Early Signs of Pregnancy

It’s one of the most precious moments in a woman’s life when she realizes that a new life is growing inside her womb. Pregnancy brings with it a lot of changes. This a time when her thinking about life is also likely to change, especially when she comprehends how unusual an experience is giving birth. Pregnancy also brings out the inner strength in a woman.

So what are the first signs which show that you may be pregnant. Before the pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, there are some specific signs and symptoms that give you an indication of whether you are pregnant or not. Every woman is different, so it is possible that these symptoms are different and show up at different times.

Monthly Cycle is delayed

The archetypal symptom of pregnancy is missing a period. Once you are pregnant, your body starts producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. This hormone is responsible for maintaining the pregnancy. It gives a signal to the ovaries that it is the right time to halt the release of mature eggs for the next nine months. In most of the pregnancy tests an hCG strip is used for confirmation.

Cramp and Spotting

You suddenly start feeling a pain in your stomach. After the ovulation period, you might experience cramps in your lower abdomen alongwith spotting. The reason behind it is usually the stretching of the round ligaments that support the growing womb.

Breast Tenderness

A sudden rise in the hormones inside the body can result in tenderness of breasts or tingly feeling. By checking the skin around your nipple, you can come to know whether you are pregnant or not. Do you want to know how? It becomes bumpier, and these bumps are known as Montgomery’s tubercles. These are responsible for secreting an oily fluid that prepares the nipples for breastfeeding.

The Feeling of Fatigue

A sudden exhausting feeling in the first trimester of pregnancy is experienced by most of the pregnant women. As time passes, this feeling also fades; but can return with a vengeance in the third trimester. This is so because it requires energy to build a life-support system for the baby to help in its proper growth and development. Also, the blood sugar level and blood pressure move to the lower side. It may happen as your body responds to the effect of pregnancy hormones. In such circumstances, it is essential to have protein and iron-rich foods.

Recurrent Urination

In early pregnancy, it is seen that women will get the sense of peeing again and again, as their bladder works overtime. This is because of the expansion of the womb, which results in pressing the bladder, and you have to make frequent trips to the bathroom.

Bloating and Constipation

You may feel bloated or constipated due to the superfluous release of hormones. Your tummy becomes harder, even rounder and the tummy feels more gassy. The food passes through the intestines slowly because of progesterone resulting in sluggish digestion. So, you have to deal with bloating, burping, uncomfortable sensation. Drinking lots of water, and consuming high-fiber foods can help relive this symptom.

Mood Swings

Is your temper rising more than usual without any specific reason? Feeling like crying or laughing at the same time? It is true that during pregnancy, a woman’s body tries to adjust to the flood of new hormones being producing inside. Don’t worry; mood swings are prevalent. Try to find ways to remain joyful.

Fainting or Dizziness

Yet another common symptom is dizziness. There is a simple reason behind this, and it is the dilation of blood vessels resulting in dropping of blood pressure. Also, low blood sugar levels are more common in pregnancy and can cause fainting spells. To avoid such a scenario, you must eat enough and keep yourself hydrated.

These symptoms could at times be nagging. Connect with Dr. Astha Dayal, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon to enjoy this beautiful time to its fullest and for a healthy pregnancy. Book your appointment today!