Introduction: Early signs of pregnancy may appear by 6th to 8th week of pregnancy. In case you forgot to keep a track of your last periods and start experiencing the signs of pregnancy then opt for a home pregnancy test.
The home pregnancy test is important because:
Some of these signs may be similar to the symptoms felt during menstruation.
Some females may not develop any signs due to pregnancy.
Early signs of pregnancy
Let’s now discuss a few of the most common signs that may be seen during early pregnancy:
Cramping and spotting (bleeding): This is one of the first sign of early pregnancy. Cramping in abdomen and slight spotting may be felt during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, as this is the time during which the foetus gets implanted to the wall of uterus.
Missed periods: A missed period is the surest sign of pregnancy if your periods are regular. However, if your periods are not regular or if you do not track you periods then a missed period doesn’t certainly mean that you are pregnant. If your periods are unusually late then you should take a home pregnancy test.
Fatigue: Do you feel more tired than the usual days? Fatigue is a common symptom of early pregnancy. It occurs due to an increase in the level of progesterone hormone, which affects your sleep. Low blood sugar level and low blood pressure also contribute to fatigue. Fatigue is at its peak during week 4 or 5 of pregnancy. It decreases during the second trimester and then increases during the third trimester.
Nausea (morning sickness): A common symptom that starts during the week 4 or 6 of pregnancy. However, the timeline may vary in different females. The symptom of nausea commonly occurs early in the morning. The exact cause of nausea is not known.
Sore and painful breasts: By week 4 or 6 you will start noticing changes in your breasts. The breasts become tender and sore, and the nipples develop a tingling or pin-prick sensation. The color of the nipples may also become dark.
Increased urination: Your urine output may also increase by week 4 or 6. This may occur due to the hormonal changes, which increase the blood flow to the kidneys. This increased blood flow increases the fluid volume in the bladder.
Abdominal bloating: Hormonal changes may cause bloating by week 4 or 6. You may have a feeling similar to bloating during menstruation.
Mood swings: Mood swings are common during early pregnancy. By week 6 your mood may change from being good to bad to anxious or even depressed. Always consult your health care provider if you are unable to cope with your mood swings.
Body temperature changes: By week 6 of pregnancy your body temperature may increase.
Heartburn: You may experience heart burn by week 9 of your pregnancy. Both hormonal and physical changes in the body can cause heart burn.
Apart from the above major signs, other common signs of early pregnancy may include:
- Dizziness
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache or backache
- Leg cramps
- Thrush
A positive pregnancy test should always be followed by a consultation from a health care provider. Also, always consult your provider if you feel uncomfortable during any phase of pregnancy.