Early Pregnancy Symptoms: What To Expect?

 

If you're trying to conceive or have recently found out that you are pregnant, it can be overwhelming to know what to expect. While not every woman will experience all the same symptoms, there are some early common signs of pregnancy that can help you know what's ahead. In this article, we'll discuss the various early pregnancy symptoms that you should look out for and how to tell if they're caused by something else.

 

How To Calculate The Due Date?

If you think you might be pregnant, the first thing you'll want to do is calculate your due date. To do this, you'll need to know the first day of your last menstrual period and the average length of your menstrual cycle.

Once you have this information, there are a couple of different ways to calculate your due date. The most common way is to count 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. This will give you an Estimated Due Date (EDD) of approximately 265 days from conception.

Another way to calculate your due date is by using ultrasound measurements. Ultrasound can be used to measure the size of the fetus and estimate how far along the pregnancy is. This method is generally more accurate than using the date of the last menstrual period.

Once you have an estimated due date, it's important to remember that this is just an estimate. Only about 5% of babies are born on their due date. Most are born within a week before or after their EDD. So even if your calculation says your baby should be born on a certain day, don't be surprised if he or she arrives a few days earlier or later!

 

What are the Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is a missed period. Other early pregnancy symptoms include:

• Tender, swollen breasts


• Nausea with or without vomiting


• Fatigue


• Frequent urination


• Food aversions or cravings


• Mood swings

If you think you might be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test or make an appointment with your doctor.

 

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common early pregnancy symptoms. They usually start around the sixth week of pregnancy and can continue into the first trimester. Some women have only a few episodes of nausea and vomiting, while others have them all day long.

There are many different ways to treat nausea and vomiting. Some women find that eating small, frequent meals helps. Others find relief with over-the-counter medications such as ginger or vitamin B6. If you are experiencing severe nausea and vomiting, you should contact a gynecologist or book an appointment with your nearest gynecologist.

 

Feeling Bloated

If you're feeling bloated, it's likely due to the increase in progesterone, which slows down your digestive system. This can lead to gas, indigestion, and constipation. To help with this, make sure you're drinking plenty of water and eating high-fiber foods. You can also try taking a probiotic supplement. If you're still feeling uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter options like Gas-X or Beano.

 

Pelvic Discomfort

If you're experiencing pelvic discomfort in early pregnancy, you're not alone. Many women experience this symptom, which can feel like cramping, pain, or pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen.

Pelvic discomfort is most often caused by the growing uterus putting pressure on the pelvis and surrounding structures. This can happen as early as six weeks into pregnancy. Pelvic discomfort can also be caused by constipation or gas.

If you're experiencing pelvic pain or pressure, try to take it easy. Rest when you can and put your feet up when possible. Try not to stand for long periods of time. When sitting or lying down, place a pillow under your knees to relieve some of the pressure. If you're having trouble sleeping due to the pain, try placing a pillow between your legs when you lie down.

If the pain is severe or persistent, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe medication to help relieve the discomfort.

 

Constipation

If you're experiencing constipation during early pregnancy, there are a few things you can do to ease the symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and eat high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can also try over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners if your constipation is severe. If you're still having trouble after trying these home remedies, talk to your doctor.

 

Food Aversions and Cravings

Around 50% of pregnant women experience food aversions, and cravings are also common. While these symptoms can be unpleasant, they are usually only temporary.

A food aversion is when you feel nauseous or disgusted at the thought of eating certain foods. This can make it difficult to eat a balanced diet, but it is important to try to eat as healthily as possible during pregnancy. If you have a severe aversion to a particular food, it is best to avoid it altogether.

Cravings are often for unhealthy foods, such as sweets or fats. However, it is important to try to satisfy your cravings in a healthy way. For example, if you crave chocolate, you could try eating a small amount of dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Or if you crave fried foods, you could try cooking them in a healthier way, such as baking or grilling.

 

Peeing More Than Usual

If you're pregnant, you may find yourself needing to pee more often than usual. This is because your body is producing more urine and your kidneys are working harder to filter it all out. You may also have to go more often because your pregnant belly is pressing on your bladder.

Peeing more often than usual is usually nothing to worry about, but if you're also experiencing pain or burning when you urinate, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. If this is the case, be sure to see your doctor right away.

 

Headaches and Dizziness

If you're experiencing headaches and dizziness in early pregnancy, it's important to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Drink lots of fluids, especially water, and try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. If your headaches are severe or accompanied by nausea or vomiting, contact your healthcare provider.