What the feeling of pregnancy

Symptoms and feelings in early weeks

In the first few weeks of pregnancy, various physical symptoms and new emotions arise. Although many women felt some anxiety during these early weeks, and some found it hard to believe it was really happening to them, there was also joy and excitement. (See also 'Discovering you are pregnant and telling other people').

Unpleasant physical symptoms affected people's feelings in the early weeks of pregnancy. Nausea and sometimes vomiting is well known as 'morning sickness', but these symptoms can happen all day, and can occasionally be very severe. Because this is so common, it has a separate section on the website (see 'Sickness and hyperemesis').

Another common symptom is feeling tired or run down. Some people are surprised to feel so exhausted. Others include getting a strange taste in your mouth, having tender breasts, feeling dizzy or faint, and abdominal cramps or twinges. To some people it felt a bit like premenstrual tension at first. But some women we talked to felt physically fine during the first few weeks, or noticed only minor changes.

In the first months of pregnancy she felt completely exhausted and needed lots of sleep. (Read by...

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Physically I didn't feel that much different in terms of how I looked, or, or feel that I looked any different. I felt exhausted and the first three months, or the first - it was more like the third month was I think the most exhausting month of my life, I've never been so tired. I couldn't get out of bed some days because I'd just wake up, eat some food, sleep all day, eat some food and go back to sleep again. And that was difficult, and I found that no-one understood that at all because - I don't know whether it was, it was because I was slightly stressed about the situation, maybe, and that the best way I dealt with it was by sleeping through everything - but I really, I was just exhausted all the time. Yeah, but my appearance I didn't worry about too much at the time.

The early symptoms of pregnancy felt like pre-menstrual symptoms. She was worried by abdominal...

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Actually, going back to the symptoms that I had - symptoms, it's not an illness - but, you know, the feelings that I had when I first was thinking, 'I wonder if I am pregnant?' As I said, I felt really, really pre-menstrual. I mean, my breasts were really sore, I had cramps, crampy sort of pains that, you know, really I would get at the start of my period, which actually worried me slightly.

And in none of the information do you actually get that that is - and I actually found on one of the BBC-i pages that as an indication of pregnancy. But nobody had actually said that to me. And I actually said, 'You know, I really do feel like my period could start.' And I think that went on for probably about three weeks to a month, you know, after me knowing. And I did keep thinking, you know, go to the toilet and think, 'Is there going to be blood there?' And my sort of rational mind was saying, 'Well, you know, no, there won't be.' But still thinking, 'God, you know, there might be.' And then that all just stopped. But for somebody who maybe isn't as well informed, I think that could be quite a frightening thing to have.

She noticed changes in her breasts in early pregnancy, and things began to taste strange. At...

She noticed changes in her breasts in early pregnancy, and things began to taste strange.

At...

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I kept on wondering if my boobs had gotten bigger. I sort of felt like a little bit, like I looked in the mirror and just thought, “My tits have gotten bigger. Have they've gotten bigger?” I was just feeling a bit like that. And I was asking, asking my partner at the time, “Is my -?” - you know, I asked him, “Are they? Do you reckon? Do you think they are?” I was feeling a little bit like that, really. And also because I usually do get PMT as well so - and I had sort of PMT symptoms which had disappeared. So that was another thing as well. I didn't actually, you know what I mean? I was feeling very stressed out, but I wasn't feeling as stressed as I had been a couple of weeks earlier, so I thought maybe that was something. I wasn't feeling particularly stressed. Things were tasting funny when I was eating. I didn't like, I mean I didn't associate it to be, associate it at the time and think I was pregnant, but if I had a drink I just sort of didn't feel like drinking it any more, it tasted a bit funny. And because I smoked at the time as well, cigarettes tasted a bit funny as well. And it was just the boob thing and the fact that I realised I'd had no period since quite a few weeks that I thought I'd better go and check this. You just felt that there's something going on here. So [laughs].

Many women get some minor abdominal cramping in early pregnancy, but as one noted (Interview 44 above), there is little information about it. In some cases it is a sign that something is wrong (such as a miscarriage starting, or an ectopic pregnancy, when the embryo implants and develops in the fallopian tube rather than the womb). If you are at all worried you should contact your GP.

