Recognise the signs
Every woman is different and so are her experiences during pregnancy.
Not every woman has the same symptoms or even the same symptoms from one pregnancy to the next.
Also, because the early symptoms of pregnancy are often similar to what happens right before and during menstruation, those symptoms aren’t always recognised.
A few days after conception, the fertilized egg attaches itself to wall of the uterus.
This can cause one of the earliest signs of pregnancy which is spotting and, sometimes, cramping.
That’s called implantation bleeding.It occurs anywhere from six to 12 days after the egg is fertilized.
The cramps resemble menstrual cramps, so some women mistake them, and the bleeding, for the start of their period.
The bleeding and cramps, however, are slight.
Feeling very tired is normal in pregnancy, starting early on.
A woman can start feeling unusually fatigued as soon as one week after conceiving.
It’s often related to a high level of a hormone called progesterone, although other things, such as lower levels of blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and a boost in blood production, can all contribute.
If fatigue is related to pregnancy, it’s important to get plenty of rest.
Eating foods that are rich in protein and iron can help.
Morning sickness is a famous symptom of pregnancy, but not every pregnant woman experiences it.
The exact cause of morning sickness is not known but pregnancy hormones likely contribute to this symptom. Nausea during pregnancy may occur at any time of the day, but most commonly in the morning.
Also, some women crave, or can’t stand, certain foods when they become pregnant.
That is related to hormonal changes.
The effect can be so strong that even the thought of what used to be a favourite food can turn a pregnant woman’s stomach.
It’s possible that the nausea, cravings, and food aversions can last for the entire pregnancy.
Fortunately, the symptoms lessen for many women at about the 13th or 14th week of their pregnancy.
In the meantime, be sure to follow a healthy diet so that you and your developing baby get essential nutrients. You can talk to your doctor for advice on that.
The most obvious early symptom of pregnancy, and the one that prompts most women to get a pregnancy test, is a missed period.
But not all missed or delayed periods are caused by pregnancy.
Also, women can experience some bleeding during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, ask your doctor what you should be aware of with bleeding.
For example, when is bleeding normal and when is it a sign of an emergency?
