Symptoms of pregnancy

The emergence of new life is a universal mechanism that is perfectly controlled by the female organism. Unfortunately, a woman’s reproductive system cannot deliver the first signs of pregnancy immediately after fertilization. This condition can only be detected by the characteristic signs that occur at different stages of fetal development. Pregnancy symptoms can vary slightly or radically in all women.

Given the individuality of each woman’s body, pregnancy symptoms can vary. While some women have the first signs of pregnancy, others do not notice a change in their health.

Early signs of pregnancy

The earlier a woman detects her pregnancy, the more time she will have to undergo a special examination. No symptoms are observed on the first day of pregnancy.

From the time of fertilization, a number of hormonal and other changes begin in the body of the future mother. All organs and systems are affected by hormonal changes. If you can listen to your body properly, it will be easier to detect the first signs of pregnancy after fertilization.

The first signs of pregnancy can be identified by the following signs:

Absence of menstruation. This sign is known to every woman, it is the first sign of pregnancy. Menstrual retention is observed when an egg is fertilized because the previously rejected endometrium is now necessary for the full development of the fetus. However, delayed menstruation should not be considered a reliable sign, as the absence of menstruation can often be associated with diseases of the reproductive system, stress and hormonal pathological changes. Delayed menstruation should be accompanied by other peculiarities in the early days of pregnancy.

Enlargement and pain of the breasts. The female breast is very sensitive to hormonal changes in the body. At the beginning of pregnancy there is a slight increase in breast size, increased sensitivity of the breasts and their pain. In most cases, growth of previously undetected bumps is observed in the area of ​​the areola (the pigmented area of ​​the breast).

Frequent urination. One of the first signs of pregnancy is the frequent appearance of a urge to urinate. This sign is formed against the background of increased production of OXG (human chorionic gonadotropin). The urge to urinate can be annoying even when the bladder is slightly full. Mostly observed at night. There will also be seizures of the menstrual cycle.

A change in taste preference. An increase in hormone levels leads to a change in the desire for taste. Foods that women previously did not like will begin to arouse the desire to eat by this time, and vice versa. In addition, the woman may feel a metallic taste in her mouth.

Fatigue and drowsiness. This symptom often occurs in the first pregnancy. Intensification and acceleration of metabolic processes in the body leads to a feeling of fatigue, drowsiness and a desire to rest. The hormone progesterone produced has a calming and soothing effect on the body. Feelings of fatigue accompany women throughout the day.

Nausea. The appearance of this sign is typical for 1,5 months of pregnancy. Sometimes this symptom appears on the twentieth day of pregnancy. Some women experience nausea earlier. This symptom cannot be called one of the reliable symptoms, because the feeling of nausea is characteristic of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular and central nervous system. Only nausea, along with other symptoms, indicates the development of pregnancy.

It is important to consider the opinion of a specialist to make a reliable diagnosis. During a medical consultation, you can find out on which day the first signs of pregnancy develop and how to distinguish them.

The importance of detecting pregnancy in the early stages

It is important for every woman to know what the first signs of pregnancy are. This importance is due to the following reasons:

High risk of pathological (extrauterine) formation of the fetus;

Ability to diagnose genetic diseases of the fetus in the early stages of development;

Possibility of termination of pregnancy for medical reasons.

If a pregnant woman has chronic diseases that prevent childbirth, termination of pregnancy in the early stages can save a woman’s health and life. Early diagnosis of the condition allows the prevention of genetic pathologies such as Down syndrome.

When can the initial symptoms begin to be observed?

In this regard, it is necessary to take into account the individuality of each woman's body. The first signs of pregnancy can be observed within 8-10 days from the time of fertilization of the egg. This period can vary depending on the body’s sensitivity to hormonal changes.

In medical practice, women were found to be 5 days pregnant. Of course, we are talking about women who listen carefully to their bodies and feel the slightest change in their condition. On the 20th day of pregnancy, the symptoms become more pronounced.

Women can confirm their condition only after the appearance of reliable symptoms. Reliable signs are not detected on the first day of fertilization.

Secondary symptoms of pregnancy

The condition can be confirmed by the first signs of pregnancy, which indicate a change in a woman's hormonal background. The appearance of such signs cannot be equated with reliable data, but their attention cannot be ignored either. To them:

Rise in basal body temperature

When a woman regularly monitors her menstrual cycle, she can detect a rise in body basal temperature (at rest, at bedtime, in the morning) to 37 degrees. The change in this indicator is explained by high levels of progesterone.

Feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area

In the case of fertilization, changes occur in the blood supply to the pelvic organs. As a result, the woman may feel a feeling of heaviness and tightness.

Insomnia

Feelings of fatigue are often replaced by nervous tension and insomnia. Hormonal changes affect a woman’s emotional state. Expectant mothers may find it difficult to fall asleep.

Pain in the lower abdomen

This symptom can manifest itself in the formation of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. If the onset of pregnancy stops spontaneously, it is characterized by pain syndrome in the lower abdomen and vaginal bleeding.

Pain in the groin area

With the onset of fertilization, there may be a throbbing pain in the buttock region. In addition, this symptom may indicate kidney disease.

Headache

Changes in the hormonal background are accompanied by neurological symptoms. A woman in the situation may develop a headache on her own.

Increased appetite

Acceleration of metabolic processes during pregnancy leads to an increase in appetite.

Increased sense of smell and taste

If a woman has not noticed some odors before, she may hate them from the time of pregnancy. The same is true for the taste of some products.

Nervousness, mood swings

Many pregnant women complain of emotional instability and sudden depression.

Implantation bleeding

In the early stages of pregnancy, bloody discharge from the vagina may occur, indicating the attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine wall.

