Am I Pregnant? Early Pregnancy Symptoms
If you’re trying to conceive, you may be eagerly awaiting the day when you can take a home pregnancy test and find out for sure. But even if you’re not actively trying to get pregnant, it’s important to be aware of the early pregnancy symptoms that can occur in the first weeks after conception.
Is it true that all women experience early pregnancy symptoms?
Every woman is unique. Every pregnancy is distinctive, with its own set of challenges and triumphs. Some women may not experience the same symptoms or even symptoms from one pregnancy to the next.
You may not realize you’re pregnant for a variety of reasons, including because the early symptoms of pregnancy frequently mimic those experienced just before and during menses.
The following is a list of some of the most typical early pregnancy symptoms. You should be aware that these symptoms might be caused by other factors as well. As a result, the fact that you experience any of these signs does not necessarily indicate that you are pregnant. The only way to know for certain if you’re pregnant is with a pregnancy test.
Cramping and Spotting
The fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus’s wall from the moment it is conceived. Spotting and, in some cases, cramping are among the earliest symptoms of pregnancy.
“Implantation bleeding” is what it’s called. It starts six to 12 days after the egg is fertilized and lasts anywhere from six to 12 days.
The cramps are similar to menstrual cramps, so some women mistake them for the start of their period. The bleeding and discomfort, on the other hand, are minor.
A white, milky discharge may be seen coming from a woman’s vagina following bleeding. This is due to the thickening of the vagina’s walls, which begins soon after conception. The discharge is caused by an increase in cell proliferation in the vaginas.
A normal, noninfectious discharge that may last throughout pregnancy is usually harmless and does not require treatment. But if there is a foul odour or a burning and itching sensation with the discharge, inform your doctor so they can examine for a yeast or bacterial infection.
Changes on Breast
Another very early pregnancy symptom is breast growth. A woman’s hormone levels change drastically after conception. Their breasts might be swollen, painful, or tingly a week or two later as a result of the changes. Nipples that are larger, heavier, or more tender to the touch might be a sign of breast cancer. The areola region around the nipples may also become darker.
Changes in breast tissue can also be caused by a variety of factors. However, if the alterations are early pregnancy symptoms, keep in mind that hormone levels will take some time to adjust. Breast discomfort should ease up as a result of this.
Fatigue
It’s quite common to feel weary during pregnancy.
As soon as one week after conception, a woman may begin feeling unusually exhausted.
Why? It’s typically caused by a high level of progesterone, although other factors – such as lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, and an increase in blood production – may also play a role.
Nausea or Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a well-known sign of pregnancy. However, not every pregnant woman suffers from morning sickness.
Although the precise cause of morning sickness is unknown, pregnancy hormones are likely to blame. Morning sickness during pregnancy can happen at any time of day, but it is most common in the early hours.
Missed Period
The most evident early indication of pregnancy, as well as the one that most women get a pregnancy test for, is a missed menstrual cycle. However, not all missed or delayed cycles are caused by pregnancy. There are period delay treatments available that can delay your period rather than stop it altogether.