Quick Overview
This blog includes all the information about common pregnancy symptoms, such as missed period, nausea, frequent urination, etc. It also explains how pregnancy symptoms are different from PMS, when to take pregnancy tests and when to seek medical help.
Introduction
Pregnancy brings several changes to the body. Some may notice symptoms of pregnancy in the initial weeks, while others might not notice for a good time.
The most common symptom of pregnancy is missed periods, but it’s not the only one symptom. Other symptoms such as breast tenderness, tiredness, frequent urination, change in appetite are the other symptoms that can be observed during early pregnancy.
Early Symptoms Of Pregnancy
The early symptoms of pregnancy are as follows:
- Missed period: A missed period is the first sign of pregnancy. After conception, hormonal changes prevent the menstrual cycle from occurring.
But missing periods does not always mean pregnancy. Periods can be missed due to stress, over exercising, change in weight or some medications can affect the menstrual cycle.
- Breast tenderness: During early pregnancy, the breast feels sore, swollen or sensitive. Nipple areas become sensitive and darker in this phase.
- Tiredness: Tiredness is another symptom of pregnancy. Rising levels of hormones, generally progesterone, contribute to the feeling of sleepiness.
- Frequent urination: You urinate more during pregnancy. Hormonal changes and increased blood flow contribute to this symptom.
- Food cravings & aversions: Sudden hormone changes can affect the appetite and food preferences. You may suddenly want to eat several types of food or start disliking some foods that you liked earlier.
- Increased sensitivity to smells: Some become more sensitive towards smells. Everyday smells like cooking food, perfume suddenly starts feeling stronger or unpleasant.
- Mood swings: Pregnancy hormones can contribute to emotional changes. At one time you may feel happy, sad the next moment and sometimes overwhelmed. These changes occur mostly before periods, so it could be a sign of pregnancy, but does not confirm it.
Apart from these, there are more symptoms that indicate pregnancy, but confirming it with a doctor should be the best option.
Week-By-Week Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnancy symptoms vary from person to person. Some notice changes very early, while others might take several weeks.
Week 1-2
Pregnancy is generally dated from the first day of the last menstrual period. During the first two weeks, ovulation and conception may not have occurred. So, symptoms usually don’t occur at this stage.
Week 3-4
Pregnancy hormones begin to rise after conception and implantation. Some may notice breast tenderness, mild cramping, and tiredness during this time. A missed period could be the first noticeable sign at this time.
Week 5-6
Nausea, breast tenderness and frequent urination may become more noticeable in this phase. Also, if you have no such symptoms, it does not mean that something is wrong.
Week 7-8
At this stage, symptoms like nausea, mood swings, frequent urination and more could become stronger. These may vary from woman to woman.
Pregnancy Symptoms Vs PMS
Sometimes pregnancy symptoms may look similar to premenstrual syndrome(PMS).
| Pregnancy | PMS |
| Missed period | Period usually begins |
| Tiredness | Tiredness |
| Mild cramping | Menstrual cramps |
| Food aversions or cravings | Food cravings |
| Nausea | Nausea is less common |
Are Pregnancy Symptoms The Same For Everyone?
No, it’s not the same. It may be different from every individual. Some may experience breast tenderness, tiredness, nausea, etc, while others may only experience missed periods.
Even some women don’t experience symptoms for a few weeks. In some cases, it takes some time for them to have pregnancy symptoms, and still they could be pregnant.
When To Take A Pregnancy Test?
If you know that there are chances of pregnancy and your periods are late, a home pregnancy test can confirm it. Following the instructions is very necessary.
Testing it too early, may not give the positive result as in the initial phase pregnancy level hormones may not be high to be detected.
Repeat the test after sometime if your periods remain absent for a longer time.
When To Consult A Doctor?
You should consult a doctor if you have a positive pregnancy test and want to begin prenatal care. Pregnancy must be confirmed by a doctor if you feel that you are pregnant.
Also, consult doctors if you are facing following problems:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Severe dizziness
- Fever
- Severe vomiting
Such problems must be discussed with the doctor, they can guide you with proper medications, if required.
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Myth Vs Fact
Myth: A missed period always means pregnancy.
Fact: Women sometimes miss periods due to stress, hormonal changes, change in weight, etc.
Myth: Pregnancy symptoms confirm pregnancy.
Fact: Symptoms can suggest pregnancy chances, but a pregnancy test is needed for confirmation.
Myth: You must have pregnancy symptoms to be pregnant.
Fact: Many women don’t experience pregnancy symptoms in early stages.
Myth: Frequent urination only happens if someone is pregnant.
Fact: Hormonal changes can cause frequent urination even during early pregnancy.
Conclusion
Pregnancy symptoms appear differently in every woman. Some may feel nausea, tiredness, breast tenderness, missed periods, etc are the early signs of pregnancy, while some may not experience these symptoms for a few weeks.
If you think that you are pregnant, take a pregnancy test to confirm it. Once pregnancy is confirmed, consult a doctor where you can discuss early prenatal care, which can help in monitoring the baby’s health and development.
Also remember, having multiple symptoms or few symptoms does not determine that the pregnancy is healthy or not.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
- What are the first signs of pregnancy?
Missed pregnancy is the first sign that indicates pregnancy. Along with that nausea, breast tenderness, tiredness, mood swings, etc support the cause.
But always do confirm it with the doctor.
- Is missed period always a sign of pregnancy?
No, sometimes stress, hormonal changes and other factors also may lead to miss periods.
- Can I be pregnant without having symptoms?
Yes, some women may not have symptoms in early stages.
- When to consult a doctor about pregnancy symptoms?
Consult a doctor if you are experiencing excessive bleeding, dizziness, severe vomiting, etc.
