Symptoms and stages of pregnancy when a man’s sperm fertilizes an egg after it is released from the ovary during ovulation, conception occurs. The fertilized egg then makes its way to the uterus where it is implanted. Pregnancy is the outcome of successful implantation.
A full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks on average. Pregnancy might be affected by a variety of things. Women who obtain a prenatal diagnosis and care early in their pregnancy are more likely to have a healthy pregnancy and have a healthy baby.
Knowing what to expect throughout your pregnancy is crucial for keeping track of both your health and the health of your kid. There are many effective types of birth control to consider if you want to avoid pregnancy.
Pregnancy symptoms include:
Some signs and symptoms may appear before you even take a pregnancy test. As your hormone levels fluctuate, others will arrive weeks later.
- Missed period
One of the first signs of pregnancy is a missed period (and maybe the most classic one). A missed period, on the other hand, does not always imply that you are pregnant, especially if your cycle is erratic. A late or missed period can be caused by a variety of health issues other than pregnancy.
Migraine
Early in pregnancy, headaches are frequent. Changes in hormone levels and an increase in blood volume are the most common causes. If your headaches don’t go away or are particularly painful, see your doctor.
- Bleeding
Early in pregnancy, some women may suffer minor bleeding and spotting. The most common cause of this bleeding is implantation. Fertilization is frequently followed by one to two weeks of implanting.
Early pregnancy bleeding can also be caused by minor ailments like an infection or discomfort. The latter frequently affects the cervix’s surface (which is very sensitive during pregnancy).
Bleeding can potentially indicate a major pregnancy problem, such as a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, or a placenta previa. If you have any concerns, you should always contact your doctor.
- Increased body weight
In the first few months of pregnancy, you should gain between 1 and 4 pounds. Beginning in the second trimester, weight gain becomes more obvious.
- Hypertension caused during pregnancy
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can occur during pregnancy. A lot of things can put you at risk, including:
-having a high body mass index (BMI) or being obese
-smoking
-having a past history of pregnancy-induced hypertension or a family history of it
- Acid Reflux
The valve between your stomach and esophagus might sometimes relax as a result of hormones released during pregnancy. Heartburn can be caused by stomach acid leaking out.
Constipation
Early pregnancy hormone changes can cause your digestive system to slow down. You may feel constipated as a resul
- Cramps
You may feel a pulling sensation similar to menstrual cramps when the muscles in your uterus stretch and enlarge. If you’re having cramps and spotting or bleeding, it could be an indication of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. - Backache
The most common reasons for back discomfort in early pregnancy are hormones and muscle stress. Your increased weight and shifting center of gravity may exacerbate your back problems in the future. Approximately half of all pregnant women experience back discomfort at some point throughout their pregnancy.
- Anemia
Anemia, which produces symptoms such as lightheadedness and dizziness, is more common among pregnant women. Premature birth and low birth weight are possible outcomes of the disease. Anemia is routinely checked during prenatal care.
- Depression
During their pregnancy, between 14 and 23 percent of all pregnant women experience depression. Many biological and mental changes you’re going through could be significant factors. If you don’t feel out of place, make an appointment with your doctor.
- Insomnia
Another typical symptom of early pregnancy is insomnia. Stress, physical discomfort, and hormonal shifts can all play a role. A healthy diet, excellent sleeping habits, and yoga stretches can all help you sleep better.
- Breast
One of the first signs of pregnancy is a change in the breasts. Your breasts may become painful, swollen, and generally heavy or full even before you’re far enough along for a positive test. The areolae may darken and your nipples may grow larger and more sensitive.
- Acne
Many women get acne during pregnancy as a result of elevated androgen hormones. These hormones might cause your skin to become oilier, clogging your pores. Acne during pregnancy is usually just brief and disappears after the baby is born.
Week by week, your pregnancy progresses:
The weeks of pregnancy are divided into three trimesters, each with its own set of medical milestones for both you and the baby
- Trimester one
During the first trimester, a baby grows quickly (weeks 1 to 12). The brain, spinal cord, and organs of the fetus begin to develop. The baby’s heart will begin to beat as well. The risk of miscarriage is relatively significant during the first trimester. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), one out of every ten pregnancies ends in miscarriage, with 85 percent of miscarriages occurring in the first trimester. If you think you’re having a miscarriage, get help right away.
- Second trimester
Your healthcare practitioner will most likely do an anatomy scan ultrasound during the second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 13 to 27). This test looks for any developmental anomalies in the fetus’s body. If you want to know before the baby is delivered, the test results can also indicate the sex of the kid. You’ll probably start to feel your baby kick, punch, and move about inside your uterus.
A kid in utero is deemed “viable” after 23 weeks. This suggests it might be able to live outside of your womb. Babies delivered this early are more likely to have major medical problems. The longer you are able to carry the pregnancy, the more likely your baby will be born healthy.
- Trimester three
Your weight gain will speed in the third trimester (weeks 28 to 40), and you may feel more exhausted. Your infant can now open and close their eyes as well as perceive light. Their skeletons are also developing. As labor approaches, you may experience pelvic pain and swollen feet. Braxton-Hicks contractions, which do not lead to labor, may begin to occur in the weeks leading up to your due date.
Last but not least
If you think you’re pregnant, don’t rely on these signs and symptoms alone to prove your suspicions. A probable pregnancy can be confirmed by using a home pregnancy test or visiting your doctor for lab testing.