One woman experienced bloating, sharp pains and sickness in the early weeks as a side effect of IVF. She had developed ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome, where the fertility drugs used have over-stimulated the ovaries. In rare cases this can be serious, but she recovered well after a stay in hospital.

She developed bloating, sharp pain and sickness in early pregnancy.

This was caused by ovarian...

She developed bloating, sharp pain and sickness in early pregnancy. This was caused by ovarian...

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We did three cycles of IVF and on the third cycle we were, we were successful.

And then what happened? [laughs]

Right. Well I then, they told me that I would know within, in sort of, ten days whether I was, whether or not I was pregnant and they told me the symptoms to, to look out for and I was suspicious that I might be pregnant because I suddenly started to feel very sick and started vomiting and in fact I was actually working a weekend shift and I was actually at a patient's house visiting them and they had vomiting and diarrhoea and I had to rush to the bathroom and be sick myself which they thought was rather amusing, I think.

But then I actually started to feel more and more unwell and my stomach got more and more bloated, so I contacted the hospital and they asked me to come up, and they, they examined me and took a pregnancy test which was positive but they took some blood tests and they were concerned that I might have this ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome. Because my hormone levels had been very high on that IVF attempt they were aware that it might be a complication, so they told me to go home and just rest. But things got worse over the next few days and I was getting more and more bloated. I had lots and lots of fluid in my stomach and that was irritating the bottom of my lungs which was giving me what we call pleuritic type pain which is a sharp pain going up to your shoulders which is very uncomfortable. And I just couldn't keep any fluids down. So after a few days I was admitted to the hospital and they put up a drip and I was in hospital for several days and then, then the fluid started to go down again, so I was, I was allowed home then. And I felt sick probably for about the first six weeks of the pregnancy and then that eventually just settled down to just to normal morning sickness. And the rest of the pregnancy was straightforward after that.

Is that complication potentially serious?

It is. I think you can get it in mild, moderate and severe forms and if you have - I had moderate, apparently - but if you have it in the severe form you, you can, you know, you can be very ill and in intensive care and- but that's very rare, it's, you know, it's a rare complication.

Several women we talked to had some vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy. This may be a sign that the pregnancy is going to miscarry, but not always. One woman described quite strong pains with blood loss, which suggested that the pregnancy might be ectopic. It was very frightening at the time, but in the end the baby was fine and the pain and bleeding stopped.

At nine weeks, she experienced bleeding and severe pain, and an ectopic pregnancy was suspected.

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At nine weeks, she experienced bleeding and severe pain, and an ectopic pregnancy was suspected....

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Once I discovered I was pregnant, in the fourth week from my last period, so it was week four, I then made a doctor's appointment with my local GP and she then referred me to the hospital of my choice within the area; I had a choice of four hospitals. And she confirmed that yes, I was pregnant, and then from there the ball started rolling. I was due for my first scan at twelve weeks, then in fact I went on holiday, weeks seven and eight, to Spain and during those weeks I was absolutely fine. I had no sickness, I felt in brilliant health and there were no problems at all. A little bit of nauseous but other than that I was fine. And I'd been in Spain walking up mountains one week and then came back to England with excruciating pains week 9 of my pregnancy. And they lasted for nearly 24 hours by which time I was at the GP's surgery. And I was sent to A&E to my next hospital, local hospital, where it was discovered after a lot of trauma that they suspected I had an ectopic pregnancy at that time due to the fact that I was in excruciating agony. And I was spotting, so I was losing blood, not a great deal, but enough for concern. And at that stage it was four o'clock in the afternoon and by midnight I was still in A&E awaiting to be seen by a consultant. And a gynaecologist did actually see to me that night and basically, I mean it was a very upsetting time but I had the choice, I was on a drip and ready for theatre, and I had to make a choice whether they wanted to investigate or I could hang on a little bit and see if the pain subsided. By which time I decided to hang on and stick it out, and then it got better and better and better, and by seven o'clock the next morning I was having an internal scan within the hospital. I wasn't allowed to walk, I was taken by wheelchair, I wasn't allowed to get out of bed, I wasn't allowed to eat, I wasn't allowed to drink, all the usual scenario ready for surgery in the case of an emergency. And they then confirmed that there was a heartbeat and that it was all in the right place. So that was a huge relief.

So, did they do any investigations to determine whether or not it was ectopic?

