Are you experiencing morning sickness? Is it possible that you could be pregnant? Pregnancy is a life-transforming experience characterised by several changes in the body that are significant to fetal development. It is crucial for an expectant mother to recognise the early symptoms of pregnancy and seek timely medical guidance on appropriate prenatal care.
Being pregnant leads to major physiological and physical changes in the human body. These changes are unique to every pregnant woman and vary from person to person. Let's take a look at the common symptoms and general changes that occur in an expectant mother’s body.
If you are pregnant, your symptoms may appear within a few weeks of conception. There is no strict and fast rule saying that a pregnant woman will experience all the symptoms. Each pregnancy is unique and precious. While it is different for each woman, the common symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy include both physical as well as physiological changes, like the following:
Let's first look at the physical changes that happen in the body after you conceive:
A missed period may not always be indicative of pregnancy; however, this is one of the most common symptoms present in women whose menstrual cycles are regular. Relying on this piece of information alone is not enough to confirm pregnancy, as many women experience irregular periods or hormonal imbalances. Hence, to confirm your pregnancy, you should always consult your gynaecologist.
Morning sickness is yet another very common symptom that can give you a hint about your pregnancy. The nausea and vomiting you experience during your pregnancy are due to the increasing hormone levels as the body adapts to the new experience.
With the increased levels of progesterone, expecting moms can feel tired, drowsy and fatigued without any particular visible reason. The metabolic demands and hormonal changes in the body, as it prepares for fetal development, can cause a dip in your energy levels.
Many expecting women may experience tenderness in their breasts, along with increased sensitivity and darkening of the nipples. This is again due to the presence of hormonal activity due to pregnancy.
A majority of pregnant women feel the need to visit the washrooms more frequently due to increased levels of hCG, progesterone, and oestrogen as a result of their pregnancy. What happens is that the blood flow to your pelvic region increases, and your kidneys are stimulated to produce more urine. Progesterone relaxes the muscles of the urinary tract, and hence, your bladder capacity is reduced.
Experiencing some of the above symptoms and also getting food cravings out of the blue? Then, by all means, take it as one of the early signs of pregnancy. Again, your pregnancy hormones are to blame, as they create noticeable changes in your sense of taste as well as smell. You may experience unpredictable, intense cravings for certain foods in the middle of the night or any hour of the day, for that matter.
Take a look at the physiological changes in the early stages of pregnancy:
The three major pregnancy-related hormones are human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone and estrogen. Most of the physiological changes that a pregnant woman experiences are due to the increase of these hormones. The symptoms also vary in each pregnancy due to the fluctuating levels of the hormones.
You may notice an increase in the basal body temperature in the early stages of pregnancy. This is because your progesterone levels are elevated to maintain the pregnancy. This increase in BBT (Basal body temperature) occurs after your ovulation and continues if you become pregnant.
Mood swings or emotional fluctuations are another early symptom of pregnancy that is mostly common. Expecting moms go through a cycle of heightened emotions, irritability, or even anxiety. This is again due to all the changes taking place as their bodies adjust to accommodate another human being within.
An increase in progesterone levels can slow down digestion, leading to heartburn, bloating, and gas. This may cause a certain level of discomfort and may also be mistaken for premenstrual symptoms. If such symptoms persist and you find yourself suffering, it is advisable to seek medical guidance.
Some women may experience light spotting and menstrual cramps around 6–12 days after conception. This may be due to the process of embryo implantation and can be mistaken for period cramping. However, the bleeding may be very slight and sometimes goes without being noticed.
Are you ready to confirm your pregnancy? Let's find out how:
One of the earliest pregnancy tests you can do is to get a home testing kit from your nearest pharmacy. Make sure it is manufactured by a reliable brand, and follow their instructions clearly. There are cases of false positives, so always confirm the result by visiting your gynaecologist as soon as possible. The earlier you know, the better you can prepare for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
At the hospital, you will be asked to take a blood test to confirm the pregnancy. There are two types of work that are commonly done:
● Qualitative hCG Test: This confirms if hCG is present in your blood. The presence of hCG is a confirmation that you have conceived.
● Quantitative hCG Test: This test will measure the exact amount of hCG in your blood, thus providing more detailed information about the pregnancy.
A few weeks after conceiving, your gynaecologist will ask you to perform an ultrasound scan to determine your exact condition. You will be able to hear your baby's heartbeat, which is the best confirmation of your pregnancy. It is an emotional moment for you and one that you will remember for a lifetime. The ultrasound will also determine the position of your baby, stage of development, health condition, etc.
Understanding your body and recognising the symptoms it shows can help you take proactive measures to have a healthy pregnancy. You can navigate this huge transformation smoothly with the guidance of your doctors and by following your instincts. Your body, upon conception, is the first home your child knows; hence, take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally.
The early physiological changes during pregnancy are:
● Fluctuating levels of the hormones
● Increase in the basal body temperature
● Mood swings
Some women also experience bloating, heartburn, indigestion, light spotting and cramping.
Early physical changes in pregnancy often include breast enlargement, tenderness, increased urinary frequency and fatigue. Some women may experience morning sickness. Subtle changes in body shape may also occur as the uterus begins to expand.
Many women usually start feeling pregnant around 4-6 weeks after conception, though experiences vary widely. Some women may not feel any symptoms until later in the first trimester or even into the second trimester.
