12 Symptoms of Pregnancy - How Early do the Symptom Starts?

Symptoms of pregnancy differ for every woman. Some women experience premenstrual symptoms just a few days after conception, while others experience no symptoms until several weeks after a positive pregnancy test.

Each person experiences a unique set of pregnancy symptoms, and each pregnancy is different.

What is Pregnancy? 

Pregnancy is the period during which a woman carries a growing embryo or foetus inside her body.

Positive results on an over-the-counter urine test can be a sign of this condition, which can then be confirmed by a blood test, ultrasound, foetal heartbeat detection or X-ray.

From the date of the woman’s last menstrual period (LMP) to delivery, the average duration of pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks or nine months.

Trimesters are the names given to the three phases of pregnancy. Typically, it is split into three trimesters that last around three months each.

Symptoms of Pregnancy

Early symptoms of pregnancy are noticeable even more during the first two weeks of pregnancy due to an increase of pregnancy hormones:

A missed period 

A missing period is the most frequent and visible indication of pregnancy. Once conception occurs, the body begins to produce hormones that prevent ovulation and the uterine lining sheds. This indicates that the menstrual cycle has ceased and that the next period won’t come until the child’s birth.

Raised basal body temperature 

During pregnancy, one could experience warmer-than-normal temperatures. An increase in blood flow to the skin and variations in the hormone levels are to blame for this. Perhaps the person also tends to perspire more. Although not harmful, these alterations could make the individual feel uneasy.

Smell sensitivity 

About two-thirds of pregnant women claim to have hyperosmia, a condition where they are more sensitive to odours, despite no evidence supporting this claim.

The fluctuating levels of hormones could be one cause of the varying sense of smell during pregnancy. Typically, smells are strongest in the first trimester of pregnancy and lessen as labour approaches.

Eating food cold and surrounding oneself with more pleasant odours can help if aromas make a person feel uneasy or uncomfortable.

Breast changes

During pregnancy, the breasts may become sensitive to touch. The discomfort could be more intense than how the breasts feel before a period. One can also notice the darkening and enlargement of the areolas (the region around the nipple).

Once the body adjusts to the increased hormones, this soreness will eventually go away. Pregnant women might also notice that their brasier is tighter than usual and that their breasts have gotten bigger.

Fatigue 

During the first trimester of pregnancy, many women experience extreme fatigue. High amounts of the hormone progesterone cause this pregnancy indicator to appear.

The second trimester is when fatigue rises, just like other early pregnancy symptoms (after week 13 of pregnancy). However, for a lot of pregnant women, it does return in the third trimester.

Implantation bleeding 

Pregnancy begins when an egg is fertilised in the fallopian tube and travels to the uterus. The fertilised egg gets attached to the uterine wall once it enters the uterus.

Women might lightly bleed when this attachment takes place. This bleeding is known as implantation bleeding and is very normal.

Each woman will experience implantation bleeding differently. While some women may not bleed during implantation, others may experience bleeding that is comparable to a light period and lasts for two to three days.

From no bleeding to bleeding that resembles a light period, anything along that continuum can be regarded as normal.

It can be challenging to distinguish between implantation bleeding and typical menstrual blood since implantation can occur at the same time as a person may be anticipating their period.

Every woman’s situation is unique, so it can be challenging to know when to be concerned. Some women experience slight cramping or nausea during implantation, in addition to light bleeding. Since implantation occurs so early in pregnancy, it can be hard to tell if the symptoms are from implantation or a person’s regular monthly menstrual cycle.

Headaches

Early in pregnancy, headaches, lightheadedness and dizziness are frequent. This occurs due to the body’s changing hormonal levels and increasing blood volume.

Shortness of breath

The uterus exerts pressure on the diaphragm between the 31st and 34th week of pregnancy (the flat muscle that moves up and down while breathing).

The lungs may struggle to expand fully as a result of these changes. One might experience more shallow breathing as a result, and the person might be out of breath.

Nosebleeds 

People who are pregnant are more likely to get nosebleeds because the pressure of the new blood flowing through their bodies causes the blood vessels in their noses to swell.

Pregnancy causes the blood supply to rise by as much as 50%. The nose’s blood vessels are extremely brittle and prone to breaking, which causes the nose to bleed.

Chest pain

Pressure on nearby organs, such as the stomach and the lungs, rises as the foetus and the uterus grow. Typically, during the second and third trimesters, this pressure can cause discomfort and chest pain.

A woman may also experience faster feelings of fullness after eating due to increased pressure in the chest cavity.

Visual problems 

Pregnant women frequently retain fluids. The cornea’s thickness and shape can alter as a result of this typical side effect. Vision may become distorted as a result. Usually, these modifications disappear after delivery or after the woman stops breastfeeding.

Dizziness

The uterus may enlarge and eventually obstruct the big vein that supplies blood to the heart. This, in turn, lowers the brain’s blood flow.

Low iron and blood sugar in the body can also play a role. Dizziness can occasionally be brought on by just standing up too suddenly after sitting down.

Less Common Signs of Pregnancy

Here is a list of some of the lesser-known symptoms of pregnancy. These are also very valid and happen to a lot of women during their early pregnancy stages: 

●Headaches
It is very common to experience dizziness and headaches during the early stages of pregnancy. This is caused due to hormonal changes that occur in the body and the increase of blood volume in the system. 
●Constant Food Cravings
There might be cravings for certain types of foods during pregnancy. For example, there could be certain foods that a pregnant person feels the need to have constantly at all times and in absurd amounts as well. On the flip side, it could also be that one starts disliking foods that they previously enjoyed. 
●Frequent Mood Swings
During pregnancy, women go through major hormonal changes. This leads to them experiencing mood swings. It is absolutely normal to experience them, and they can happen throughout one's pregnancy. However, if someone has negative thoughts of harming themselves, then it is better to contact a medical professional. 
●Consistent Metallic Taste in Mouth
Reportedly, there are a lot of women who have experienced a metallic taste in their mouths. It tastes like blood or even coins. This usually happens when pregnant people keep eating random foods throughout the day. 
●Bloating 
While getting a noticeable baby bump takes more time and happens at a much later stage of the pregnancy cycle, bloating might occur in women. For instance, pregnant women might end up feeling more gassy than usual.
●Heartburn
Heartburn is a common form of discomfort that is experienced during pregnancy. It gives a sensation of burning and is caused by the hormonal changes of the body. This happens due to pressure that's exerted on the stomach due to the growing baby inside of it.

Conclusion

Many of the above symptoms and indicators are not specific to pregnancy. Some can signal the beginning of the menstrual period or that a person is getting unwell. Similarly, one can be pregnant without displaying a lot of these signs.

Taking home a pregnancy test or visiting a doctor is advisable on noticing any of the aforementioned symptoms after missing a period. Schedule a consultation with a healthcare professional if the at-home pregnancy test results are positive. An individual can start prenatal care as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed.

Being pregnant can bring upon a lot of medical charges. There’s no better way to prepare for it than opting for a health insurance plan. Consider getting Star Health Insurance to get medical reimbursements for when you go through pregnancy. Take charge of your health today with us at Star Health!