Am I Expecting? Early Tell-Tale Pregnancy Symptoms

Are you pregnant? The definite proof is the result of the pregnancy test. But, before that, there are some tell-tale signs of a baby on its way. A missed period, nausea, and cravings are some of the most common pregnancy symptoms. Find out what the first signs of pregnancy are and why they happen.

Missed period

This is the most common pregnancy symptom. In fact, in a poll by the American Pregnancy Association, 29% of women reported a missed period as the first sign of pregnancy.

If you are in your child-bearing years, a missed period may prompt you to get a pregnancy test. Once implantation is complete, your body starts producing hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone helps to maintain your pregnancy. It sends a signal to the ovaries so they stop releasing mature eggs each month.

Bear in mind that a missed period isn’t always a pregnancy symptom. This is especially true if you have an irregular menstrual cycle. It may also be that you missed your period because you are under too much stress or are experiencing hormonal issues. Or, perhaps you gained or lost too much weight or stopped taking birth control pills. But, if your period is late, you can always clear your doubts with a pregnancy test. A home test can detect hCG as early as eight days after your missed period.

Morning sickness

Nausea or morning sickness is another famous pregnancy symptom. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 50% of pregnant women get it. As the name suggests, it tends to happen in the mornings. Yet, it may strike at any time during the day or night. You usually get morning sickness between the fourth and sixth weeks of pregnancy. Although there’s still not a clear answer as to why it happens, pregnancy hormones might have to do with it.

If you hate feeling nauseous, don’t worry. Not everyone gets morning sickness. But, if you are pregnant and are feeling constantly nauseous and can’t keep anything down, get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible.

Tender breasts

The third most cited pregnancy symptom. Around the fourth and sixth weeks, you are likely to develop tender and swollen breasts. They feel heavier, sore, and tingly. Pregnancy hormones are to blame and will cause your breasts to keep growing. Luckily, the discomfort will fade away after a few weeks as your body gets more used to the hormones. You will notice other changes too. The veins may become more visible, for example, and the nipples may darken and stand out.

Fatigue

Feeling tired and sleepy? This is perfectly normal! It happens due to the high levels of the progesterone hormone. In addition, factors such as low levels of blood sugar, low blood pressure, and higher blood production may contribute. If you are pregnant and feeling exhausted, try to get as much rest as you can. Another good idea is to eat foods rich in protein. Fatigue normally persists during your first trimester and reappears again by the end of pregnancy.

Cramping and spotting

The first weeks of pregnancy may seem uneventful. However, there’s so much happening inside! Around the fourth week after conception, the blastocyst (your future child) implants in the endometrium, the uterus’ lining. This can cause implantation bleeding, which can be mistaken for a light period.

Besides the bleeding, you can feel pain (mild, moderate, or severe) that resembles a period cramp. Some women notice a white and milky discharge from the vagina that is typically harmless and doesn’t require additional treatment.

Increasing urination

Don’t be surprised if, around the sixth and eighth weeks of pregnancy, you find yourself peeing more often. After all, your body is increasing the amount of blood it pumps. This makes the kidneys process more fluid than usual, leading to more fluid in the bladder. You’ll also feel the need to rush to the toilet often throughout your pregnancy as the growing baby puts more pressure on your bladder.

Other symptoms

Of course, there are other pregnancy symptoms and signs that you may experience at this early stage. Some of them include:

• Constipation: Higher levels of progesterone slow down your digestive system, causing constipation. Constipation may also increase feelings of abdominal bloating.
• Mood swings: The hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy can affect the brain’s neurotransmitters. It’s common to feel more reactive or emotional. Perhaps you’ll feel anxious, euphoric, irritable, or depressed.
• Cravings: You may crave new foods or foods you previously disliked. It can be that you will lose interest in dishes or drinks you used to love.
• Back pain: Aches in your lower back are not uncommon. It may happen at the beginning of pregnancy, but it’s typically experienced much later, around the 27th and 34th week.
• Headaches: The increase in blood flow and sudden hormonal production can cause headaches.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Dealing with all of these new and uncomfortable symptoms can make you feel overwhelmed and anxious, especially if it’s your first pregnancy. The first thing to do is to get in touch with your doctor or health care provider. They will guide you during this process and provide you assistance with any issue.

Don’t let stress get in the way of enjoying this wonderful time that is your pregnancy! Beginning.com offers the latest sound technology to help expectant mothers relax and get peace of mind during these hectic times. All you need is a set of headphones, a smart device, and a few minutes of your time. Soon, you will immerse yourself in vivid, three-dimensional audio journeys. Each journey is specially designed to help you achieve deep relaxation and prepare you for one of the most important moments of your life.

Cope with the many pregnancy symptoms by building inner resilience. Simply listen to Beginning.com’s 9 months — a series of beautiful audio journeys especially designed to promote deep relaxation and clarity of mind.