The initial stage of pregnancy: the first symptoms, features of a woman's well-being. How do the first symptoms of pregnancy appear?

22.07.2019

If the pregnancy is not only planned, but also long-awaited, then a woman is almost always eager to find out about her situation as soon as possible. Sometimes this is necessary due to medical indications, for example, if the tests showed a low level of progesterone and in order to maintain the vital activity of the fetal egg, it is required to start taking a synthetic analogue of this hormone as soon as possible.

The peculiarity of the first signs of pregnancy in the early stages is that most of them cannot say with absolute certainty that a woman is really expecting a baby.

After ovulation, there comes a period when the expectant mother begins to listen sensitively to any, even the slightest, changes in her well-being, which can sometimes indicate problems with the gastrointestinal tract, pathologies of the organs of the reproductive system, or hormonal changes in the second phase of the cycle.

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Signs of pregnancy in the early stages - 1 week

You may have heard from someone that a woman felt the first symptoms of her new position literally in the first hours after intercourse. Such claims are hopeful, but from a medical point of view they are implausible.

Even at the earliest stages, the first signs of pregnancy appear only when the female body begins to produce the hCG hormone.

After fertilization, the fertilized egg must pass from the fallopian tubes to the uterus. This path takes him several days (from 3 to 12), conditionally 1 week. Once in the uterus, the embryo is implanted in the mucous membrane of one of its walls, and only after that the pregnancy hormone begins to be produced.

But in the first hours, its concentration is too low for a woman's body to begin to somehow react to a change in the endocrine status. must pass at least 24 - 26 hours when the concentration of hCG increases so much that some changes occur in well-being.

Thus, the earliest changes that the expectant mother can feel will occur only after at least 4 days after conception, and then on condition that the fetal egg gets from the fallopian tubes to the uterus in 3 days.

A woman is able to note the following signs of pregnancy in the earliest stages of the 1st week:

Changes from the BT schedule: The temperature does not drop below 37 degrees, it may drop sharply for a day and the same sharp rise to the previous position. This behavior of the graph is called implantation depression. But it doesn't happen to all women.
Changes in the state of the gastrointestinal tract: Heartburn may occur. Those who have suffered from it before will experience an increase in it, and those who have not had such problems before will note a short-term appearance of this condition.
Changes in the level of hCG: the very first blood test for hCG can be taken only on the seventh day after ovulation. Even if the fetal egg reached the uterus in the shortest possible time (in 3 days), then doubling the concentration of hCG occurs only once every two days.
Change in appetite: an indirect sign of pregnancy can be a sharp increase in appetite at the end of the first week after conception. But it can also be a reaction to an increase in the concentration of progesterone in the blood.

the test may not show pregnancy yet!

In the second week after ovulation, the process of moving the fetal egg from the fallopian tubes to the uterus is completed. And in those women who have it implanted on the third, fourth or fifth day, the concentration of hCG increases so much that the signs of pregnancy intensify and increase their number, even though the test is still negative.

Change from the side of the BT schedule: the temperature continues to be elevated, it may increase by 0.2 - 0.3 degrees. Toward the end of the second week, there is no decrease, which usually portends the imminent onset of menstruation.
Change in hCG level: in the second week from conception, a blood test will already show an increase in the level of the pregnancy hormone, which will give the most reliable answer to the question of whether it was possible to conceive a child. If necessary, you can observe hCG in dynamics, taking an analysis every 2 days.
Change in appetite: the feeling of hunger increases in the evening, sometimes the expectant mother may feel hungry even at night and go to empty the refrigerator. Moreover, already at such a time, a craving for a particular product may appear.
The appearance of unusual sensations in the pelvic area: by the end of the second week, a woman may begin to feel unusual warmth (even heat) in the lower abdomen. This is due to two factors: the implantation of the fetal egg stimulated increased blood flow to the small pelvis, and to this is added the increased work of the corpus luteum, which is now responsible for feeding the developing embryo.
Breast changes: By the 14th day after ovulation, the breast becomes painful to the touch. In about half of pregnant women, this soreness is felt from both sides, starting from the armpits. This is due to increased blood flow to the mammary glands.
Change in cervical mucus: in the second week, the nature of the discharge can be interpreted as an early sign of pregnancy. They intensify, become translucent, but do not have any specific odors.

Symptoms at 3 weeks from conception

During the third week, signs begin to appear in those women in whom the ovum reached the uterus at a later date, and implantation occurred later. At the beginning of this period, most expectant mothers observe a delay in menstruation and, before buying a test, begin to pay closer attention to the changes that occur in their body.

At this time There are two signs that can be safely called reliable confirmation of the fact of conception:

HCG analysis: with good dynamics, the doctor can determine the pregnancy as uterine.
The result of ultrasound examination: on ultrasound, signs of pregnancy in the early stages are displayed in the form of a “lush” layer of the endometrium, a functioning corpus luteum and the presence of a dark spot in the body of the uterus 2–3 mm in diameter (embryo and its fetal membranes).

