Is nasal congestion a sign of pregnancy

11 Early Symptoms of Pregnancy — How to Know If You're Pregnant

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Feeling tired, nauseous or sensitive to smells? You might be pregnant.

By Jamie Ballard

Jun 14, 2019

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It's easy to miss some of the common early signs of pregnancy, as many of these symptoms can easily be mistaken for other ailments. To know whether or not you should buy a pregnancy test, Dr. Dana Gossett, an OB-GYN and professor with the University of California San Francisco’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, says it's important to monitor your periods.

"Women keeping track of their periods is important," she tells Woman's Day. "It provides a window into your overall health if you have a lens on what your period is doing. There are tons of free apps out there that you can use to track it. If more people are doing that and are in tune with their gynecological health, they’re more likely to recognize when they could be pregnant."

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, and your period has been MIA, it may be worth taking a pregnancy test or visiting your OB-GYN.

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Fatigue

A very common early symptom of pregnancy is fatigue, according to Dr. Gossett. "Most women in their first trimester feel exhausted, and many can mistake early pregnancy for coming down with something else, like a cold or flu," she tells Woman's Day.

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Nausea

Gossett says that nausea is another early symptom of pregnancy. "About 80% of women experience nausea early in their pregnancy," she says. "But that means that one in five don’t. So some women might think, 'I’m not feeling nauseous so I’m not pregnant,' and that might not be true."

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Sensitivity to Smells

Gossett says that becoming unusually sensitive to smells could be another sign that you might be pregnant. "If suddenly food smells are really turning you off, or if you have an aversion to foods you usually enjoy, that could be another early sign of pregnancy," she says.

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Increased Urination

Increased urination can be symptomatic of a few different things, including pregnancy. Dr. Andrei Rebarber, an OB-GYN, president of the Maternal Fetal Health Associates in New York, and a Clinical Professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine says if you're urinating more often than usual (but there isn't any pain), you might be pregnant.

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Bloating

If you're feeling unusually bloated or have cramps, that might also be a sign that it's time to take a pregnancy test. Gossett and Rebarber both say this can be another early symptom of pregnancy that many women could miss.

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Constipation

If you're having trouble going to the bathroom, that could be another early symptom of pregnancy, according to Gossett and Rebarber who both mention this as a potential sign.

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Breast Tenderness or Enlargement

Breast changes are an early symptom of pregnancy for many women. If you notice that yours are unusually sensitive or feel fuller than usual to the touch, Dr. Rebarber says this could be an early symptom of pregnancy.

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Darkening Areolas

According to WebMD, another change to your breasts that might indicate pregnancy is the darkening of the skin around your nipples, a. k.a the areola.

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Congestion

If you've got a stuffy nose, it could be another sign that you're possibly pregnant. According to the Mayo Clinic, "increasing hormone levels and blood production can cause the mucous membranes in your nose to swell, dry out and bleed easily. This might cause you to have a stuffy or runny nose."

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Pelvic Pain

Unusual pelvic pain is one potential symptom of pregnancy that needs to be addressed immediately. "Pelvic pain is serious, as it can indicate an ectopic pregnancy," explains Dr. Rebarber. An ectopic pregnancy is one where the fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus.

"If someone is experiencing pelvic pain, they need to see a provider as soon as possible," Rebarber says.

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Bleeding or Spotting

Even if you think you've gotten your period, there could actually still be a chance you're pregnant. "If you think you’ve gotten your period, but you have some of these other symptoms, you may actually be pregnant," Gossett says. "Sometimes there is bleeding when a pregnancy is implanting, and it can be confused with a period. So it may be worthwhile to rule it out if you’re experiencing any of these other symptoms."

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Jamie Ballard Contributing Writer Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance.

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12 early signs that you might be pregnant

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A missed period may be the first noticeable sign of pregnancy, but there are many other early signs.

Early pregnancy and premenstrual symptoms are often similar, and it can be hard for a person to tell whether they might be pregnant or about to get their period. Also, some pregnant people do not experience the typical early signs.

The article explores 12 changes that can point to pregnancy in the early stages.

Missing one or more periods is often the clearest early sign of pregnancy. We explore these and other signs below.

1. A missed period

This is often the first sign that a person notices, but missing a period does not always point to pregnancy.

A person might miss a period for many reasons, such as changes to birth control medication or sudden weight loss. A missed period can also indicate a health issue, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

For this reason, anyone who unexpectedly misses a period should contact a healthcare professional as soon as they can.

2. Nausea

Nausea during pregnancy, or morning sickness, is common. It can begin as early as 4 weeks into the pregnancy.

For some people, it eases early on, and others experience it throughout their pregnancy. Most pregnant people experiencing some degree of nausea.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

3. Breast changes

These may occur within 2 weeks of conception.

The amount of breast tissue increases in preparation for milk production. The veins of the breasts become more noticeable, and the nipples may darken.

The breasts and nipples may feel tingly, sore, and extra sensitive.

4. Frequent urination

This often begins early in pregnancy, and it results from various changes, including:

• the uterus expanding
• hormonal changes
• an increase in blood volume
• an increase in blood circulation to the pelvis
• an increase in kidney size

Later in the pregnancy, the pressure of the growing fetus and uterus on the bladder may result in even more frequent and urgent urination.

