Think you’re pregnant? Or are you trying to get pregnant? How would you find out if you’re actually pregnant? There are several ways to know if you’re carrying a baby, including the first sign of pregnancy, which is a missed period.
According to the American Pregnancy Association Poll:
- Breast tenderness is the first sign of pregnancy for 17% of women.
- For another 25% of pregnant women, it is nausea.
- About 30% of pregnant women consider a missed period the first sign of pregnancy.
Here are some signs and symptoms pregnant women can experience in the early stages of pregnancy:
#Fatigue
As the progesterone levels soar in your body, you feel more tired and sleepy. This symptom is common in early pregnancy, particularly one week after conceiving. While progesterone hormone is considered the main reason for making you feel exhausted, other factors like a boost in blood production, lower blood pressure, and lower blood sugar levels can also contribute.
What to Do:
- Get plenty of rest and sleep
- Eating foods rich in iron and protein
#Mood Swings
During the first trimester, the fluctuations in your hormone levels can make you unusually depressed, irritable, anxious, emotional, and weepy. Pregnancy mood swings usually get less after the first trimester of pregnancy. However, if you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, it’s vital to consult your doctor.
What to Do:
- Eat well
- Get enough sleep
- Pamper yourself
- Give yourself a break
#Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is one of the most commonly reported signs of pregnancy, which typically shows up 2 to 8 weeks after conception. While some moms-to-be have it earlier than some, others do not experience it at all. Morning sickness usually subsides after the first trimester, but some women can experience it throughout their pregnancy. If you often feel nauseated and find yourself vomiting, you may have a little bun in the oven.
What to Do:
- To help settle morning sickness, eat a few saltine crackers before you get up in the morning.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay well-hydrated.
- Get in touch with your doctor if you are consuming too much food or fluids.
#Tender, swollen breasts:
Your breasts become swollen, tender, and fuller during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormones. You can even experience a tingling sensation in your breasts. These changes are often similar to those you may have noticed a few days before your menstrual cycle starts. The discomfort typically decreases after a few weeks as your body adjusts to hormonal changes.
What to Do:
- Purchase a couple of comfortable, supportive maternity bras to relieve breast tenderness.
- Opt for a cotton, underwire-free bra that gives your breasts more room to grow in the coming months.
- Use breast pads to minimize the chances of friction between your nipples and maternity bra.
#Constipation
Constipation refers to hard bowel movements that are infrequent and difficult to pass. The higher progesterone hormone levels can slow down your gastrointestinal movement and cause constipation in early pregnancy. Another reason for constipation is the pressure of the growing uterus on your rectum.
What to Do:
- Do gentle, low-impact exercises such as yoga, walking, or swimming.
- Drink plenty of water every day.
- Eat plenty of high-fiber foods such as wheat, bran, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
What Else Could It Be?
Morning sickness or nausea, the second most commonly reported early symptom of pregnancy, might be explained by:
- Anxiety, tension, or stress
- Food poisoning
- Change in hormonal birth control
- Other stomach ailments
A missed or late period, which is one of the main signs of pregnancy, could also be caused by:
- Tension or stress
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Pending menstruation
- Change in birth control usage
- Various illnesses
- Excessive weight gain or loss
- Hormonal imbalance
- New workout regimen
- Breastfeeding
Fatigue or tiredness can be brought on by:
- Common cold or flu
- Lack of sleep
- Tension or stress
- Allergies or other ailments
- Improper nutrition
- Depression or other mental health struggles
- Pending menstruation
- New workout regimen
- Exhaustion from working too hard
Tender or swollen breasts, the third most common sign of pregnancy, might be triggered by:
- Impending menstruation
- Change in hormonal birth control
- Hormonal imbalance
What can be done to soothe and relieve pregnancy symptoms?
You can try the following home remedies and self-care measures to help alleviate some of the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy:
- Keep weight gain under control.
- Stick to a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
- Exercise to strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles.
- Avoid lying on the back for a prolonged time.
- Use a pregnancy girdle or sling to support your belly
- Wear loose, comfortable footwear, particularly if your feet are swollen. Stretchable maternity leggings also help relieve swollen legs.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Keep the back straight, and be sure to bend the knees when lifting your other children.
- Sleep on a firm mattress and lie on your left side with a pillow between your legs.
- Wear expectant mom clothes to stay comfortable and relaxed.
- Eat whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables rich in fiber to avoid constipation.
- Avoid fatty foods and foods that trigger nausea. Eat small, frequent meals to combat morning sickness.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
When to get help?
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Severe abdominal pain
- A high temperature
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain that doesn’t go away
- Vision loss or blurred vision
- A headache that will not go away
- Vomiting that will not stop
- Less movement of your baby than usual
- Widespread itching of the skin
- Leaking amniotic fluid
- Sudden swelling of face, hands, and feet
Where to get help?
While some pregnancy symptoms are normal, others may be the cause of concern. If you’re in trouble due to any pregnancy symptom, don’t hesitate to get assistance from:
- Your general practitioner
- Your midwife
- Your obstetrician/gynecologist
- Your maternity hospital
- Your pharmacist
- Your health care provider
While the symptoms mentioned above indicate pregnancy, the best way to confirm that you’re pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist. The sooner you can begin prenatal care, the better! If your home pregnancy test is positive, make a prenatal appointment as quickly as possible.