In addition, there are also a number of symptoms that may indicate the presence of pregnancy indirectly:

Changes in the mammary glands: the chest is filled, painful to the touch. The veins on it become clearly visible, at times it seems that heat comes from it. However, this symptom may not be observed in everyone. Some women do not feel pain at all and do not notice an increase in the volume of the mammary glands in the first trimester.
A change in the gastrointestinal tract: at the end of 3 weeks, toxicosis may begin, since by this time the level of hCG has increased so much that the body can react to it in the same way as to intoxication. If there is no nausea, then the appetite that pestered the pregnant woman before the delay in menstruation does not decrease. There may be stronger addictions to a particular product.
Change in the nature of cervical mucus: discharge from watery turns into thicker and acquires a yellowish tint. This is due to an increase in progesterone levels.
Changes from the central nervous system: a woman may notice unusual drowsiness. There will be a desire to sleep during the day, or pulling to go to bed early, and get up in the morning - later. Mood swings become noticeable, tearfulness, irascibility appears, or vice versa - imperturbable calmness and peace.

Common manifestations for the 2nd phase of the cycle and pregnancy

All signs of pregnancy in the early stages, both before and after the delay, are relative (except for hCG and ultrasound).

If a woman plans to conceive a child for more than a month, then she can often mistakenly rely on symptoms that are also characteristic of the second phase of the menstrual cycle in the absence of pregnancy:

Elevated temperature on the BBT chart. It is not at all necessary that it indicates conception - this can only mean that there is no insufficiency of the second phase.
Soreness of the chest. The mammary glands can also hurt before menstruation. The venous grid on them can also become brighter before the onset of menstruation.
Increased appetite. For many women, food cravings are a symptom of the natural increase in progesterone after ovulation.

It is worth mentioning that it is absolutely pointless to do any pregnancy tests earlier than 10 days after the date of the intended conception.

Even if hCG is present, then before the specified period, its concentration in the urine will not yet reach the level that the test systems can respond to.

Often, a woman finds out about her pregnancy after the cessation of menstruation. We used to consider this the first symptom of early pregnancy, but there are still a number of signs that usually no one pays attention to. Basically, conception occurs at a time when there is about a week left before the next menstruation, so talking about a delay as the first symptom is not entirely true. Before it starts, quite tangible changes occur in a woman’s body, you just need to listen to yourself.

Increased salivation can be observed not only at the sight of appetizing food, but also during sleep, laughter or conversation. This symptom is considered harmless, but can cause some discomfort during communication.

Many women during pregnancy suffer from puffiness limbs. When such a symptom appears, it is necessary to limit salt and do special exercises that relieve swelling.

Almost every pregnant woman faces a problem gastrointestinal disorders . After eating or in the evening, there may be heaviness in the stomach, diarrhea, accumulation of gases in the intestines, and heartburn. It is necessary to monitor nutrition, eat according to the regimen and not mix incompatible products. More fresh vegetables and dairy products. Try not to load your stomach in the evening. This, by the way, will help to keep the figure after childbirth.

The vast majority of women in the first month of pregnancy note frequent urge to urinate and constipation . The first is due to the increased work of the kidneys and the pressure of the growing fetus on the bladder. In addition, frequent visits to the toilet can signal infections of the reproductive system.

Constipation is a natural manifestation of pregnancy, although, for the most part, it occurs in the third trimester. But problems with the stool are not ruled out at earlier dates. This problem is especially relevant in women who are carrying a large fetus and those who are used to eating on the go, mostly dry food. If constipation during pregnancy has not bypassed you, you need to take the process under your own control.

First, treat food with respect - do not eat in front of the TV or computer, and do not combine eating with reading a book. Eat more fiber and dried fruits - this, moreover, will enrich the body with vitamins. Second, move more. Even in late pregnancy, you can do exercises, and in the first month it is simply necessary.

But sometimes already on the 6th day from the moment of conception, the first interesting provisions appear. However, often they are similar to the symptoms of other diseases or hormonal disorders.

Delayed menstruation is one of the first signs pregnancy, but only on a regular basis. However, the same circumstance may occur during inflammatory processes in the ovaries, and other changes in the body may well appear, for example, any of the following.

Enlargement of the mammary glands or their soreness. At the same time, the cause of the changes may be hormonal disorders or premenstrual syndrome.

Most often, pregnancy is suspected by a delay in menstruation. However, a change in the cycle can be associated with many factors: inflammation, beriberi, endocrine and metabolic disorders, climate change, nervous shocks. Therefore, it is not always correct to assume one's interesting position only on this basis. Often in the first weeks of the term, bleeding occurs. True, it occurs due to the introduction of a fertilized egg into the thickness of the uterus.

One of the first signs of pregnancy is breast enlargement and soreness. These same sensations may be associated with hormonal disorders or premenstrual syndrome. In this case, you should watch yourself. If the breast continues to grow, then it is most likely time to visit a gynecologist or take a pregnancy test. If the result is positive, two lines will appear.

It is not uncommon for early to appear as the first. Nausea in the morning and aversion to certain foods and smells come on before retention and other symptoms. Repeated attacks of dizziness upon awakening for 3 days are a reason to confirm your position with a test. But since he may not immediately give a positive result, it is better to contact a gynecologist.

