Few weeks ago, I had experienced early symptoms of pregnancy. I felt nervous and happy at the same knowing we might have a new bundle of joy soon.
Early symptoms of pregnancy for some women begin in the first few weeks after conception. Pregnancy symptoms also vary in intensity, duration and frequency. Oftentimes, many of early pregnancy symptoms can be similar to pre-menstrual discomforts. I compile a list of early pregnancy symptoms (most of which I had experienced recently) to help you determine if you are indeed pregnant or just a false alarm.
Food cravings and aversions
Been craving for pancit malabon and puto. So I ordered these on Daddy A's lola's birthday.
Food cravings are common when you're pregnant. During pregnancy, you might also experience strong dislike of certain foods like coffee or the smell of garlic. These food preference can be attributed to hormonal changes, especially during the first trimester when there's an extreme hormonal change.
Nausea with or without vomiting
I also experienced nausea but without vomiting. In my first pregnancy also, I didn't experience morning sickness and vomiting. Lucky me right?
As early as a week into pregnancy, many women experience illness in the morning or morning sickness, some in the afternoon or evening while others may experience nausea throughout the entire day. It's not clear what is the cause of nausea but a part of it can be caused by the rapid rising of estrogen level. Also, pregnant women have a intensified sense of smell that's why various odors like perfume, cigarette smoke and smell of foods can induce nausea. There is no solution to prevent it but there are ways to fight its effect like eating small frequent meals and eating saltine crackers.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy. I just had this recently and I had it worst in my first pregnancy. Heartburn includes a burning sensation in the center of the chest, but it has nothing to do with the heart. Heartburn occurs when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus are unable to prevent stomach acid from passing back into the esophagus. There's increase frequency of heartburn during pregnancy because the hormone progesterone causes the valve between the stomach and the esophagus to relax. Thus, the valve is unable to prevent stomach acid from passing back into the esophagus and irritates the lining.
Mood swings and irritability
Another common early symptoms of pregnancy is mood swings and irritability. The flood of hormones in the body during pregnancy can make you unusually emotional and weepy. Just what I had experience recently and this poor little poor tasted how bitter it was. Aw....
Mood swings and irritability
Another common early symptoms of pregnancy is mood swings and irritability. The flood of hormones in the body during pregnancy can make you unusually emotional and weepy. Just what I had experience recently and this poor little poor tasted how bitter it was. Aw....
Frequent Urination
Many women start to experience frequent urination within a week or two after pregnancy occurred. During pregnancy, the uterus swell and immediately start to enlarge for the growing fetus. Thus making the uterus puts pressure on the bladder and makes you fell the need for more frequent urination.
Constipation
Constipation is another common early pregnancy symptom that gets worse as the pregnancy progresses. The increase in progesterone makes the bowel functions slow down to allow maximum absorption time of vitamins and nutrients, which can lead to constipation.
Tender and swollen breast
One of the first symptoms of pregnancy, as early as two weeks after conception, is tender and swollen breasts. Hormonal changes can make your breasts tender, swollen and tingly or sore, and start to enlarge making the veins within the breast more visible. Nipples may start to darken in color, become more erect and be very sensitive.
Headaches, fatigue, dizziness and/or fainting
Hormonal changes, during early pregnancy, causes increased in blood circulation that may trigger frequent and mild headaches. Also, high levels of progesterone can make a pregnant woman feel sleepy and at the same time, the lower blood sugar level, the lower blood pressure and the increased blood production combine to absorb your energy during pregnancy. Dizziness and/or fainting is cause by the dilation of blood vessels and drop of blood pressure. This may also be triggered by low blood sugar during early pregnancy.
Over the past weeks I really feel weak and I easily get tired. Thank God I have this little boy who makes me feel better and love, amidst my being moody and irritable.
Raised basal body temperature
Basal body temperature is the body temperature at rest or wake up time. This temperature slightly increase soon after ovulation and will remain at that level until your next period. It's continuous elevation for more than two weeks may indicate pregnancy.
Light bleeding or cramping
Another first early symptoms of pregnancy is slight bleeding known as implantation bleeding. This happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining, about 10 to 14 days after fertilization. This kind of vaginal bleeding is usually a bit earlier, spottier and lighter in color, and doesn't stay long as with the normal period. Abdominal cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, also is being experience by some women during early pregnancy.
Missed period
The most obvious early symptom of pregnancy is missed period. When you've missed your monthly cycle, it's a possible sign that you are pregnant and will prompt you to search more for other pregnancy symptoms. Also, you may not have the above signs until you noticed you've missed your period just like what happened to me as shown in this period tracker app.
Those are some early symptoms of pregnancy. However, the above symptoms aren't unique to pregnancy. The onset and and degree will vary within women. Some symptoms can indicate that you are sick or that your period is just delayed and about to start. To make sure, you might want to take a home pregnancy test. In my case, my period was 13 days delayed and that prompted me to take a pregnancy test two times. Which turned out to be negative and the next day I had my period. Aw...
Experiencing most of the above symptoms and the missed period really made me feel I am pregnant. That idea, just like what I have said, excites me and made me feel nervous at the same time. Thinking we will have additional bundle of joy is love but remembering what I have went through in my first pregnancy scares me. Anyway, it may not be the right time. I believe in God's perfect time and He will bless us soon.
