’s because the pregnant body is working overtime to maintain the pregnancy and develop milk-producing glands in the breasts. Some pregnant women notice this fatigue even as early as one week after conception, making this one of the first noticeable signs of pregnancy.
- Sore, swollen breasts. If you’ve noticed that your breasts feel full, heavy or even tingly, you may want to consider the fact that you might be pregnant. This symptom may show up even as early as one or two weeks after conception.
- Nausea and/or vomiting. Feeling sick to your stomach? Pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting can start two to eight weeks after conception and continue throughout pregnancy.
- Frequent urination. Early on in pregnancy, women might feel that they’ve “gotta go” frequently. As the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) flows through the pregnant body, more blood flow enters the pelvic region, which then causes more frequent urination.
- Intense cravings/aversions. Feeling especially hungry for a particular food? Can’t stand the sight of foods you usually enjoy? Food cravings or aversions are common throughout pregnancy.
- Breast changes. Even at the very early stages of a pregnancy, some women notice a darkening of skin around their nipples.
- Headaches. With all of the hormones rushing through a pregnant woman’s body, it’s no wonder that headaches are another common early sign of pregnancy.
- Mood swings. Yelled at anyone lately? Mood swings are common for newly expectant mothers. That’s because hormonal changes can affect neurotransmitters in the brain. Pregnancy can cause women to feel extreme highs and lows. If you’re feeling stressed, try these stress-busting tips for pregnant mothers.
What Else Could Be Going On?
Keep in mind that many of these symptoms can also be the signs of other conditions, such as your period being ready to start or a hormonal imbalance. They also can result from stress or occur when you change birth control pills, so they don’t always mean that you’re pregnant. Be sure to see your doctor if you suspect that you’re pregnant.
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Source: American Pregnancy Association; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Small Steps: If you want to be pregnant and you’re not
The problem may not be yours alone. Women and men can have conditions that lead to infertility. Make sure you’re both evaluated during an infertility work-up.
What to expect from pregnancy fatigue
Pregnancy is all about changes, and some are more dramatic than others. Along with all the physical changes happening to your body, you may also be experiencing symptoms like mood swings, swelling, nausea or morning sickness, to name a few. So, it can be easy to overlook something as straightforward as fatigue.
But as you may be finding out, fatigue can be quite a challenge, too. Below, we cover everything you can expect from this common pregnancy symptom, its causes, and what you can do to manage it.
What does pregnancy fatigue feel like?
Fatigue is totally normal during pregnancy, but people’s experiences with it can vary widely. It may be that you don’t experience much fatigue at all, or it may be that you feel extreme tiredness in early pregnancy that drops off later on. No matter how it affects you, fatigue can generally be characterized by:
- Difficulty getting up in the morning
- Daily tasks becoming harder to complete
- Difficulty focusing
- Constant tiredness throughout the day
- Irritability
- Feeling weak
When does pregnancy fatigue start?
Pregnancy fatigue can start as soon as one week after conception, which means it may be an early sign of pregnancy before a test can tell you for sure. It’s also common to start feeling tired any time during the first 12 weeks.
What causes fatigue during pregnancy?
There are various factors that can cause fatigue, but they differ from trimester to trimester.
First trimester fatigue
The overall cause of fatigue in early pregnancy is simple – your body is preparing for the months ahead. But there are a couple parts of this preparation that can really contribute to feelings of fatigue:
- Hormone changes: There are a lot of hormone changes that happen in early pregnancy. One of them, a big jump in progesterone levels, has been directly linked to fatigue. The emotional ups and downs that come with hormone changes can be tiring, too.
- Metabolic changes: Creation takes energy. And in addition to a fetus, your body is making a placenta and extra blood. All these things create a greater demand for energy and may be partly why you feel the urge to sleep more.
Second trimester fatigue
In the second trimester, people typically find that they have more energy – you may be used to the new hormone levels in your body, and your baby isn’t very big yet. But it’s still possible to feel fatigued in the second trimester, especially if your sleep gets interrupted by pregnancy symptoms like frequent urination and leg cramps.
Third trimester fatigue
When fatigue happens in the third trimester, it’s generally because the baby’s gotten bigger. Carrying around that extra weight can be tiring on its own, but it also makes other things harder, including sleeping comfortably. Plus, as the baby settles into the pelvis, it puts more pressure on the bladder, so nighttime trips to the bathroom may become even more common. And all of that is in addition to any other pregnancy symptoms you’re experiencing.
Tips to overcome pregnancy fatigue and get more energy
When it comes to managing fatigue, the best thing you can do is take steps to increase your energy levels. This means:
Stay on top of your nutrition
A solid pregnancy diet can be a great way to keep your energy up. In particular, focus on getting enough iron, which supports red blood cell production and prevents any additional tiredness from anemia (a condition which results from not having enough red blood cells to carry the amount of oxygen your body needs). Foods that are high in protein are also good choices, as protein is a longer-lasting source of energy compared to carbohydrates.
