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The onset and degree of
pregnancy symptoms will vary within women.
Many women experience
them within days of conception, others take a few weeks before
pregnancy symptoms kick in and a lucky few feel no discomfort at
all. The early pregnancy symptoms listed on this page
generally can be felt once implantation occurs (4 - 10 days from
ovulation) and will lessen after the first trimester.
It is frustrating to
realize that many pregnancy symptoms are very similar to those that
occur right before menstruating. However, combined with high
temperatures and a longer luteal phase - they are key indications that
you have achieved pregnancy success!
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Nausea &
Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may come as early as a week into the
pregnancy. Many women experience illness in the morning (morning
sickness), some in the afternoon or evening, others feel feel nausea
throughout the entire day. There is no explanation as to why
pregnant women feel this or even a solution as to how to prevent it -
however, eating small frequent meals, and snacking on saltine crackers
seems to give some kind of relief. Eating a protein/carbohydrate
at bedtime (try an apple and a glass of milk) tends to lessen the
nausea that occurs in the morning.
Breast Tenderness
Breasts may be very tender, swollen and start to enlarge. Many
times the veins within the breast will become more visible. Your
nipples may start to darken in color, become more erect and be
extremely sensitive. These symptoms are due to increasing amount
of hCG hormone that begins at implantation.
Frequent Urination
Pregnancy causes the uterus to swell and it will start to enlarge for
the growing fetus immediately. The uterus puts pressure on
your bladder making you feel the need for more frequent
urination. Many women start to feel this symptom within a week
or two after pregnancy has occurred.
Feeling Tired /
Sluggish
This one is pretty obvious. When pregnant your body is
going through some major hormonal changes. hCG levels alone go
from 0 - 250,000 mIU/ml in just twelve weeks. Your
temperature is also higher due to the amount progesterone circulating
through your body which will also make you feel a little sluggish.
Light Bleeding
Light bleeding (spotting) may occur approximately 4 - 10 days from
ovulation. It can even occur around the same time you would have
gotten your menstrual period. Some women assume they have
started their period when in fact they are pregnant. The
spotting is caused from implantation which is when the fertilized egg
burrows into the endometrial lining.
Dizziness and/or
Fainting
When standing in one place you may feel dizzy or even faint. The
growing uterus compresses major arteries in your legs which causes
your blood pressure to drop making you extremely light headed.
Skipping meals or going too long without eating may cause you to
feel dizzy or faint. When not eating frequently enough it
causes low blood sugar. Blood sugar is the primary source of
food for your baby so it will be depleted much more quickly.
Constipation
Pregnancy hormones will slow down bowel functions to give maximum
absorption time of vitamins and nutrients. Unfortunately, this
symptom usually only gets worse as the pregnancy
progresses.
Irritability
Raging hormones are the cause of this...along with having to put up
with all the other symptoms. This symptom should decrease
soon into the second trimester but until then, a healthy diet,
moderate exercise and plenty of sleep should help the crabbiness
somewhat.
Heartburn
The uterus is very swollen and starts to push upward as it
grows. The increasing levels of hCG will also slow down
digestion making your stomach not empty as fast which increases the
stomach acid.
Uncomfortable -
But Well Worth It!
After your precious baby arrives, you will soon forget the bouts of
nausea and the discomfort you are now experiencing.
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