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Congratulations on your pregnancy! You must be ecstatic upon receiving the greatest news of your life. So what made you take the pregnancy test? The most obvious sign definitely has to be missing your period. However, if you have been trying to get pregnant, certain early symptoms of pregnancy can also lead to taking the much-awaited pregnancy test.
Most women are familiar with the common signs of pregnancy. However, not every woman experiences all the symptoms and in some cases, these symptoms are not constant either. Here we discuss all the symptoms that one might experience during pregnancy. But most importantly, we will also find out if it’s normal for these symptoms to come and go.
Early Symptoms Of Pregnancy
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It’s not necessary for two women to experience the same symptoms during pregnancy. These symptoms may vary from person to person. That being said, the most common symptom of pregnancy is usually missed or delayed period. You hate it when they come, but you are even more terrified when they don’t.
A missed period is one sign that gets women running to the pharmacist to purchase the pregnancy kit. And if you have got the two pink lines, the next step probably would be taking a blood test from the doctor’s clinic. Once the new of your pregnancy is confirmed, there are several other pregnancy symptoms that might follow you till the very end of your third trimester (1).
The Most Common And Early Signs Of Being Pregnant
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Besides the missed period, women have reported nausea and changes in the breast as the first signs of pregnancy, according to a survey done by the American Pregnancy Association. Though implantation bleeding is considered to be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, the reports reveal that only 3% of women experienced implantation bleeding during their pregnancy (2).
Pregnancy Symptoms And What Changes Are Considered Normal
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Here are the most frequent symptoms of pregnancy and what’s normal and not:
Spotting And Cramping: If pregnant, you might experience light bleeding and cramping during the first few days of pregnancy. Spotting usually occurs when the embryo implants to the uterine wall a few days after conception. Even if you don’t experience spotting, there is a very good chance that you might be pregnant (3). However, if you experience spotting or bleeding at a later stage of your pregnancy, make sure to inform your doctor as it can lead to miscarriage (4).
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Morning Sickness: Nausea is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Though referred to as morning sickness, women can experience it at any point during the day. Nausea is most commonly seen during the first trimester of pregnancy and later subsides for most pregnant women. However, some women might experience nausea throughout their entire pregnancies (5).
Sore Breasts: Changes in the breasts is another symptom women experience while pregnant. The onset of this symptom can start a week or two after conception. But if you find that your breasts are no longer sensitive, it is usually not a cause for concern. Breast tenderness can come and go during pregnancy and is completely normal (6).
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Fetal Movement: Most women feel their baby kick sometime around their second trimester. It is recommended to monitor your baby’s movements at the beginning of week 28. Ideally, one should be feeling ten movements within 2 hours. If you notice a deviation from your baby’s fetal movement pattern or that the movements have slowed down, try again some other time the same day. If you still do not feel 10 kicks within 2 hours, contact your doctor. Fetal movement is one sign which will help you to monitor your baby’s development (7).
While certain symptoms may change or subside during your pregnancy, fetal movement is one symptom that requires close monitoring. If you ever experience any other symptoms later in the pregnancy such as cramping or bleeding, make sure you consult with your health care provider immediately.