You may benefit from eating smaller meals throughout the day. This can help keep your blood sugar and energy levels consistent. It’s also important to drink plenty of water, as water helps your body function properly.
Exercise
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week while you’re pregnant. That may sound like a lot, but if you break it down into 30 minutes of pregnancy-safe exercises per day, it adds up quickly.
Exercise improves blood circulation, which helps bring oxygen to every part of your body. This can give a boost to overall energy levels. Plus, exercise helps manage other pregnancy symptoms like back pain and constipation.
Rest
Even if you’re doing everything you can to boost your energy levels, you still have to listen to your body. And when your body is fatigued, rest is the answer. Take breaks throughout the day, nap when you need to and sleep as much as possible. It may help to go to bed earlier, and avoiding fluids for a few hours before going to bed can help cut down on bathroom visits at night.
When should I see my doctor or midwife about fatigue during pregnancy?
Fatigue is very common and normal during pregnancy. Still, don’t hesitate to talk to your care provider at any point along your prenatal appointment timeline if you have questions or concerns about your level of tiredness.
But keep in mind, there are times when fatigue may be a symptom of a pregnancy complication like anemia, depression or gestational diabetes. Call your care provider if you experience sudden fatigue, fatigue that completely stops you from doing your daily tasks or if you have fatigue with any of the following:
- Fever
- Pain in the chest, abdomen or head
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling in your hands, ankles or feet
- Vision changes
Get the care you need
Whether your pregnancy is making you tired, nauseous or anything else, a prenatal appointment can help. In addition to making sure you and your little one are safe and healthy, your care provider can give you tips and recommendations for every part of your pregnancy.
1st trimester of pregnancy: what happens to the fetus
1st trimester of pregnancy: what happens to the fetus - Private maternity hospital Ekaterininskaya Clinics1st trimester: 1st-12th weeks
The gestational age is calculated from the first day of the last menstruation, since it is difficult to determine the exact day of conception. Since conception usually occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, you are not actually pregnant during the first two weeks, but this period is counted as the beginning of pregnancy.
As soon as the fertilization of the egg takes place around the 3rd week, the hormones begin to produce changes in your body little by little. As a result, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Morning sickness. As a result of rising levels of hormones characteristic of pregnancy, up to 80% of women in the 1st trimester experience morning sickness with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The idea that such malaise is observed only in the morning is a common misconception. In fact, symptoms can appear at any time of the day or night. Up to 1 in 5 women experience morning sickness in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy and can sometimes persist throughout pregnancy.
If you experience morning sickness, avoid foods that make you sick, eat little and often, avoid fatty and spicy foods, drink more water. If you experience severe symptoms or symptoms that bother you, see your doctor.
- Breast changes. The mammary glands will begin to increase in size, soreness may appear. The nipples will increase in size, become darker and more protruding.
- Fatigue. High levels of the hormone progesterone can make you feel tired and sleepy. Rest as often as possible in a horizontal position with your legs up and eat as well as possible, which is not easy if you are experiencing morning sickness!
- Increased emotionality. A higher level of emotionality, manifested as a result of an increase in hormone levels, is normal. Understanding and patience on the part of your partner and loved ones is very important here.
- Food likes and dislikes. You may find yourself intolerant of one food and addicted to another. This is usually not a problem, unless you feel like eating weird foods like chalk. If you are concerned about the situation, contact your doctor.
- Frequent urination. As your fluid levels increase and your uterus puts pressure on your bladder, you will become more likely to visit the toilet. Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need - this minimizes the pressure on the bladder.
- Feeling of dizziness. Sometimes you may feel a little dizzy (this is due to hormonal changes). Try not to stay on your feet for a long time and slowly rise from a sitting or lying position. If you experience severe dizziness, contact your doctor immediately.
- Heartburn and constipation. Your digestive system will slow down to give you more time to digest your food. This can lead to heartburn and constipation. To help manage heartburn, try to eat small meals at regular intervals and avoid fried or spicy foods and carbonated drinks. Constipation is helped by eating a diet rich in fiber, maintaining physical activity and drinking plenty of water.
1st trimester milestones
- Approximately 7 days after fertilization, the embryo implants in the uterine wall. The placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic sac will begin to form to provide nourishment and protection to the embryo.
- By the end of the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus is palpable through the wall of the abdomen, the abdomen will begin to grow.
Child development in the 1st trimester of pregnancy
By the end of the 1st trimester:
- All the main organs of the baby are formed, the circulatory system works.
- The development of the sexual organs has begun.
- Fingers are formed on the hands and feet, nails have appeared.
- Facial features have formed.
- The length of the baby's body is about 6 cm from the head to the lower part of the body, he is already recognizable. The baby moves in the amniotic sac, but you don't feel it move yet.
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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 of 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 the delay (the 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.
Influence of early pregnancy on daily routine
Early signs of pregnancy, mainly 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.
- Be 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 a test strip. It can be used at home from the first days of delay.