As a teenager, sexual education workshops emphasize the need for contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. However, these workshops do not inform you how hard it can sometimes be to conceive when you willingly attempt to get pregnant. Oftentimes, you may read too much into every mild symptom you experience, causing you to rush to the washroom hoping for a positive test outcome. However, this approach could lead to frustration, especially if your test result does not meet your expectations. To help you identify conception in its early phases, OBGYN specialist Dr. John Gomes outlines some of the early pregnancy Garden City signs you should watch out for. Read on to learn more.
Breast Soreness
Breast and nipple soreness is generally one of the very first indicators of pregnancy. Numerous women suffer these symptoms as a natural part of their menses, making it hard to distinguish whether they are an early pregnancy sign. Unlike menstrual-related soreness, this sensitivity does not go away soon and rather worsens over time. Nonetheless, expect this soreness to diminish by the end of your initial trimester.
Cramping
Cramping is another typical early pregnancy sign. Most women will suffer minor cramping because of enhanced blood flow to their uterus. If this cramping worsens and disrupts your everyday life, consult your physician.
Skipped Period
As obvious as it might seem, a missed period is a pregnancy warning sign, especially if you are not the type who suffers irregular periods.
Spotting
Brown or light pink spotting about a week ahead of your typical menses could be an early sign of pregnancy, also known as implantation bleeding. Once a fertilized egg adheres to your uterine lining, it might trigger discomfort and minor bleeding, which could be misinterpreted for your menses.
Morning Sickness
Notwithstanding its name, morning sickness may come at any moment because of the sudden fluctuation in hormone levels. 5 in every ten women will suffer from a certain form of morning sickness, whether vomiting, nausea, or even Hyperemesis gravidarum, a more severe type of morning sickness.
Fatigue
Generally, the growth and development of the fetus naturally sap the mother’s energy. The female body struggles to generate more blood flow for the baby’s development without a shift in blood pressure and sugar levels. When blended with increased hormone levels, you might occasionally experience daytime drowsiness. However, you need not worry as most women recover their vigor during the 2nd trimester.
Shifts in Food Preferences
Often, women will suffer food cravings or aversions throughout their 1st trimester. These might be foods you do not ordinarily consume or some that you previously disliked. Although it is fine to splurge occasionally, ensure you eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Have you suffered one or more of the symptoms mentioned above? If so, it is right to suspect pregnancy. Nonetheless, the best way to establish your pregnancy status is to have a pregnancy test. Whether you use over-the-counter test kits or visit the Women’s Healthcare of Garden City, discovering you are pregnant early will ensure you take the right measures to care for yourself and your baby properly. Schedule a consultation through mobile or book online to learn more.