Yes, they can tell by an internal scan. Using an internal scan they can tell very quickly whether it's ectopic or not. If the cells are embedded correctly therefore it is not ectopic. But due to the fact that I had excruciating pain which, to this day, no-one knows why, it's one of those things, and it can be quite common apparently. If you have symptoms that I had, such as spotting and pain, it is usually the case of an ectopic pregnancy but in my case it wasn't. So that was wonderful.

Early miscarriage is unfortunately quite common, and women's experiences of it are explored in more detail in 'Bleeding and miscarriage'.

The possibility of losing the baby was not the only source of anxiety early in pregnancy. People described various other worries in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Some women who had not intended to become pregnant continued to feel uncertain about whether to go ahead with the pregnancy. One mother described how seeing her baby at the first scan made her feel differently. Another single mother had no doubts about keeping the baby, but still worried about how she would manage financially. For some people, pregnancy led to a break-up in their relationship. This mother briefly considered adoption, but changed her mind.

For the first few weeks she felt she did not want the baby, but seeing the baby at the first scan...

For the first few weeks she felt she did not want the baby, but seeing the baby at the first scan.

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I think it was about two, three weeks before I went for my scan so it was about, I was about, I think it was about three, four weeks I was going on 'Oh, I don't want her, I don't want her, I don't want the baby'. But they were all saying to me, 'Just, just wait, just wait, just, just wait. You'll see how, you'll see how you feel in the next few weeks'. But when I went in for my first scan and I seen it, that was it, I knew that I wanted this baby and I'd love this baby, do you know what I mean?

But that, that, I think that was the turning point for me then, when I went and actually had my first scan. That was my turning point for me, that this baby was mine and it was growing inside me and I wouldn't have it any other way. I wouldn't have dreamt of hurting it then, do you know what I mean? But I wasn't, I wasn't that keen on it at first, I was saying, 'No, I don't want it'. I think most girls do in places, don't they? But, no, I wouldn't change her now, wouldn't do.

Early on, her main worry was how she would manage financially. (Read by an actor.)

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What sort of hopes and fears did you have in the early weeks, the early part of the pregnancy?

My biggest concern I remember was that I wouldn't be able to support, to bring up the baby because I didn't have any money. I'd just graduated and I didn't have a job and I had thousands of pounds of debts and I felt a bit lost because, because it had been a surprise and because my parents weren't quite sure how to react and my partner wasn't quite sure how to react. And, and so I was determined to go through with the pregnancy but I did feel quite stressed because I knew that emotionally I could give him all the, all that he needed but financially and, and I didn't know how my circumstances were going to, I mean I, I didn't know what was ahead of me. And so that worried me, so I worried about money a lot at the beginning. But I knew that, well I felt like I knew that I could give him all the love that he needed and the support and the, and so I wasn't too worried about that. It's just all the practical things.

How did those things get resolved? I mean did you, were, was it quite, reasonably easy to kind of figure out how you were going to manage and so on?

No, I just it wasn't easy to figure out how I was going to manage. I had to take each step, each day as it came and it was difficult, it was really difficult but I just had to, to know that the next day would be another day and that things would change and I just had to trust in, that, that the whole situation would evolve. And it did and I got through it but it was difficult.

Who supported you through that difficult period? Where did you go for support?

I went to my friends for support initially. Not so much my family because they were getting round the idea as well, and to my partner who, despite being stressed and confused about the situation, was supportive and, yeah. I went to him quite a lot, and my friends.

Getting pregnant when she was very young led her to break off the relationship with her boyfriend...

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How did you feel when you discovered you were pregnant, what happened?

I was upset. And I dumped my boyfriend because of it.

You dumped him?

Yes.

When you told him that you were pregnant how did he react?

Well, I didn't tell him. My mum told him.

Your mum told him? How come?

Because I didn't want to tell him, because I wasn't speaking to him. So my mum told him. And he didn't speak to us all the way through my pregnancy.

Did you not want his support at all?

No, because he didn't really talk to me while I was going out with him really.

And how did you feel?

I felt weird at first because I didn't really want a baby. But I didn't want to get an abortion because I don't like the sound of it. So I got asked off my auntie if she could have him, because my auntie can't have children. And she didn't know whether I was going to keep him or not, so she asked if she could have him. But I wanted to keep him.

