There are a few early signs of pregnancy that can help you recognize the new life inside of you. These can include missing your period, bloating, areolas, and changes in hormone levels. Some women will also experience changes to their breasts. Some will even experience headaches. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these or other changes.
Missing period
One of the first reliable signs of pregnancy is the absence of your menstrual cycle. Some women may also experience morning sickness, but this is more of a general symptom than a sign of pregnancy. Fortunately, several ways to detect early pregnancy symptoms exist. One method is to monitor your basal body temperature. This measure measures your temperature in the morning and can give you an indication of your condition.
While pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman, many are common and even mimic premenstrual syndrome symptoms. A recent survey by the American Pregnancy Association showed that 29% of women did not notice any of these early signs until they started missing their period. Other early signs of pregnancy include light bleeding or spotting throughout the first 12 weeks.
Bloating
Bloating is one of the early signs of pregnancy. It occurs because of a hormone called progesterone, which relaxes the body’s smooth muscles. This allows nutrients to be passed through the digestive tract more slowly. This symptom can be caused by pregnancy or result from digestive problems unrelated to pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones are also known to cause mood swings. If you experience frequent bouts of mood swings, you may want to seek medical attention. Hormonal changes also cause a stuffy nose. You may also experience more bleeding, and mucous membranes may become dry. Other symptoms of pregnancy include gas and bloating in the stomach. To combat this condition, you should increase your fiber intake and drink plenty of water. It is also a good idea to incorporate physical activity into your lifestyle.
Changes in hormone levels
If you’re unsure if you’re pregnant, early pregnancy signs include changes in your hormone levels. A pregnancy test is the most reliable way to check if you’re expecting. However, some of the earliest signs of pregnancy are more subtle, such as an irregular menstrual cycle.
Changes in hormone levels can also affect your emotional state. For example, you may feel irritable or restless or have a stuffy nose. These symptoms are usually caused by increased hormone estrogen levels, which can cause various uncomfortable side effects. The hormone surge can also cause you to pass more gas than usual and experience bloating. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk to your midwife. She can provide you with guidance and advice.
Areolas
Areolas are considered to be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. They can become darker and more prominent during pregnancy. However, these changes are rare; only 30% of first-trimester pregnancies have this symptom. It’s important to note that this symptom is painless and harmless.
Dark areolas are a natural side effect of pregnancy and do not require medical attention. The dark coloration is because the levels of the two pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone increase pigment production in the skin. The reason for this is unknown, but some scientists believe it has an evolutionary purpose. For example, it might aid the baby in latching on to the mother’s milk.
Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion during pregnancy can be annoying, but it’s also important to note that this condition can have severe consequences for the fetus. It can interfere with a woman’s quality of life and result in complications such as sleep apnea, which can cause preeclampsia, high blood pressure, and intrauterine growth restriction. Luckily, some treatment options include taking allergy and cold medications that are safe to use during pregnancy.
Nasal congestion is a common pregnancy symptom that can occur at any time during your pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones increase the mucus secreted in the nose, which can contribute to congestion. In addition, the immune system of a pregnant woman becomes weaker, resulting in more mucus in the nose.