Digestive disorders

Secondary symptoms of pregnancy may include vomiting, constipation (constipation) or diarrhea (diarrhea), and belching.

Changes in body weight

During pregnancy, an increase in a woman's body weight can be noted when the body seeks to provide the developing fetus with the necessary nutrients.

Stinging in the uterus

This symptom of pregnancy is very rare because not every woman can feel it. Local changes in the uterine cavity can cause a tingling sensation.

Feeling of fever and fever

This symptom has nothing to do with a violation of the body's thermoregulation. Fever occurs against the background of loss of hormonal balance.

Discomfort in sitting position

This symptom is associated with increased blood flow in the small pelvis.

Swelling of the face, arms and legs

This is because fluid is retained in the body.

Facial changes

If a woman has not experienced skin problems before, acne (acne) may appear on the face area during pregnancy. This is due to changes in the hormonal background.

Changes in the hormonal background affect the tone of the blood vessels, making them prone to dilation. As a result, redness of the face is observed.

Abdominal dripping

An increase in the amount of hormones contributes to the relaxation of the intestinal muscles. The result is flatulence.

Changes in the breast

From fertilization, the female body begins to prepare for breastfeeding. The appearance of characteristic venous (venous blood vessel) patterns implies that the mammary glands are prepared for lactation (breastfeeding).

In addition, darkening of the skin around the breasts is another sign of preparation for breastfeeding.

Changes in the white line pigmentation of the abdomen

In pregnant women, a characteristic pigmentary “corridor” is formed, which extends from the umbilicus to the upper part of the pelvis.

Exacerbation of hemorrhoids

If a woman had hemorrhoids before pregnancy, the disease can now worsen.

Tightening of the calf muscles

Tightness in the legs is a secondary sign of changes in metabolism.

Low blood pressure

Often, expectant mothers tend to have an increase in blood pressure, but a decrease in this indicator can also indicate pregnancy.

Decreased immunity

In order for the pregnancy to continue without some problems, there is a decrease in immunity in the woman’s body. Frequent colds and SARS can also serve as a sign of pregnancy.

Decreased local immunity can lead to the development of fungal diseases such as candidiasis.

Is it possible to get pregnant after ovulation

2 days after the egg is released, the female has all the chances to successfully fertilize.

Symptoms of pregnancy during breastfeeding

If a young mother is engaged in natural feeding (breastfeeding) of a newborn, then the following signs may indicate a new pregnancy:

Changes in the quality of breast milk. Changes in the hormonal background during pregnancy affect the quality of breast milk. Often children refuse to consume such milk;

Decreased milk supply in the mammary glands;

Unpleasant feelings when feeding a baby. Pregnancy leads to changes in the mammary glands. Women’s breasts become hard, their breasts become rough and painful.

In addition to these symptoms, there are also signs of general weakness, drowsiness, and emotional distress. In the early days of pregnancy, these symptoms may be slightly different in breastfeeding women.

False characters

The symptoms listed do not always indicate the birth of a new life. Secondary symptoms of pregnancy can be symptoms of chronic diseases of various organs and systems. To confirm or deny the situation, it is only possible to have reliable signs of pregnancy, as well as undergo a medical examination.

Miscarriage

The following symptoms indicate a pathological condition of pregnancy:

High-grade pain syndrome that bothers a woman in the right and left hip area;

Strong bleeding from the vagina accompanied by pain;

Delay of expected signs of pregnancy.

These symptoms may indicate the development of the following complications:

Ectopic (extrauterine) pregnancy;

Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage);

Delay in fetal development.

In the first days after fertilization

After the female reproductive cells are fertilized, they begin to divide and develop into embryos. In addition, the egg migrates from the fallopian tube to the uterine cavity and undergoes implantation in the mucous membrane. There may be no signs of pregnancy during this period.

Detection of pregnancy in the early stages

Special diagnostic methods can reliably detect infertility on day 5 of the gestational period. It is almost impossible to detect it on the 3rd day of pregnancy.

Pregnancy test

Express tests cannot detect signs of pregnancy immediately after fertilization. This is because chorionic gonadotropin (OXG) levels gradually increase and remain at normal levels in the early stages. A reliable result of a pregnancy test can be obtained 14 days after fertilization.

Gynecological examination

Pregnancy can be confirmed by gynecological examinations. Examples of clinical indications are:

Enlargement of the uterus and changes in its consistency;

Discoloration of the external genitalia;

Softening of the cervix;

Increased uterine motility;

Uterine displacement.

These five instructions indicate the placement of egg cells.

Increased OXG levels

A laboratory blood test is performed to determine this figure. Maximum analysis data are observed at 13-14 days of gestation. Hormone overload also occurs in diseases of the reproductive system and ectopic pregnancy.

Ultrasound examination (UTT)

An informative method of detecting pregnancy in the early stages is ultrasound examination (UZI). Pregnancy can be confirmed 3 weeks after fertilization. The study is performed using an abdominal or transvaginal sensor. In addition to UTT, signs of pregnancy on the 20th day of the menstrual cycle are detected using express methods.

Is it possible to menstruate during pregnancy?

In medical practice, there is such a concept as “color pregnancy”. This means that a pregnant woman will experience normal menstruation even after fertilization, which can last for the first 3-4 months from the day the egg is fertilized. This condition is not associated with uterine bleeding, which increases the risk of miscarriage. During color pregnancy, a decrease or increase in pain syndrome, as well as a decrease in bleeding, is observed.

When the first signs are observed

Women should seek counseling at the first signs of pregnancy. If the diagnosis is confirmed and the woman wants to continue the pregnancy, she will be registered.

Carrying a fetus is a huge responsibility facing the expectant mother. For the healthy development of the child, a woman should give up any bad habits, pay attention to nutrition and lifestyle.