When did you decide that you wanted to keep him rather than give him to your auntie?

When I was about three or four month.

Right. So, at the beginning though, if you can think about how you felt right at the beginning, what kind of thoughts were going through your head then?

I wanted to get him adopted because I was, I felt that, I felt as though I was too young and that I wouldn't be able to cope, and that I'd get called all sorts of names off people. But it all changed once I had him.

Can you remember what changed your mind, what, what it was that made you change your mind?

I think it was feeling him kicking for the first time. I think that's what changed my mind as well. And just feeling him moving around all the time. It's weird.

See also 'Discovering you are pregnant and telling other people' and 'Emotions during pregnancy'.

Last reviewed May 2017.

Pregnancy stages and changes - Better Health Channel

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Summary

Read the full fact sheet

Your body changes during pregnancy. You may love some changes and feel uncomfortable with others.
You may experience of a lot of physical changes during pregnancy, or only a few.
You will probably have emotional ups and downs during pregnancy.
If you have depression or a mental illness during pregnancy, you need specialist care and treatment.
Some physical and emotional experiences are common to a particular trimester (stage) of pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, your body is experiencing major change. From symptoms that you might expect, to ones that are completely out of the blue, every woman will have a different pregnancy experience.

It’s helpful to have an idea of how your body may react to the different stages of pregnancy. It also helps to know how pregnancy may affect your emotions and feelings.

Changes to your body that may indicate pregnancy

You may first realise that you’re pregnant when you miss your period. That’s a good time to take a pregnancy test or speak with your doctor.

In early pregnancy, you may experience some (or all, or even none) of the following symptoms:

aches and pains (possibly in your lower abdomen and in your joints)
morning sickness, which may be nausea or actual vomiting, and does not just happen in the morning
constipation
food cravings and aversions
heartburn and indigestion
a need to urinate more often
back pain
tiredness
vaginal thrush
skin changes and itching, and possibly skin tags
haemorrhoids (also known as piles)
leg cramps
restless legs (leg twitching at night)
varicose vein
swelling in your ankles, feet and hands
dizziness or fainting
fatigue, or lack of energy
nasal problems, or shortness of breath
larger, tender breasts.

Better Health Channel has more information about these pregnancy symptoms.

If any of the symptoms become difficult to manage, talk to your doctor about what to do. In particular, if any morning sickness, aches and pains, dizziness or breathing difficulties make it hard to get through your normal day, ask for advice.

More about morning sickness

The first thing to know about morning sickness is that it can hit you at any time of day.
Probably a result of your changing hormones, it usually starts about week six and settles by week 14. The good news is that you may feel better if you:

drink small amounts of fluid, often. Try flat lemonade, sports drinks, diluted fruit juice, weak tea, clear soup or a hot drink make of stock
suck on ice or ice-blocks (if you can’t keep down other fluids)
try ginger tablets, dry ginger ale or ginger tea
eat small amounts of food more often, so you don’t have an empty stomach
eat a dry biscuit when you wake up in the morning, to avoid feeling sick when you get out of bed
try salty foods such as potato crisps or salty biscuits
suck on barley sugar or boiled lollies
avoid fatty, rich or spicy foods
avoid the smell of hot food
avoid cooking dishes with strong smells
rest as much as you can.

A small percentage of women have prolonged and excessive vomiting (called hyperemesis), which can lead to dehydration if it is not treated. See your doctor if you have severe morning sickness.

In some extreme cases, women need to be rehydrated in hospital, using intravenous fluids.

Pregnancy stages

We talk about three stages of pregnancy: first trimester, second trimester and third trimester. Some physical and emotional experiences are more common in each of these trimesters.

First trimester

In the first trimester:

You feel really tired and possibly nauseous.
You gain 1 or 2 kilograms, or maybe less if you have morning sickness. Most of this weight is in the placenta (which feeds your baby), your breasts, your uterus and extra blood.
Your heartbeat and breathing rate are faster.
Your breasts become tender, larger and heavier.
Your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder, so you feel like you need to urinate a lot.
You may feel swinging moods.
You know exactly how you feel about having a baby, or you have no idea how to feel!

