Whether planned or unexpected, pregnancy is an exciting experience for every woman and comes with many changes. Below is a list of early signs of pregnancy and symptoms to expect during your first trimester.
A missed period is the classic and most obvious symptom of pregnancy. However, this does not mean you are pregnant for certain. Some women may have irregular periods and factors like stress or changes in diet can affect your cycle. If you have missed your period, or if it is late, or if you only experience light spotting, use a home pregnancy test to check whether you are pregnant.
Sore and tender breasts are another common symptom and continue throughout your pregnancy. Some women notice unusual tenderness or enlargement as early as a week before expected period.
Nausea usually persists between 7 and 13 weeks. However, some women experience it as early as a few days of conception, and others experience it throughout their pregnancy.
Food repulsions are common during early pregnancy. While most people associate food cravings with pregnant women, being turned off by certain foods is incredibly common during your first trimester.
Frequent urination starts as early as 7 weeks as you begin to consume more water to support your fetus and the uterus grows placing pressure on your bladder.
Dizziness and headaches are common during early pregnancy due to the increase in hormones flowing through your bloodstream. They may also be caused by frequent vomiting. Make sure you are drinking enough water and keeping down some food even if it is ice cream or chips. If these symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.
Bloating, gassiness, and constipation are common since your growing uterus places pressure on your digestive tract causing food to pass through more slowly. These symptoms will be reduced during your second trimester when your uterus moves upward but will return during the third trimester when the uterus is larger and the pressure of the baby pushes against your digestive tract again.
Frequent mood change is also common during pregnancy due to the increased levels of hormones in your system. You might be excited and overjoyed to be expecting one minute and experience a nervous breakdown the next. It is important to have support system in place and recognize that this is just a normal symptom associated with pregnancy.
First signs of a baby bump is perhaps the most exciting change during your first semester. As your uterus grows past your pelvic bone you will begin to notice a small bump in your lower abdomen. This is often the change that allows most women to really recognize their pregnancy and appreciate the changes they have been experiencing.
Of course as you progress through your pregnancy you will observe many more changes. Many women keep track of their changes, food cravings and repulsion, and mood changes in a pregnancy notebook. This can help keep you motivated until your baby is here!
