Symptoms-of-Pregnancy

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body goes through many changes and developments. This is particularly true during the first trimester.

Before even confirming the pregnancy status, they will experience many changes and symptoms that are, for some, very well-known.

Naturally, these first-trimester symptoms differ depending on the woman and can be rather difficult to handle. This article discusses nine indicators of pregnancy that usually happen during the first trimester.

 headache

Headaches

For some women, the headaches start early in the pregnancy. These are brought about by the increase in the levels of the hormone progesterone.

If the woman is anemic or is not drinking enough water, she can experience headaches. However, as the pregnancy advances, the headaches are experienced less often.

Have a blood test done to check if you are anemic. Also, drink plenty of water, at least eight tall glasses per day.

If the headaches are still there, you can consult your OB about taking Tylenol. Tylenol is safe to use during pregnancy.

Dizzy spells

The increase in the level of progesterone can result in blood vessels dilating and blood pressure decreasing.

Furthermore, blood that has been diverted to the uterus will take a longer time than usual to return to the brain when the woman stands up.

These can then bring about lightheadedness, so dizziness is quite common during the first trimester of pregnancy. Another possible reason to experience dizzy spells during pregnancy is the low blood sugar levels.

To prevent blood sugar levels from decreasing, you should eat even a small meal every 3-4 hours. In addition, you should keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water.

This will also stabilize your blood pressure. To prevent dizzy spells, your movements should be slow. Do not sit up on the couch or off the bed abruptly.

Keep yourself cool to prevent overheating and if you are starting to feel dizzy, sit down and keep your head between your knees.

Back pains, cramps, and bloating

During the first trimester of pregnancy, many women experience back pains, cramps, and bloating. They usually mistake these for PMS symptoms.

In reality, these are symptoms that are brought about by the uterus growing and the levels of hormones changing.

Changes in mood

Because your hormones are all over the place when you are pregnant, you can go from being angry one moment to being on the verge of tears the next moment.

Even the smallest things can easily trigger an emotional reaction from you. For example, you can find yourself crying just because your favorite flavor of ice cream is out of stock.

On the whole, changes in mood during the first trimester are normal and wouldn’t have the need for medical help. Just make sure that the people around you are aware of these mood changes and are supportive.

 Morning-Sickness-and-Nausea

Nausea and sensitivities to food and drinks

Nausea and sensitivities to food and drinks can begin as early as 2 weeks after the woman conceives. The increase in progesterone level can result in digestion becoming slower, sometimes causing indigestion or constipation.

And because your stomach isn’t being emptied as fast as before, your body thinks there’s too much going on inside your stomach.

Thus, it will produce to urge to purge either through your mouth or into your gut. This is why pregnant women often feel nauseous.

Another factor contributing to nausea of the hormone called HCG, which means “human chorionic gonadotropin.” The higher level of HCG present (for example, if you are pregnant with twins), the more nauseous you will feel.

Another reason why pregnant women develop food sensitivities and experience nausea is that the body has a natural protective instinct.

If certain foods contain nitrates or free radicals that could pose some harm to the fetus, your body might naturally develop an aversion for them.

You may ask your OB about supplements that could help relieve nausea such as vitamin B6. You may also try wearing an acupressure wristband.

If you experience frequent vomiting to the point of possible dehydration, ask your doctor to have fluids reintroduced intravenously.

Bladder changes

When a woman becomes pregnant, the enlarging uterus presses on the bladder, resulting in frequent urination.

You might feel like decreasing your water intake to lessen the number of trips to the bathroom, but don’t do so. Now more than ever, you will have to drink plenty of fluids.

Not doing so could actually result in urinary tract infections.

backup-form-of-contraceptive-to-prevent-pregnancy

Fatigue

Your body will start working 24/7 during the first few weeks of pregnancy in order to support the developing fetus.

As a result, your body will be overworked, and you will feel extremely tired all the time. To combat this, make sure to eat a nutritious diet, drink lots of water, and take prenatal supplements.

In addition, as much as possible, try to get plenty of rest.

Spotting and Implantation Bleeding

You may experience spotting roughly 6-12 days after you conceive. Spotting refers to light bleeding of the vagina.

Spotting itself is harmless.

However, consult your doctor and still get tested because bleeding can also be a sign of these three conditions:

  • Infections
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Miscarriage

These three have to be ruled out first.

Tenderness of the breasts

You might feel that your breasts are becoming unusually tender as early as 1-2 weeks after you conceive. The sudden surge in the levels of progesterone and estrogen will cause the breast glands to grow.

In addition, your breasts would retain more fluids and feel a lot heavier. This can result in them feeling extra sensitive and sorer than the tenderness normally experienced during PMS.

To help you cope with this, buy a bra that is comfortable yet provides ample support.

To learn more about early indicators of pregnancy, check out these articles.

Very early indicators of pregnancy

The symptoms experienced during the first month of pregnancy

Everything you need to know about the morning-after pill

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