How Early Pregnancy Symptoms Start?
I’ll explain about the early symptoms of pregnancy.
Most of you who are reading this are probably either before or after confirming pregnancy. As you know, pregnancy involves the fertilization of an egg by sperm, leading to implantation in the uterus. It takes about 7 to 10 days for the egg and sperm to fertilize and implant.
It’s difficult to feel any specific symptoms until after conception and cell division occur. However, about a week after conception, hormone levels related to pregnancy increase in the mother’s body, and from this point on, various pregnancy-related symptoms (which vary from person to person due to hormonal changes) begin to appear.
The most significant first change is undoubtedly the cessation of menstruation.
For those with regular periods, any changes in the menstrual cycle may prompt the use of a pregnancy test.
However, for those with longer or irregular periods, it may be difficult to notice early changes and know when to use a pregnancy test. Here are some symptoms to consider when suspecting pregnancy:
1. Morning Sickness
2. Increased Basal Body Temperature
3. Implantation Bleeding
4. Lower Abdominal Pain
5. Frequent Urination
6. Constipation
7. Breast Changes
8. Increased Vaginal Discharge
9. Heartburn
10. Dizziness
11. Headaches
12. Increased Sleep Time
13. Mood Swings
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Morning Sickness
Starting with morning sickness, which can begin as early as 4 weeks into pregnancy, typically subsiding around 12 to 16 weeks later, though this timeline varies for each individual. Morning sickness symptoms include increased sensitivity to smells and feeling queasy.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Increased Basal Body Temperature
Secondly, increased basal body temperature. When pregnant, the increase in progesterone hormone maintains an elevated temperature until early pregnancy. Here, the term “increase in body temperature” does not refer to fever but to a slight increase in temperature, akin to feeling a bit warmer. Some may mistake it for cold symptoms. If the temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celsius or is accompanied by chills, muscle aches, runny nose, etc., it’s advisable to consult a specialist.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Implantation Bleeding
Thirdly, implantation bleeding, experienced by 10-30% of pregnant women, is a small amount of pinkish or brownish bleeding that occurs when the fertilized egg embeds itself in the uterine lining. Implantation bleeding is shorter in duration and in lesser volume compared to menstruation and can usually be managed with panty liners.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Lower Abdominal Pain
Fourthly, lower abdominal pain, a natural occurrence during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus. Sudden changes in the uterine environment can cause abdominal discomfort, cramping, or a dull, throbbing sensation, similar to menstrual cramps. However, if there is heavy bleeding or severe pain, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Frequent urination
Fifth, frequent urination. As the uterus grows, it presses and stimulates the bladder, and due to increased secretion of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, circulation of pelvic organs including the bladder increases, leading to a feeling of frequent urination, or the feeling of wanting to go to the bathroom often.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Constipation
Sixth, constipation. Hormonal changes and decreased organ function slow down bowel movements, making constipation more likely to occur.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Changes in the breasts
Seventh, changes in the breasts. When pregnant, hormonal changes can cause breasts to enlarge or become firmer, and some people may experience an increase in the size of nipples or areolas. The degree of change in breast size or pain varies from person to person.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Increase in vaginal discharge
Eighth, an increase in vaginal discharge. Due to the increased secretion of female hormones during pregnancy, vaginal discharge naturally increases. It can range from white to transparent milky white, and if there is no odor or itching or pain accompanying the discharge, there is usually no problem. However, if there is an odor, itching, or pain, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Heartburn
Ninth, heartburn. In early pregnancy, increased progesterone hormone can weaken the valve that connects the stomach and esophagus, causing acid reflux into the esophagus, resulting in chest pain. This symptom usually continues until mid to late pregnancy and is the most common. In addition to this heartburn symptom, digestive disorders such as indigestion are also common symptoms during pregnancy.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Dizziness
Tenth, dizziness. During pregnancy, as the fetus grows, more blood is supplied to the uterus, and this can lead to dizziness due to decreased blood supply to the brain. Additionally, low blood pressure due to increased appetite or long intervals between meals can cause rapid heartbeat and temporary dizziness. Therefore, it is best to avoid standing for a long time, and when getting up or sitting down, or lying down, it is advisable to move slowly. If you feel dizzy, it’s best to lower your posture and sit down, holding onto something nearby until you feel better, instead of trying to get up immediately, as you may faint.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Headaches
Headaches are also one of the symptoms that occur in early pregnancy, similar to dizziness. Although the exact cause is not known, it can occur due to various reasons such as hormonal changes, stress, and lack of sleep. However, headaches caused by pregnancy mostly disappear or decrease as you enter the middle of pregnancy.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Increased sleep time
When pregnant, you may feel tired all the time due to the increase in progesterone hormone. However, if you take too many naps during the day, it may become difficult to sleep at night, so it’s best to keep naps to within an hour. Some people say, “It doesn’t matter if you sleep well day or night during pregnancy,” but adequate sleep is very important, so that both the baby and the mother can reduce stress and stay healthy.
How early in pregnancy do symptoms start: Emotional Changes
Emotional changes can become more pronounced than usual, with mood swings such as suddenly feeling down after a minor joke, then feeling better again, and experiencing periods of sadness. These mood changes are considered to be some of the symptoms of early pregnancy. Additionally, let’s address a concern that many people have during early pregnancy.
Is it okay to drink alcohol or smoke in the very early stages of pregnancy? 🤔 | Can drinking or smoking lead to miscarriage?
- Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects.
When alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, it constricts the placental blood vessels, reducing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen that should be supplied to the fetus. Alcohol also passes from the mother’s blood to the fetus, causing damage to the baby’s brain and interfering with the normal growth of other tissues, organs, and organs.
- Smoking can lead to low birth weight for the baby
While smoking does not directly cause birth defects, it can result in oxygen deficiency for the mother, theoretically leading to reduced oxygen and nutrients supplied to the baby, resulting in the baby growing less or premature placental abruption being detected.
* Placental Abruption: This occurs when the placenta partially or completely detaches from the implantation site before the fetus is delivered. Symptoms may include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, back pain, and uterine contractions. If the fetus dies, fetal movement may not be felt.
If you have smoked during pregnancy, it’s important to inform your doctor. Typically, prenatal examinations are confirmed with ultrasound, but there is also a method of testing through blood flow. It’s called a Doppler test, and it’s important to have this test done. Usually, the Doppler test is performed during a detailed ultrasound examination at 5 months of pregnancy, and then only if the mother is not at high risk.
It’s advisable for those who continue to smoke to have this test done together because miscarriages can occur due to drinking or smoking.
Conclusion
If you ask about how early in pregnancy do symptoms start, we’ve looked at various early pregnancy symptoms so far, but since these pregnancy symptoms vary from person to person, just as symptoms can differ between first and second pregnancies.
So, remember that the early stages of pregnancy are the most dangerous and require caution. Maintain good health and always think positively.
The important thing is to take folic acid supplements during the preparation period for pregnancy. However, if you haven’t, once you confirm pregnancy, start taking folic acid supplements immediately. Since the early and late months of pregnancy are said to be the most difficult, I hope you spend each day in good health, enjoying happy times with your baby throughout the remaining pregnancy period.
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