Second trimester

In the second trimester:

You start to feel better, with less fatigue, morning sickness and moodiness.
You may feel your mind is wandering and not focused at work or at home.
You gain about 6 kilograms.
You may feel anxious about tests (including an ultrasound) done at this stage. But, if they find any health issues, these tests will ensure you and your baby receive the right care.
Your hair may become thicker and your fingernails may become stronger. Or, your nails may be softer and break more easily.
You may crave some foods, such as sweet, spicy or fatty foods.
You may not like the taste or smell of some foods.

Third trimester

In the third trimester:

Forgetfulness may continue.
You feel tired and probably uncomfortable.
You may be annoyed by the discomfort.
You may start to worry about labour as it nears.
You probably gain about five kilograms. Much of this weight is your baby, but also amniotic fluid, the placenta, your breasts, your blood and your uterus.
You may have back pain.
You may find it hard to sleep because you are uncomfortable.
The baby may be placing pressure on your lungs, making it harder to breathe.
You may feel Braxton Hicks contractions (tightening of the muscles of the uterus). They do not mean labour is starting.

Your feelings and emotions during pregnancy

During pregnancy you will probably feel many ups and downs. You may experience some or all of these emotions (and they may change quickly):

surprise – if your pregnancy is unexpected. You may then feel joy (if you welcome the pregnancy) or fear (if you are unsure about the change to your life) or both
happiness, particularly if you have been trying to have baby and you feel well
anger, which can result from your body’s hormonal changes, from a sense of being vulnerable, or from pregnancy symptoms that are uncomfortable or painful
fear for the baby’s health, if you have concerns about your baby having an illness or disability. If you are worried about a particular risk, talk to your midwife or doctor
fear of birth, which is a recognised psychological disorder. Counselling and talking with your midwife or doctor can help you overcome this fear
love for your baby, your partner and your family
sadness or disappointment if you have illness or complications during your pregnancy, or you can’t have the birth plan that you would prefer
general sadness about the world, whereby you find it hard to watch the news or hear sad stories about children or families
grief, if you suffer a miscarriage, a loss at a later stage of pregnancy, or a stillbirth
prolonged sadness from perinatal depression. In this case, you will need the help of health specialists.

Mood swings during pregnancy

The hormones changing in your body mean you will probably have heightened emotions, both positive and negative. And you will probably swing between these emotions.

While you may be overjoyed about having a baby, you may also be stressed and overwhelmed. You may feel worried about whether:

your baby will affect your relationship with your partner
you will cope financially
you will be able to juggle work and parenting
you will be a good mother
the baby will be healthy
your other children will accept and love the new baby.

You may also feel unimpressed with your changing body. You may be worried about putting on too much weight, or not enough. Or not being able to do the physical activity that you usually do. Or not looking attractive to your partner.

Add the hormone-induced fatigue, forgetfulness and moodiness, and you may feel completely out of control. This is all common.

Depression during pregnancy

About 15 per cent of women will have depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And even more will suffer from these conditions after giving birth.

Many women don’t seek help because they feel embarrassed or guilty about feeling so awful when are they are supposed to be happy. But depression is not something that you can control in this way.

Because an untreated mental illness can have long term effects on your health and wellbeing, and on your baby too, getting the right treatment is vital. Talk to your doctor if you are:

depressed or miserable for most of the day and on most days
annoyed, angry or anxious a lot of the time
crying a lot (and not always for a reason)
losing interest in activities that you usually like
struggling to sleep (even when your baby is sleeping), or sleeping more than usual
under- or over-eating
feeling tired most the time
not able to concentrate
preoccupied or anxious about things going wrong with your pregnancy, you, your baby or your partner
feeling that you have not bonded with your baby, or that you have no maternal feelings
feeling guilty, or feeling that you are failing as a mother
thinking about harming yourself
thinking it would be better if you or your baby were dead
thinking about suicide.

Remember, tell someone if you feel depressed, because early treatment is the best treatment.

Plenty of safe and effective treatments are available for depression during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. But herbal and complementary treatments such as St John’s wort may not be safe in pregnancy.

Anxiety during pregnancy

You may be feeling quite anxious about your pregnancy and about being a parent. Many pregnant women feel some anxiety, but a few develop an anxiety disorder that needs treatment.

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:

constant worry, stress or nervousness
muscle tension and teeth clenching
not ever feeling calm
not being able to sleep well or for long
panic attacks.

