Early Symptoms of Pregnancy

You won’t notice any pregnancy symptoms until implantation occurs. Implantation is when the fertilised egg implants itself in the lining of your uterus. This usually occurs between seven and 10 days after conception. Once the embryo is implanted in your womb, it will start producing pregnancy hormones, and you will begin to notice changes in your body. If you suspect you may be pregnant, look out for the following early symptoms of pregnancy:

A missed period This is considered to be one of the most reliable early symptoms of pregnancy. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, and your period is late, it could be the first clue that you may be pregnant.

Spotting Some women notice spotting (light bleeding) around the time of implantation. Spotting is much lighter than a menstrual period, often little more than a few spots of blood, and tends to be brown or pink in colour.

Nausea Once your body starts producing pregnancy hormones, you may begin to suffer from nausea and morning sickness. Unlike the name suggests, morning sickness can happen at any time during the day. Try to avoid low blood sugar by eating little and often.

Increased discharge This thick, odourless, milky discharge is nothing to worry about, but you can wear a panty liner if you prefer.

Breast changes Breast changes are often considered to be one of the give-aways of early pregnancy. You may notice that your breasts appear bigger and feel tender. Your nipples may darken, and you may notice small bumps appearing on the areola.

Feeling tired Not just I-watched-too-much-Greys-Anatomy-last-night-tired, the tiredness of early pregnancy is experienced by many as a fatigue. If you’re finding it hard to get out of bed in the morning, yawning your way through client meetings, and falling asleep on the sofa before dinner, you may be experience pregnancy fatigue.

Heightened sense of smell Some women notice they are extra sensitive to smells during pregnancy, and this can kick in even before the pregnancy is confirmed. Some women report aversions to smells including petrol (gasoline), laundry detergent and cigarettes.

Feeling emotional As your body begins rapidly producing hormones, you may notice yourself feeling more emotional than usual. If you find yourself sobbing over commercials, and screaming at your partner for using the wrong washing up sponge, it could be pregnancy hormones at play.

Not all women experience all of the symptoms above. You may experience some and not others, you may not notice any symptoms, or you might hit the jackpot and be able to tick each one off your pregnancy bingo scratch card. Each pregnancy is unique, and your symptoms will differ to those of other women. If you have more than one pregnancy, you may notice different early symptoms of pregnancy for each.

If you think you may be pregnant, the most accurate way to find out for sure is to take a home pregnancy test. Wait until the day your period is due, because this increases the accuracy of the test. Read the instructions carefully, and follow them exactly when performing the test. Good luck!

What first made you wonder whether you were pregnant?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

You’re Pregnant! … Now What?

It may be a missed period or sudden rush of nausea in the morning that pushes you to buy a pregnancy test. When you see those two pink lines, you’ll need a moment to let it sink in. Congratulations, you’re pregnant! Pregnancy is one of the most significant times in a woman’s life. It is a time of change and new beginnings. It is also a time of reflection and planning as a new parent.

After the reality of pregnancy has set in, and you’ve experienced a range of emotions, from excitement to shock, you’ll want to start planning. The best thing to do is to get proactive and start working towards a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. By contacting your doctor or midwife, exercising safely, and enjoying a well-balanced diet, you will be well on your way to having a fun-filled nine months and a gorgeous baby at the end of it.

First Things First: Doctor or Midwife?

If you haven’t already thought about it, you’ll want to decide whether you want to be treated by an obstetrician gynecologist (ob-gyn) or a certified midwife. Choosing who to take care of you and your baby during pregnancy is a very personal matter and is a decision you should be completely comfortable with. Relying on your medical history or personal beliefs can help make the most appropriate choice for you.

Avoid Harmful Habits

Your lifestyle has to change when pregnant, whether you like it or not. Things that can be potentially harmful to you and your baby should be avoided such as, smoking cigarettes, taking narcotics, drinking alcohol, consuming too much caffeine, and eating certain foods. You’ll also want to avoid heavy lifting or activities that are too strenuous. If you continue to exercise, make sure it is safe and not too intense. Face it, you will lose a certain amount of mobility after being pregnant!

Eating Right

When you become pregnant, your body starts changing and directing most nutrients and minerals to your baby to help him or her grow. It is necessary for you to replenish your supply and take in more vitamins and nutrients when pregnant. You will need to increase the intake of calcium, folic acid, iron, etc. Prenatal vitamins along with a balanced diet can help you remain healthy throughout your pregnancy and ensure your baby gets the nutrients he or she needs.

Stress-free Preparation

Always remember to stay calm and breathe when pregnant. It is a time of change and can be scary, with appointments to remember, a nursery to set up, a baby App to read every day, etc. So it is important to take things step by step. Buy a planner and write things down so you don’t forget appointments or to buy specific baby items. A great way to stay organized is by downloading our app on your phone so that you are up-to-speed when on the go. Help yourself stay organized and you’ll be well on your way.

If you have any tips on how to stay organized during pregnancy, let us know what they are.

Written by Manal, first time mom

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.