Five Early Signs Of Pregnancy You Should Not Ignore

Early signs of pregnancy: Are you pregnant? Your body, like the team player it is, rings the alarm multiple times on whether or not there’s a foetus growing inside you before the all-too-familiar baby bump begins to show. The first trimester of pregnancy (from week one to 12) may unsettle a person. There are many minor and major alterations happening inside your body, preparing it to sustain a new life for nine whole months.

This early period of pregnancy is crucial - not only for the well-being of the mother and the child but also to plan your near future as a parent. By missing initial pregnancy signals, many women may be caught off-guard when the big wave of them comes. ‘Oh, I’m pregnant!’ Avoid that shock or surprise, whatever it would be for you, by looking out for these five early signs of pregnancy.

1. Missed period cycle

Menstruation is when your uterus, which lined up in the event that an egg was fertilised, takes down the baby-welcome decorations and purges them out of your body. That comes out as blood discharge. When conception happens, therefore, one of the first signs of pregnancy is a missed period. The decorations are backup to stay for nine months or until the time that the baby is delivered. Cramps or some blood spotting are also common symptoms.

Menstruators who are not pregnant may also miss their periods, however, if their cycles are irregular. So if the calendar tells you you didn’t bleed this month, back that up by checking other symptoms or tests to see whether you are pregnant or not.

2. Heaviness or other changes in breasts

Keep an eye out for any changes in your breasts, which may become sore, enlarged, tender, heavy or swollen. The surge in hormones, including prolactin, prompts the breasts to make accommodations to hold in more fluids and impacts breast tissues. Those girls are preparing for breastfeeding!

The breast area may be very tender and sensitive to the touch during the early stages of pregnancy. Wear supportive undergarments and avoid direct touch as much as possible to reduce the pain. The nipple area, the areola in the middle of the breast, may also tingle and hurt when touched.

3. Increased fatigue

Pregnancy fatigue may just be the most tired your body will ever feel. In the first trimester, your blood pressure drops, anxiety kicks in and sleep is not restful. In addition to physical changes, the emotional baggage of worrying about the future, also takes a toll on to-be parents. Nausea and vomiting are unwanted bonuses!

This fatigue usually simmers down as the pregnant person enters the second trimester, with energy levels shooting up before dropping once again in the final trimester. In later weeks of pregnancy if the early pregnancy fatigue continues with intensity, it is advised to head for a health checkup with your obstetrician.

4. Frequent urination

The level of fluids and hormones in a person’s body tend to rise during their pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. This is one of the earliest indications that you may be pregnant - sometimes even preceding the more obvious signs of a missed period or sore breasts.

Your body flushes out this excess liquid to relieve you. So it’s best not to hold your pee in for long or look for ways to avoid peeing so much, such as by reducing your intake of water and other liquids. Answer nature’s call and also keep yourself well-hydrated. Don’t be alarmed if you see a leak here or there in your underwear - your body may release fluids if there’s pressure on the bladder without you knowing.

5. Morning sickness

The infamous ‘morning sickness’ is a steady companion to pregnancy. But don’t be fooled by its name. Though most persistent and common during the early parts of the day, morning sickness can make guest appearances at other points of your schedule as well. With the changes your body is undergoing, such as hormonal flux and metabolism alterations, you’ll find yourself frequently rushing to the bathroom with a hand over your mouth.

To combat the onset or effects of morning sickness, it is best to keep dry, low-carb snacks by your bedside at all times (your teen dreams can finally come true), take plenty of rest and keep yourself hydrated.

This article has been posted in collaboration with Prega News, to make #TheJourneyToMotherhood easier.