How wonderful it would be if the very next day after conception, the uterus signaled to the woman about the onset of pregnancy with some obvious symptom. But this does not happen and we have to rely only on signs of hormonal changes in the body. Considering that each woman is individual, then signs of pregnancy in the early stages may not appear at all, or everything in the complex may begin to disturb the expectant mother as early as 1 month.

What are the earliest symptoms?

If you do not observe any of these signs, then this does not mean that there is no pregnancy. Perhaps your body reacts in its own way to conception and changes in hormonal levels are not so strongly reflected in your well-being.

#1: High Basal Body Temperature

If you regularly monitor your cycle and measure BBT (basal temperature), you will notice that it will remain high throughout the luteal phase. Progesterone causes the temperature to stay high during ovulation, and if BBT remains high, this indicates pregnancy. If conception has not occurred, then BT falls and menstruation goes on its due date.

#2: No period

The most obvious and well-known symptom is that you notice that your period has not come on time. But, despite the fact that this sign is most often attributed to pregnancy, there are a number of other reasons that can lead to a delay. For example, severe stress, a serious illness or surgery. On the other hand, many women notice the presence of menstruation already during pregnancy. For some, they will go on for several months or even the entire pregnancy.

#3: Morning sickness

Another fairly well-known symptom is. It, of course, can manifest itself not only in the morning, but at any time of the day, as soon as the blood sugar level drops significantly. Therefore, you need to follow a regular diet. The whole first trimester can be nauseating, and some women suffer from this symptom in general for 9 months.

#4: Breast Changes

nipples become tender, sensitive and darken;
the chest begins to hurt and (or) becomes lumpy;
veins on the chest become noticeable;
areolas (circles around the nipples) may darken and enlarge;
small bumps on the areola may become larger or increase in number.

#5: Increased natural secretions

An increase in the hormone progesterone leads to an increase in the amount of cervical mucus. For some women, this symptom may not be noticeable at all, while others have to change daily pads more often.

#6: Fatigue

During your first pregnancy, your metabolism gets faster to support your unborn baby and your own body. This leads to a feeling of endless fatigue. It may seem to you that you constantly want to sleep or at least just relax. Progesterone also has a sedative effect, so for many women, even during the day, their eyes literally close from fatigue. Do not fight with your body - you just need rest now.

#7: Frequent Urination

Already a week after conception, you can notice that the urge to go to the toilet began to be observed somewhat more often than usual. This is because the embryo has already begun to produce hCG, a pregnancy hormone that increases blood flow to the pelvic area. As a result, the bladder signals its fullness even when there is a small amount of urine. This is especially disturbing for a woman at night.

No. 8: Cramps in the lower abdomen

This symptom causes anxiety in many women, because they are afraid. However, even if you are not pregnant, your uterus is constantly contracting. This is also normal while waiting for the baby, because the fetus grows and presses on the walls of the uterus, which leads to its spasms.

But if these contractions are accompanied, then it really can be a miscarriage. In this case, you need to contact your gynecologist and an ambulance as soon as possible. But do not panic - sometimes spotting can be another sign of pregnancy.

#9: Spotting

8-10 days after ovulation (when you should have your next period), you may notice light spotting, which is called. They are usually not as bright in color as menstruation.

#10: Constipation and Gas

An increase in hormones leads to the fact that the intestines relax and work worse - this is necessary in order to make more space for the baby. But as a result, this often leads to constipation. Fortunately, there are many remedies that can help and are safe for pregnant women.

#11: Smell

Smells that have never bothered you before can now become a real problem. Even cooking can now be disgusting.

#12: Cold and/or stuffy nose

With the normal development of pregnancy, the woman's immune system is suppressed. This is provided by nature so that the body of the pregnant woman does not reject the fetus as a foreign body. As a result of these hormonal changes, the expectant mother is very susceptible to various kinds of infections. And the nose is stuffed up again because of the hormonal effects on the nasal passages.

No. 13: The appearance of blackheads

You may find yourself prone to acne. And even if you have not been bothered by this trouble before, the waiting period for the baby often leads to acne.

#14: Taste change

Rising levels of hormones in the body can also be reflected in your saliva. You may experience a metallic taste in your mouth that changes the taste of regular foods.

#15: Emotional Seesaw

From the very first weeks of pregnancy, a woman can feel incomprehensible tides of joy, then sharp influxes of sadness. Often it becomes a very acute problem and relationships with others begin to deteriorate.

pregnancy tests

Sometimes a test at a very early date may not show the coveted second strip. Even if conception has occurred, the hCG level may still be too low for the test to detect its increase. If you think that conception did occur during the last ovulation, then you should wait only 2 weeks and the result will be accurate.

Examination by a gynecologist

The hospital may offer you several types of pregnancy determination:

Analysis of urine;
blood analysis;
inspection.

In order to avoid infection, it is better not to do the last procedure. The first two are enough to determine whether the long-awaited pregnancy has occurred.