Pregnancy symptoms are not the same for all. You may have multiple symptoms or just one symptom of pregnancy. However, the common and the most significant one is the missing of menstrual cycle. Therefore, understanding the early pregnancy signs and symptoms are very important. Some of these symptoms can be due to other possible causes which we have discussed below.
Possible Pregnancy Symptoms
Amenorrhea (Missing Of Mensuration) – During mensuration, the uterus sheds the uterine lining due to the absence of fertilization. Usually the mensuration cycle lasts on an average of 28 days during which the uterus prepares for fertilization. The uterine lining is thickened due to the rise in progesterone in order to receive fertilized egg. Follicle-Stimulating hormone (FSH) causes an egg to mature and Luteinizing hormones (LH) triggers its release and the missing of mensuration occurs following conception. Few other possible causes in which case you could miss your periods are, excessive traveling, fatigue & stress, hormonal problem or going off the pill.
Morning Sickness or Nausea – Most of the expectant women experience morning sickness. It is due to the increased amount of hormones circulating in your body and is usually a sign of pregnancy. Morning sickness occurs around 2-8 weeks from conception. Other possible causes of morning sickness could be food poisoning, emotional stress & infection.
Frequent Urination – One of the reasons for increase in frequency of urination is the increased volume of body fluids and the improved efficiency of the kidneys. The kidneys help get rid of the waste products more quickly. Another reason is the pressure on the urinary bladder due to the growing uterus when it’s next to the bladder. This pressure on the bladder is relieved once the uterus rise into the abdominal cavity. Other possible causes of increased frequency in urination are, urinary tract infection, diuretics and diabetes.
Tender & Swollen Breasts – Due to the increased amount of Oestrogen and Progesterone in your body, your breast will become tender & swollen. These changes are aimed at preparing you to feed your baby on it’s arrival. Swollen or tender breast can also be due to the use of birth control pills or impending menstruation.
Darkening Of Areola & Elevation Of Tiny Glands Around Nipple – Areola, the pigmented area around the nipple, will start to darken and spread during your first trimester. The darkening will fade after delivery however, it would not disappear completely. The elevation of tiny glands around the nipple which you may notice on the areola are the sweat glands. This is prominent during pregnancy and will return to normal after delivery. Other causes for this may be hormonal imbalance.
Blue Lines Under Skin On Breasts And Later On Abdomen – Becomes visible during your first trimester. The blue lines are the veins under the breast which represent the mother-to-baby delivery system of nutrients & fluids. Hormonal imbalance or effect of prior pregnancy can be the other reasons for these lines to appear.
Food Cravings – Most pregnant women crave for at least one food. These craving can be due to sudden gastronomic eccentricities which is the result of increased hormones. This can also be the reason why food aversion and craving are more common in the first trimester during first pregnancies. Other reasons for food cravings could be poor diet and stress.
Darkening Of Line From Navel To Pubis – “Linea Nigra” or the darkening of line from navel to pubis occurs during first trimester and is the result of pregnancy hormones. The line is more noticeable in dark skinned women. Hormonal imbalance can be the other reason for this to appear.
Positive Signs Of Pregnancy
Visualization Of Embryo Or Gestational Sac Through Ultrasound – The fact that your doctor is able to notice an embryo or gestational sac through ultrasound confirms your pregnancy. The first ultrasound is usually done between 4-6 weeks from conception.
Fetal Heartbeat – Another positive sign of you being pregnant is when you are are able to hear the heartbeat of your baby. The Doppler device is used to hear the baby’s heartbeat while you are in your 10th to 20th week of pregnancy.
Note that pregnancy symptoms can be different for each women. Some women may experience all the symptoms of pregnancy and some may not experience most of them. If you are planning for a baby, make sure to look out for the early pregnancy symptoms that have been discussed in this article.