Other serious issues during pregnancy

Some pregnant women develop mental illnesses that are a significant risk to both them and their child. Other women may already have a mental illness that is more difficult to manage during pregnancy.

In particular, specialist health care is needed for pregnant women with:

bipolar disorder (of which pregnancy may trigger the first episode), with manic highs and depression lows
schizophrenia
eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The risks include a loss of nutrition for your baby, an increased risk of miscarriage, and anaemia.

Where to get help

Your GP (doctor)
Midwife
Obstetrician
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) Tel. 1300 726 306
Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14 for crisis support and suicide prevention
beyondblue Tel. 1300 22 4636

Common concerns in early pregnancy, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Mental health and pregnancy, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Pregnancy: the first 3 months – the first trimester, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Government of South Australia.
Pregnancy: the second 3 months – the second trimester, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Government of South Australia.
Pregnancy: the last 3 months – the third trimester, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Government of South Australia.
Emotions during pregnancy, National Childbirth Trust, UK.
First trimester of pregnancy, 2016, WebMD, USA.

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Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 25-05-2018

The first signs of pregnancy in the early stages - how to determine whether conception has occurred?

Table of contents:

General information
First signs of pregnancy
Minor signs of pregnancy
Signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding
Types of pregnancy diagnostics

Not every woman realizes that the long-awaited pregnancy has already begun. Indeed, the first signs of the birth of a new life can easily be mistaken for the harbingers of menstruation. How to determine pregnancy in the early stages and prepare for the thought that you will have a baby? In this article, we will give an answer to this question.

General information

Some women quickly realize that they are about to become a mother, others do not notice any changes in their condition for a long time. But if you listen to yourself, it will not be difficult for you to recognize the first signs of pregnancy even before the test shows the coveted two strips. This will allow you to see a doctor as soon as possible in order to undergo the necessary examination and ensure peace of mind for the next nine months.

After how many days can you find out about pregnancy?

In the very first days after conception, the body will not give you any specific signals. Signs of pregnancy in the early stages can be observed no earlier than the 8-10th day from the moment of fertilization of the egg, when the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus and the pregnancy hormone, chorionic gonadotropin, begins to enter the mother's body. How noticeable they appear depends on the body's sensitivity to hormonal changes. On the 20th day of embryo development (coincides with the first days of delayed menstruation), most women usually guess about their condition.

Important! Standard rapid tests determine the content of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine at the 3-4th week of pregnancy, i.e. 1-2 weeks after fertilization ¹ .

During this period, it is extremely important that the body receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals for the development of the baby. Therefore, as soon as you begin to suspect that you are expecting a baby, start taking special vitamin and mineral complexes. This is important because the formation of all organs and systems of the embryo occurs from the very first weeks.

The first signs of pregnancy

After the fertilization of the egg and its passage from the fallopian tube to the uterine cavity, a series of hormonal changes occur in the woman's body, which quickly make themselves felt in the form of the first signs of pregnancy in the early stages1.

Breast enlargement and tenderness

A few days after the expected date of menstruation:

breasts swell,
Nipple halo widens and darkens,
pimples on the halo, the so-called Montgomery tubercles, increase in size.

If swollen breasts cause discomfort and pain during sleep, try wearing a padded bra without wires at night.

Important! The mammary glands are designed in such a way that they do not have muscles that could prevent the skin from stretching, therefore, during pregnancy and lactation, it is necessary to wear a supportive bra and change it in accordance with breast growth to avoid squeezing.

Nausea

This is not a sure sign of pregnancy, as nausea can also be caused by digestive problems. But in combination with other symptoms, nausea often signals that you will have a baby. In the first trimester, this is an absolutely normal, albeit unpleasant, manifestation of your new condition.

Nausea is more often mild and occurs only in the morning, but if it continues throughout the day and is accompanied by vomiting, then you should consult a doctor.

A few simple tips will help you overcome the attacks that often overshadow the first weeks of pregnancy.

If you feel sick in the morning, drink plenty of fluids. Before you get out of bed, you can eat low-fat yogurt - this will make you feel better. Avoid long breaks between meals, as even increased salivation when you are hungry can cause nausea. Salty crackers and biscuits are good snacks.
Eliminate coffee with milk, sweets and fried foods.
Eat more often, but in small portions.

