Pregnancy is called the period of time between conception and delivery. This lasts approximately 288 days in humans. During pregnancy, a baby grows and develops inside the uterus.
Pregnancy affects each pregnant body differently and can manifest itself with different signs and symptoms.. Some people experience symptoms during the first week of pregnancy, such as a headache or light bleeding. Others, however, do not notice any changes during the first weeks of pregnancy. In today’s article we list all the early symptoms of pregnancy.
Which are the first pregnancy symptoms?
Approximately 14 days after the start of the menstrual cycle, conception can occur: when a sperm fertilizes an egg. From 6 to 7 days after conception, implantation begins. The fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Implantation can already cause the first symptoms of pregnancy, such as bleeding and mild cramps that result from movement of the egg that can damage the blood vessels in the uterine wall.
According to the degree of certainty of the first signs of pregnancy, specialists divide them into: presumed symptoms of pregnancy, probable symptoms of pregnancy and certain symptoms of pregnancy. Below we explain the 20 most common signs that occur during the first weeks of pregnancy.
1. Implantation bleeding
During early pregnancy, cramping and bleeding can often be experienced. This happens between weeks 1 and 4 of gestation. During this period, the fertilized egg develops into a blastocyst; a group of fluid-filled cells that develop into fetal body parts and organs.
After conception, the fetus implants in the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, at about week 4.. This causes what is called implantation bleeding, which looks like a light period, this can look like a regular menstrual period if it happens at all. Usually, this bleeding coincides with normal menstruation. Pain is one of the most common side effects of bleeding. It can range from mild menstrual pain to severe pain, although most of the time it is not painful. In addition, it can be accompanied by cramps.
2. The rule is missing
In all cases -with few exceptions- pregnancy implies the loss of menstruation. The body produces human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, once implantation of the egg in the uterus is complete. This hormone helps maintain the pregnancy and signals the ovaries to stop releasing mature eggs each month.
Menstruation may not occur 4 weeks after conceptionThis means that a pregnancy is possible if the period is delayed for about a week. Pregnancy tests test urine to see if a person is pregnant: they identify elevated HCG levels 8 days after a missed period.
3. Nausea and vomiting
Digestive discomfort appears as one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. The implantation of the egg in the uterus causes drastic changes in hormonal levels, these changes after a few days cause nausea and vomiting. Nausea occurs especially in the morning upon waking up or after eating breakfast. Although, they can appear at any time of the day. Eating frequently and gradually allows us to stay satiated, but not saturated. What considerably decreases digestive symptoms.
4. Increased body temperature
In some pregnant people, the basal body temperature is higher than normal. Pregnancy also makes your core body temperature rise more easily due to exercise or heat. It is important to make sure you drink plenty of water during this time and take precautions when exercising.
5. Fatigue
Early pregnancy fatigue is caused by increased hormone levels. During pregnancy, tiredness can appear at any time; this symptom is especially common in early pregnancy. This is because the sudden increase in progesterone levels can cause drowsiness and tiredness.
6. Increase in volume and breast pain
Early breast changes include tingling, pain, and swelling. Around week 4 or week 6, the body experiences significant changes in hormones. As a result, the breasts can become swollen and tender. These symptoms usually go away after a few weeks once the body adjusts to the hormones. Starting at week 11, the nipple and the surrounding area can change significantly due to hormonal effects. The areola, the darker spot around the nipple, increases in size and may change color.
7. Increased heart rate
Pregnant people may experience increased heart rate in the first few weeks. During weeks 8 to 10, the heart may begin to beat faster and stronger than normal. These palpitations and arrhythmias usually occur due to hormonal changes. Hormones can affect different parts of the body.
8. Acne
Pregnant people who previously battled acne may experience new breakouts during pregnancy.
