Want to make sure that you are pregnant? A missed period may not be a conclusive sign of a true pregnancy. You need to look out for other important
Pregnancy Symptoms as well to confirm pregnancy.
The following are some common presumptive
Pregnancy Symptoms of early months of pregnancy. A pregnant woman may experience one or all the following symptoms due to certain changes in hormonal balances in her body during the initial stage of pregnancy.
- Amenorrhea or implantation bleeding during the reproductive period is likely due to pregnancy unless proved otherwise. This is clinically termed as placental sign. This type of bleeding is usually scanty, lasting for a shorter duration than her usual period and roughly corresponds with the date of the expected period.
- Morning sickness usually appears soon following a missed period and rarely lasts beyond the 3 rd month of Pregnancy. Its intensity varies from nausea on rising from bed to loss of appetite or even vomiting. This symptom is inconsistently present in about 50 percent cases of pregnancy and is observed more often in the first pregnancy than in the subsequent ones. You may continue feeling queasy in the second trimester too but at diminishing rate.
- Breast discomfort in the form of feeling of fullness and ‘pricking sensation’ is also evident between 6-8 weeks. The mammary glands cause the breasts to swell and become tender as the estrogen and progesterone levels shoot up. There is enlargement with vascular engorgement evidenced by the delicate veins visible under the skin. Your body is now getting prepared for the breastfeeding when your baby arrives. Thick yellowish secretion (colostrums) is noticed during the 12 th week. In some cases, the nipples and areolas become more pigmented and the Montgomery’s tubercles (enlarged sweat glands) are prominent.
- Fatigue is another frequent symptom. You would feel exhausted and lethargic while coping with the physical and emotional changes during the early months of Pregnancy. However, this feeling subsides gradually in the second trimester and is replaced with increased energy and enthusiasm. The similar condition usually reappears in the last term when you are nearing the delivery.
- You may also develop gastrointestinal disorders like heartburns, indigestion and constipation.
- Dizziness and occasional fainting, increased appetite and cravings are common too. Frequent urination and abdominal bloating are also observed.
- With the increased flow of blood to the growing uterus, you also experience increased pulse rates during this stage.
- In case of maternal obesity, incidence of varicose veins is much common during the early pregnancy period.
Some new symptoms appear at the onset of the second trimester
- Quickening or active fetal movements can be felt at intervals by placing hands over the uterus as early as in 20 th week. The intensity varies from a faint flutter in the early months to stronger movements in later period. It is a useful guide to calculate the expected date of delivery with reasonable accuracy.
- Progressive enlargement of the lower abdomen is observed.
- As the uterus grows, you may notice skin pigmentation on the forehead or abdomen. Stretch marks start appearing too.
- Itching or tingling sensations on skins and numbness at fingertips are common.
- You also experience backaches and abdominal pains as your belly steadily expands.
- Sometimes, a white colored vaginal discharge is noticed.
- As soon as you enter the third trimester of pregnancy, progressive enlargement of the abdomen starts producing a series of discomforts such as palpitation or dyspnoea following exertion.
- Fetal movements are now more pronounced.
- Scanty bleeding continues and you may experience Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor)
- Increased sweating, high body temperature, swelling of ankles, feet and fingers are also noticed.
- You may experience more fatigue and shortness of breath.
All the above
Pregnancy Symptoms are normal and definitely validate the presence of a live fetus in your womb. Stick to your healthy diet and exercise regimes for a healthier development of your baby. Consult doctors and go for regular checkups. Your baby would be born soon. Start preparing yourself for that grand event.