B vitamins and vitamin D can help reduce morning sickness. Add more whole grains, wholemeal bread, beef liver, cheese, dairy products and nuts, cabbage, apples to your diet. In addition, vitamin-mineral complexes specially designed for taking in the 1st trimester can replenish the reserves of these components.

Urination frequency

In the very first weeks of pregnancy, many women experience frequent urination. This is due to the increased production of the hCG hormone. Especially often the urge to go to the toilet disturbs at night.

Carefully monitor your condition, drink more fluids to make up for its losses. During this period, mineral water without gas, green tea, fruit drinks, compotes, juices half diluted with water are useful. They will not only replenish the volume of fluid, but also help reduce the severity of nausea.

Hypersensitivity to smells

If you feel nauseated by morning coffee, perfume, or any other strong smell, you may be expecting a baby. Some women note an increased sensitivity to smells and a sharp change in taste preferences as one of the first signs of pregnancy even before the delay in menstruation in the early stages. Do not rush to get rid of perfume, the aroma of which has become unbearable: after the baby is born, the old aromas and tastes will again become pleasant to you.

To reduce nausea caused by odors, spend more time outdoors and walking more. While at home, ventilate the room for 5-10 minutes every two hours. Access to fresh air will help reduce discomfort.

Drowsiness and fatigue

Decrease in blood pressure at the beginning of pregnancy and more intense metabolic processes in the body often provoke severe fatigue. A balanced diet and walks in the fresh air will help to improve the general condition.

Important! If in the early stages you are haunted by dizziness, we can talk about anemia, that is, a lack of iron, or changes in blood pressure. It is necessary to consult a doctor.

To reduce the risk of anemia, it is necessary to eat foods containing iron: red meat, offal (beef liver, heart). In order for iron to be better absorbed from food, it is worth adding foods rich in vitamin C to the diet: fresh vegetables, citrus fruits, garden greens. Meat dishes, complemented by vegetable salad, are a great option. Special vitamin-mineral complexes for pregnant women with the inclusion of iron will help replenish stocks. They contain the necessary daily dose of this mineral.

Delayed menstruation

One of the most reliable signs of pregnancy. After menstruation stops, because the endometrium creates optimal conditions for the development of the child. However, cycle disorders can also be associated with stress, diseases of the reproductive organs and hormonal disruptions.

Important! About a week after conception, small spotting is possible, which accompanies the attachment of a fertilized egg in the uterus. Doctors call this phenomenon implantation bleeding. It is also considered one of the early signs of pregnancy.

Important! From the very first days you learn about pregnancy, you need to start taking folic acid. The active form of this substance is metafolin. When ingested, metafolin is 100% absorbed and helps the proper development of the baby's heart and brain.

Secondary signs of pregnancy

In addition to direct, there are indirect signs of pregnancy that will help confirm your guesses. They also shouldn't cause you concern.

Heaviness in the lower abdomen

The uterus is preparing to receive its new inhabitant, therefore the blood circulation in it increases, which is accompanied by characteristic sensations in the pelvic region.

Increased appetite

At the beginning of pregnancy, the body consumes more energy - no wonder you are constantly hungry. However, bouts of hunger attack just before the onset of menstruation, stress can also be the cause. In any case, you should not lean on fast food, sweets and starchy foods, especially if the suspicion of pregnancy is confirmed.

Diversify your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, protein products (fish, chicken). An excellent snack between meals can be nuts, dried fruits, dairy products (cottage cheese, yogurt). They saturate well without giving an excess of calories.

Insomnia

It happens that as a result of hormonal and psychological changes, the expectant mother has difficulty falling asleep and often wakes up at night. Try to compensate for the lack of sleep by resting in the afternoon at least on weekends, before going to bed, take a walk in the fresh air and ventilate the bedroom for at least 10-15 minutes.

Important! Never take sleeping pills without consulting your doctor. There are many ways to improve sleep without drugs. A warm (not hot) shower or bath, reading a book, relaxing music helps. At least an hour before bedtime, you must stop using gadgets and watching TV: they overload the nervous system. Warm milk with a spoonful of honey before bed will help you fall asleep.

Constipation

During pregnancy, the increased production of progesterone relaxes the intestinal muscles, making it difficult for digestion to work. Include high-fiber foods in the menu in reasonable quantities: whole grain bread, fruits, vegetables.