9. Bloating and constipation
Early pregnancy causes symptoms similar to those of menstruation, including bloating: Pregnant people often experience abdominal bloating that can be exacerbated by constipation early in pregnancy. These side effects are caused by hormonal changes that slow down the digestive system, making it difficult to have a bowel movement. Some people may even feel like their intestines are blocked. Abdominal bloating can be exacerbated by constipation.
10. Incontinence
People urinate more often in early pregnancy. This occurs because the heart increases the amount of blood pumped per minute during pregnancy. This increased blood flow causes the kidneys to have to process more waste than usual, which leads to more fluid retention in the bladder.
The body also produces hormones during pregnancy that influence bladder health. Pregnant people, in addition to urinating more frequently, sometimes accidentally, may accidentally leak urine.
11. High blood pressure and dizziness
Most people experience dizziness and a drop in blood pressure during the early stages of pregnancy. During pregnancy the blood vessels dilate rapidly; this can cause dizziness as blood pressure drops.
Pregnancy-related hypertension is difficult to determine. Most cases of hypertension in the first 20 weeks indicate underlying problems. These can develop during the first months of pregnancy, but they could also be present before the pregnancy occurred and not have to do with it.
12. Sensitivity to odors and flavors
In the first weeks of pregnancy the sense of smell is altered and negative feelings towards certain foods may develop. Olfactory sensitivity is a common symptom, but little scientific research has been done on the origin of the changes in smell that occur in the first trimester. However, these are significant, as they can cause other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. They are also responsible for the aversion to different foods that some pregnant people have.
According to recent research, the sense of smell may increase or decrease during pregnancy. Many pregnant people explain that odors they were previously indifferent to became repulsive or nauseating during pregnancy. Over time, this change in smell is most common in the first and third trimesters, but it can also occur later in pregnancy. And it takes 6 to 12 weeks after delivery for the sense of smell to return to normal.
13. Weight gain
In the first weeks of the first trimester, you can experience a weight gain between one and a half to two kilograms. Pregnancy weight usually appears in the later stages of the process. In the early stages, it is not necessary to modify the usual diet. However, as the pregnancy continues, calorie intake will need to be increased.
14. Stomach acidity
Pregnant people often experience heartburn as early as the first trimester. Stomach acid can leak from the stomach into the esophagus due to the relaxation of the valve between the two organs. This is caused by hormones in the body.
Eating several small meals throughout the day instead of large ones helps prevent pregnancy-related heartburn. Also, after eating, it is recommended to sit upright for at least an hour to help digest the food. The taking of antacids or any other medication during pregnancy should be consulted with the doctor.
15. Skin changes
Pregnancy causes the sebaceous glands in the body to work overtime due to increased hormone levels and the increased volume of blood passing through the blood vessels. This supposedly results in a “pregnancy glow” that many people notice in pregnant people.
16. Nasal congestion
During pregnancy, nasal congestion can occur due to increased thickness of the mucous membrane. This can be particularly irritating for pregnant people and prevent rest; however, serums can help alleviate this problem by performing small nasal rinses. Always keeping your nose well hydrated can help prevent nasal congestion that causes mucus discharge and congestion.
17. Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums are a less common symptom of the first months of pregnancy. However, on some occasions, the increased formation of blood vessels due to high levels of hormones can cause gums to bleed during brushing.
18. Metallic taste
One of the most frequent and unexpected symptoms that occur during pregnancy is the appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth that does not disappear even when food is seasoned. Due to this symptom, many pregnant people stop enjoying the foods they used to like.
19. Cravings
Hormonal changes can bring cravings. Pregnancy hormones cause drastic changes in tastes and desires. This is why many people experience strange cravings during pregnancy. Although, it is important that you maintain a healthy diet to prevent health problems during pregnancy.
20. Mood swings
During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels rise. This elevation can make people more emotional or reactive than usual. Also, mood swings are common during pregnancy, with people experiencing dramatic emotional swings in a matter of minutes. This is due to the hormones they are exposed to, as well as the uncertainty of what to expect. In addition, they must face changes that were previously unknown to them. The first trimester is a time of particular vulnerability.