Learn more about pregnancy trimesters here.

Contact a healthcare professional if urination becomes painful, as this can stem from a urinary tract infection.

5. Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms. It may be most intense in the first 12 weeks.

During pregnancy, the body produces more of the hormone progesterone. This is essential for a healthy pregnancy, but it may also contribute to fatigue.

In addition, the body needs to pump more blood to the fetus as it grows. This, coupled with the increased physical demands in the later stages of pregnancy can lead to more fatigue.

6. Cramping

Mild cramping without bleeding is common in the first trimester, and it may feel like menstrual cramps. It results from the uterus expanding.

Abdominal bloating, constipation, and heartburn also tend to develop early in a pregnancy, and they may last throughout.

7. Nasal congestion

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause a stuffy nose. While this can occur early in pregnancy, it is more common in the third trimester.

8. Food cravings and aversions

These are common throughout pregnancy, and they may result from hormonal and physical changes, rather than shifting nutritional requirements.

The underlying cause of food cravings and aversions is still unclear. Different people seek out and avoid different foods.

Regardless, it is important to take in the right amounts of nutrients and calories.

Learn more about the diet during pregnancy here.

9. Mood changes

Sudden shifts in mood can stem from hormonal changes, fatigue, and stress in early pregnancy. It is normal to feel increased emotional sensitivity and abrupt fluctuations in mood during pregnancy.

Pregnancy can also cause relapses of existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

10. Lightheadedness

This can result from a range of factors, including:

• changes in hormones
• changes in blood pressure and volume
• altered balance due to weight changes
• iron deficiency anemia and other health issues

A person may be more lightheaded when they change positions, such as standing up, quickly.

While some lightheadedness may be expected, a person should contact a healthcare professional if it persists after they sit or lie back down.

11. Headaches

These are common in early pregnancy and can result from changes in hormones.

Typically, headaches cause no harm to the fetus. However, headaches can be a symptom of preeclampsia, which can lead to serious complications without treatment.

Anyone who experiences strong headaches, especially with changes in vision, should contact their doctor.

Learn more about preeclampsia here.

12. Bleeding

Bleeding may be common during early pregnancy. While it may be harmless, a doctor should investigate the cause.

Implantation bleeding occurs when the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus. This can cause light bleeding or spotting. It may happen around the time when the person would have expected a period.

Early pregnancy symptoms are general — they can also stem from health problems. For this reason, it is important for a healthcare professional to confirm the cause as soon as possible.

Blood and urine tests

Pregnancy tests check for the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). A person might take an over-the-counter test at home, or they might visit a clinic and provide a urine or blood sample for testing.

The body produces hCG after implantation. Some rare conditions and diseases can also raise levels of this hormone.

It is a good idea for anyone who has received a positive test result to have this confirmed by a healthcare professional.

Various pregnancy tests are available for purchase online.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound scan produces an image of the fetus using sound waves.

Doctors typically use these scans to check the progress of a known pregnancy, but they can also confirm whether a person is pregnant and help detect multiple pregnancies.

If a person has any pregnancy symptoms, they should contact a healthcare professional. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, having consistent prenatal care improves outcomes for the pregnant person and the fetus.

Among the many early signs of pregnancy are missed periods, breast changes, fatigue, sudden shifts in mood, and frequent urination.

If a person has any pregnancy symptoms, they might take an at-home pregnancy test or visit a healthcare professional. Anyone who receives a positive result at home should have it confirmed by a doctor, who will then draw up a plan for prenatal care.

The first signs of pregnancy - IVONA.UA

We all know the first signs of pregnancy: morning sickness, chronic fatigue, frequent urination, sensitivity to strong odors. However, the female body gives many more signals that a new life is emerging in it. Ivona will tell about the most unusual ones.

1. Nasal congestion

During pregnancy, the activity of mucous secretion increases. Because of this, in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman can often stuff her nose. The symptoms are similar to the common cold, although there are no discomfort and inflammation in the nasopharynx. nine0003

TOP 8 unusual signs of early pregnancy pinterest.com

Read also: We are pregnant: What is important for future dads to know

2. The taste of metal in the mouth

Do you feel like you have a sparkling nickel instead of caramel in your mouth? It is common for taste buds to change during the first trimester of pregnancy. This phenomenon is called "dysgeusia" and can remain with the expectant mother throughout the pregnancy. nine0003

3. Bloating and flatulence

During pregnancy, a woman's body produces large amounts of progesterone, which slows down digestion. Because of this, women in position often feel heaviness in the stomach, bloating and flatulence appear. Most often this happens in the early stages and by the end of pregnancy, digestion is getting better, and the unpleasant symptom goes away.

TOP 8 unusual signs of early pregnancy pinterest.com

Also common during pregnancy. An increased amount of female hormones produced in the body provokes vasodilation, which is why the expectant mother can bleed from time to time. Also, the gums become very sensitive and brushing or flossing can cause inflammation and irritation, as well as bleeding.

Read also: I'm not ashamed! 8 things no mom should be ashamed of0006