Magnesium helps in the regulation of the intestines, it is also involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle function. Magnesium is found in grains and nuts, dark chocolate, legumes, leafy vegetables and dairy products. To provide the body with a daily dose of magnesium will help to take a specialized vitamin and mineral complex for pregnant women.

Magnesium not only regulates bowel function, but has a sedative, anti-stress effect and is important for the prevention of increased uterine tone.

Headache

Due to the same hormones , the expectant mother feels a headache in the early stages, which can also be one of the signs of pregnancy. It is necessary to consult a doctor in order not to miss arterial hypertension.

Make it a rule from the very beginning of pregnancy to regularly measure the pressure twice a day: in the morning, just waking up, before breakfast and hygiene procedures, and in the evening, at about 19-20 hours, after a 15-minute rest.

Irritability

Many pregnant women complain of emotional instability and mood swings in the early stages. When you find out the good news about the addition to the family, warn your loved ones that your whims had a very good reason.

Pimples

If you forgot about skin rashes after you got out of adolescence, then during pregnancy you will probably have to remember: acne can reappear on the face and again under the influence of hormones. Be patient, over time, the condition of the skin will return to normal.

It is important during this period to pay attention to face and body care. The immune system is being rebuilt to protect not only you, but also the baby, so choose hypoallergenic care products. They do not contain dyes and fragrances that can irritate the skin.

Pigmentation on the abdomen

The appearance of a dark strip running from the navel to the lower abdomen is also included in the list of signs of early pregnancy.

Tingling in the groin

Under the influence of the hormone estrogen, the ligaments become more elastic so that the stomach can further increase in volume without hindrance. This process can respond with mild discomfort in the groin area.

Leg cramps

If you have calf cramps, this indicates a change in metabolism and, in combination with other symptoms of pregnancy, signals your condition.

Consult your doctor, he will select a set of measures that will save you from cramps, and tell you about measures to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy. Wear shoes with low heels, do foot baths with alternating cool and warm water, a light massage of the calf muscles and feet.

Thrush

An increase in vaginal secretions is normal during pregnancy. But if the discharge has become liquid and has acquired a gray-white color with an unpleasant odor, or, conversely, has become cheesy, flaky or purulent, be sure to consult your doctor. In these cases, the risk of infectious complications, including infection of the fetus, increases.

Signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding

The myth that a nursing mother cannot become pregnant is one of the most persistent. If the birth of another child is not in your plans, do not forget to use reliable methods of contraception. Your doctor will help you choose a contraceptive. If you are preparing to give your baby a brother or sister, it is not at all necessary to stop breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is also possible during pregnancy if your doctor allows it. It is important that you get all the minerals and vitamins you need. Pay attention to the sufficient intake of iodine: it helps in the formation of the brain and thyroid gland of the baby.

Why pregnancy diagnosis is important

The sooner you find out that you are pregnant, the sooner you will be registered at the antenatal clinic and will meet with doctors who will exclude the risk of ectopic pregnancy, hereditary and genetic diseases of the fetus, and will also provide all the necessary information about how to behave during pregnancy. They will tell you the rules of nutrition and recommend taking special vitamin and mineral complexes for the proper formation of organs and the development of the baby, they will warn you about what changes will happen to you during this period, and indicate the timing of screening examinations that allow you to assess the course of pregnancy and fetal development.

Types of pregnancy diagnostics

Pregnancy test

The level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) increases gradually, so a standard rapid pregnancy test will give a reliable result only two weeks after conception.

Blood test

A laboratory blood test for hCG will give reliable information starting from the 7th day after the fertilization of the egg.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound will confirm pregnancy no earlier than 3-4 weeks after fertilization.

Gynecological examination

By examining the condition of the uterus, the gynecologist will also be able to diagnose pregnancy after egg implantation.

No matter how your assumptions are confirmed, the joyful news will surely make you forget about the slight ailments that pregnancy makes itself felt. All of this is survivable. The main thing is not to worry unnecessarily, trust the doctor with whom you can consult in case of doubt, and behave prudently. By the second trimester, the discomfort characteristic of the first three months disappears, and the expectant mother feels great.

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 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 rather 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, while 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, approximately 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.

Lock . 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, which 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 (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 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.