First Very Early Signs & Symptoms Of Pregnancy

Some women have all of the following early signs of pregnancy and some have none. If you have had regular periods, you will probably notice that you’ve missed a period. However, some women do bleed for the first two or three months of their pregnancy, but bleeding is usually short and there is scant blood. Also, about seven days or so after conception, the tiny group of cells that becomes the embryo (known as the blastocyst), attaches itself to the uterine wall, and you may have slight vaginal spotting, called implantation bleeding, while new blood vessels are being formed. If you feel you may be in this situation be sure to get a Pregnancy Test, or do one for yourself at home.

photography by Sandra Vander Schaaf

You may have to urinate more often because of increased hormonal changes, also your enlarging uterus presses against your bladder.

Your breasts will probably swell and be tender. They may tingle, throb or hurt. Your nipples and the area around them (areola) may feel more sensation and may become darker and broader. Your milk glands begin to develop. Because of an increased blood supply to your breasts, veins will become more prominent.

You may feel nauseated mildly or strong enough to vomit. This is known as morning sickness but can happen at any time of the day and for any length throughout the day. A very good trick to help with this symptom is to eat small meals more frequently throughout the day rather than three large meals. Eat foods high in protein. Munching crackers or dry toast slowly before you get up in the morning can help a lot. Try to avoid greasy, spiced food.

Fatigue is something that occurs during early pregnancy, many women become frustrated with this and feel an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. This is not permanent! Your body is getting used to all of the changes that are occurring and by the time second trimester commences your energy should be back at pre-pregnancy state, minus the extra weight you are carrying around.

You may have increased vaginal secretions ( discharge, leukorrhea) either clear, nonirritating or white, yellow, foamy or itchy. The chemical makeup as well as the amount of your vaginal fluids is changing. Your body is building up your mucus plug to block the opening of the cervix in order to protect your baby from infections and foreign bodies. This is very normal, consult a health practitioner if this condition becomes significantly worse, begins to itch, smell bad or burn as these symptoms may indicate an infection.

Because of heightened amounts of progesterone in a pregnant woman’s system she may experience irregular bowel movements. The progesterone relaxes smooth muscles causing the bowels to function less efficiently as they once did. Decreased activity may also cause constipation. It is important for the diet to consist of foods high in fiber. Eat salads and fresh fruits frequently and drink as much water as you can.

It is important to remember that everyone is different and experiences symptoms in many diverse ways. If you suspect you are pregnant and do not know definitely, it is important for you to find out for sure. If you are pregnant please don’t forget that these symptoms (if you are experiencing them) should go away early in the second trimester and are happening for a very good cause

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Amenorrhea

Absence of your monthly period. Other possible causes: weight gain or loss, hormonal problems, tension, stress, breast-feeding, discontinuing birth control pills or birth control injections.

Morning sickness

Nausea and queasiness, usually experienced in the morning, but sometimes during the entire day. Thought to be caused by a high level of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood, rapid stretching of the uterine muscles, excess acid in the stomach, and an enhanced sense of smell. Morning sickness usually starts two to eight weeks after conception. Other possible causes: food poisoning, tension, infection, gall bladder disease, other diseases.

Tender, swollen breasts

Caused by an increased amount of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This is rarely accompanied by nipple discharge (galactorrhea). Breast tenderness usually begins a few days after conception. Other possible causes: birth control pills, beginning of period, fibrocystic breast condition.

Darkening of the areolas, the skin around the nipples

The bumps on areolas (called Montgomery's tubercles) may look more prominent. These changes happen gradually during the first few weeks of pregnancy, as your breasts prepare to produce milk. Other possible causes: hormonal imbalance, prior pregnancy, tanning, the physical changes of puberty.

Food cravings

Caused by hormonal changes in the body. Food cravings are usually experienced during the first trimester. Other possible causes: poor diet, stress, beginning of period (PMS).

Frequent urination

Caused by an increased volume of body fluids and pressure from the growing uterus. This usually starts six to eight weeks after conception. Other possible causes: urinary tract infection, diuretics, tension, diabetes, drinking excess fluid.

Fatigue

Caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone and the body's increased use of energy as the fetus develops. This usually appears during the first trimester. Other possible causes: tension, stress, depression, poor diet, flu, lack of exercise, poor sleep or lack of sleep.

Bleeding

Spotting of blood that's pink or brown in color, sometimes accompanied by stomach cramps. Caused by the egg implanting itself in the endometrial lining. Usually occurs about a week after ovulation. Other possible causes: beginning of period, breakthrough bleeding from the pill.

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