Some of the early pregnancy symptoms includes overall fatigue and exhaustion, tendering of breasts, sore or sensitive nipples, abdominal bloating and gas, increase in flatulence, backaches, abdominal cramps, vaginal discharge, nausea, frequent urination, incontinence, odors, constipation, hemorrhoids, acne, lower belly pain, swelling or puffiness and vaginal bleeding.
A common phenomenon that has been observed in a lot of women is the unawareness of being pregnant until they are a few months into it. This seems to be quite surprising, given that there are certain indicators or symptoms that would indicate that one is pregnant.
Perhaps, women brush these aside without paying much attention to them or perhaps they just do not realize that these are the indicators of pregnancy. So for those to-be mothers who are unaware of the signs and early pregnancy symptoms associated with pregnancy, we have compiled a list of 21 early pregnancy symptoms that may help provide some insight to you and help you address them appropriately when they do occur.
21 Early Pregnancy Symptoms To Look Out For
Every woman’s experience of pregnancy is different. Not every woman has the same symptoms and most of the time. The same person will have different symptoms from one pregnancy to the next. A home pregnancy test is the easiest way of finding out if you are pregnant. But, apart from this, there are certain symptoms that will clearly indicate to you that you are pregnant, quite early.
Since the early pregnancy symptoms are often quite similar to that which occurs during and after menstruation, the symptoms may not always be recognized or can be overlooked.
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Most women experience many signs and symptoms during the early stages of pregnancy and these affect different parts of the body. However, others may experience very few and sometimes, on rare occasions, even none. If you think you may be pregnant, check whether you are displaying these common symptoms. If yes, then make good lifestyle choices, begin a healthy diet and prepare yourself to bring a child into the world.
Overall Fatigue and Exhaustion
Constant fatigue and exhaustion will affect your entire body, hindering your ability to perform daily routines with ease.
Tender Breasts
Breast changes are another early pregnancy symptoms. Conception causes a woman’s hormone levels to witness a change. Thus the breasts of pregnant women are likely to become tender and sensitive or may feel tingly during this early period of pregnancy.
Abdominal Bloating
Every person irrespective of man or woman and in women, pregnant or not will produce gas. This accumulation of gas can be more in case of a pregnant woman. A constant and high level of bloating or heaviness can be observed during pregnancy. This is especially true after a meal and it can be used as an indicator of pregnancy.
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Gas an early pregnancy symptom
Another common symptom is gas/ flatulence. Pregnant women get gassy as the gastrointestinal tract is slowed down during pregnancy due to the surge of hormones.
Sore/ Sensitive Nipples
Besides your breasts, your nipples too react to your pregnancy. During this time, they will become more sensitive or perhaps even sore.
Backaches
Backaches are another common early symptom that affects women when they are pregnant. This is not just restricted to your back, but may also affect your legs. Mild headaches may also occur
Read More: Home Remedies For Back Pain During Pregnancy
Cramps during early pregnancy
You may experience a sensation of mild or dull cramps. The cramps are similar to menstrual cramps and since they occur with some spotting, women may perceive this to be the start of their period. Cramps occur due to the expansion of uterus taking place. Even the muscles and ligaments surrounding the uterus can stretch causing such cramps.
Vaginal Discharge
Apart from the bleeding, you may sometimes notice a white, milky discharge from your vagina. This is due to the thickening of the vaginal walls. The increased growth of the cells lining the vagina causes this discharge to occur.
Read More: Is White Discharge an Early sign of Pregnancy?
Heavy Breasts
It is quite common for the breasts of a woman who is in the early stages of pregnancy to feel heavy or full. This should be an instant indication of pregnancy
Nausea
The constant feeling of queasiness should set the alarm bells ringing in your head. You are bound to throw up a few times as you progress into your pregnancy. It may occur at any time of the day, but most often, in the morning.
Frequent Urination
This may go by as an issue not worth taking notice of. However, if you are experiencing all of these symptoms, the frequent urination will serve as another reminder.
Incontinence
Pregnant women may accidentally end up emptying their bladders. This involuntary leaking may occur when coughing, sneezing or even laughing. Though it is few drops, yet it can be embarrassing. This can be another early symptom for pregnancy.
Feeling faint and dizzy
It is not unusual to feel dizzy during pregnancy. Feeling faint and dizzy is mostly a sign of low blood pressure, which is common in early pregnancy due to the pregnancy hormone progesterone that relaxes the walls of your blood vessels.
Odors
Some women may develop a strong sense of smell when pregnant. However, this may also cause them to have aversions to certain smells like poultry or seafood. It is best to inform your doctor about vaginal odors to rule out any kind of infection during pregnancy.
Constipation
Constipation is the most common complaint in pregnant women. You can try to avoid it by keeping well- hydrated, eating sufficient fiber and using stool softeners that are available over the counter. But avoid using chemical-based laxatives, as they can do more harm than good. By avoiding constipation, your risk of developing hemorrhoids will also subside.
Hemorrhoids an early sign of pregnancy
Hemorrhoids in women can be a result of constant constipation. Most mothers have an uncomfortable story to share when it comes to hemorrhoids. They are very common when a woman becomes pregnant. Usually, they may occur with constipation and the straining to have bowel movement.
Read: Epsom Salt Bath for Haemorrhoids: Is it Effective?
Physical Changes in the body
There will be certain physical changes that will occur when you are pregnant. Women don’t often talk about these as there is a bit of embarrassment associated with it. Some of the changes include – hair growth on your belly, weight gain, belching, increased vaginal discharge and others
Acne
Pimples and other outbreaks are common symptoms that usually occur during the first trimester. This is due to the extra hormones that are coursing through your body as a result of your pregnancy. Acne washes can be used to get rid of this, but certain acne medication is prohibited when pregnant so it is always best to ask your doctor before using an acne product.
The above mentioned symptoms are usually quite mild and do not have adverse effects on one’s health. However, there are some symptoms that may occur that indicate problems during the pregnancy process and therefore should not be just left aside but should be checked.
Read More: 11 Natural Remedies to Treat Pregnancy Acne
Lower belly pain
Severe pain on either side or both sides of your lower belly would be something to get checked. This could be a stretched ligament which is quite common when you are pregnant. It could also indicate an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage or premature labor and hence, it should not be ignored.
Swelling/ Puffiness
This may occur in your hands, face or even eyes. Most of the time, it is nothing to worry about. But sometimes, it may occur quite suddenly, along with a headache or vision impairment, in such cases, it could be pre-eclampsia.
Read More: Home Remedies for Swollen Feet/Hands during Pregnancy
Vaginal Bleeding
Light bleeding is one of the many early pregnancy symptoms. This usually resolves itself and causes no harm to your baby, but it is best to check with your doctor.
So these are some of the symptoms that would indicate that you are pregnant. A pregnant woman could have all or just some of these symptoms, but they are clear indicators of pregnancy. So start tracking your cycle and pay close attention to these symptoms. If you seem to be displaying any of these symptoms, either visit your doctor for an official confirmation or get yourself a pregnancy test so that you are no longer left guessing.
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