Pregnancy symptoms -15 symptoms for early diagnosis of pregnancy

Pregnancy symptoms -15 symptoms for early diagnosis of pregnancy

Although ultrasound and pregnancy tests are the only methods to confirm the pregnancy there are some early symptoms that suggest that you are pregnant. 

1) Missed period -

This is the first symptom of pregnancy that leads to the suspicion of pregnancy. However, cyclical bleeding can occur up to the 12th week of pregnancy in some cases but, such bleeding is usually scanty and lasts for a shorter duration and it corresponds with the date of the regular menstrual cycle. however, such bleeding should not be confused with the bleeding of abortion.

2) Morning sickness -

This symptom is present in over 50% of cases.it usually occurs after a missed period and lasts till the 12th week ( 1st trimester).

It is more evident in the first pregnancy than in the subsequent one, its intensity varies from nausea on rising from bed to loss of appetite or even vomiting.

3)Frequency of urination -

This is quite a distressing symptom. It occurs during the 8 -12th week of pregnancy as the bulky uterus rests on the bladder imparting pressure. This symptom disappears after the 12th week as the uterus straightens up, also the change in the maternal osmoregulation causing increased thirst and polyuria is another factor.

4)Breast discomfort -

This symptom can be evident as early as the 6-8th week, it is more prominent in the first pregnancy than in subsequent ones as the breast are enlarged and more flabby.
There is feeling of fullness and pricking sensation in the breast.

Mild breast tenderness and swelling can be present in some cases.

Some notable breast signs during pregnancy are :

A) Increased nipple pigmentation specially in dark women.

B) Nipples become more prominent and sensitive.

C) Thick yellowish secretion (Colostrum) can be expressed as early as 12th week.

5) Fatigue -

Fatigue is also one of the most common presenting symptoms of pregnancy. It starts appearing as early as 6-7th week of pregnancy.

Following factors are responsible for fatigue in pregnancy:

A) Increased levels of progesterone- At high doses this hormone can make you feel sleepy

B) Low blood sugar levels

C) Increased blood production

D) Low blood pressure

This symptom starts appearing as early as 6-7th week of pregnancy and progresses with pregnancy.

6) Food craving/aversions -

This is attributed to the hormonal changes especially in the first trimester, aversion to foods like fried food, coffee while craving for sour foods is noted specially in the first trimester when hormonal changes are most dramatic.

7)Mood swings -

This symptom is largely affected by the hormonal surge in early pregnancy. Mood changes occur due to sudden increase in the level of hormones which can make you unreasonably emotional and sometimes irritable. These mood changes are especially evident in the first trimester and are one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy.

8) Constipation -

This is attributed to the progesterone levels in your body which affects the peristaltic action of the intestines causing food to pass slowly through the intestines eventually resulting in constipation.

9) Raised basal body temperature -

This is one of the most important symptoms to check whether you are pregnant or not?

The basal body temperature increases slightly after ovulation. As per the guidelines continued elevation in basal body temperature for two weeks suggests that you are pregnant.

10) Faintness and dizziness -

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy in early pregnancy can be a due combination of :

A) Low blood pressure - As your blood vessels dilate during pregnancy (progesterone surge) the blood pressure drops which can make you feel dizzy.

B) Low blood sugar - An increase in the metabolism exhausting the sugar reserve in the body is responsible for low sugar levels which can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

11) Headache -

In early pregnancy increased blood production and circulation can trigger mild to moderate headaches.

12) Slight spotting or cramping -

This is one of the few initial symptoms to appear in pregnancy. Sometimes a small amount of vaginal bleeding is seen, this occurs when the fertilized egg (16 cell stage ) attaches to the wall of the uterus this is called implantation which occurs after 10-14 days of fertilization.

The blood is lighter in color and it occurs a little earlier and shorter in duration than the regular cyclical bleeding.

some women complain of abdominal cramping in the early weeks of pregnancy, These cramps are similar to menstrual cramps.

13) Increased heart rate -

An increase in circulation and low blood pressure are the factors that increase the heart rate in pregnant women.

14) Weight gain -

Weight gain is the most notable feature of early pregnancy especially towards the end of the first trimester. As the calorie requirement does not change in early pregnancy from your usual diet in the first few weeks but, it starts increasing by the end of the first trimester hence the symptom begins to appear and progresses with pregnancy.

15) Feeling a little ill -

the feeling of being a little ill is clinically the first symptom to appear in pregnancy even before the missed period.

About the 2nd trimester:

most of the symptoms of 1st trimester disappear in 2nd trimester which is completely normal. if you have any symptoms that you feel are unrelated to pregnancy or causing excessive distress you should consult a doctor.