The hormones responsible for pregnancy symptoms are the same that predominate after ovulation, specifically progesterone in this case. That's why many women mistake them for PMS symptoms, and it's very common to happen because in most cases they can indeed be very similar, both cramping and initial irritability.
The first symptoms can appear even before a missed period and to identify them, you need to know your body very well1. Women who are very aware of the changes in their cycle tend to recognize these pregnancy symptoms more easily! The pregnancy symptoms in the first week for some women might not be the most famous ones, like nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, hunger, and the more trivial ones, but can include others along with the absence of menstruation, and still indicate a totally healthy pregnancy!
The cliché has also become common when talking about the first pregnancy symptoms. For example, when someone talks about nausea in a woman of childbearing age, most people immediately think about pregnancy, right? A simple “ugh, I feel sick” can prompt some “hmmm, are you pregnant?”.
However, there are certain aspects that not all women know can be one of the exotic early pregnancy symptoms, such as:
Symptoms in the First Days
- Bitter mouth or metallic taste
- Cravings for different foods
- Blurred vision (in women with myopia)
- Back pain
- Increased salivation
- Darkening of the nipples and groin
- Increased libido
Most of the pregnancy symptoms described above are caused by rising progesterone and all the hormonal changes in the body of the newly pregnant woman. Imagine the hormonal surge that occurs to ensure the pregnancy remains safe2.
The progesterone levels produced by the corpus luteum make these symptoms appear before we even suspect they could actually be a sign that a baby is growing in the womb. Worsening vision in people with myopia is a rare symptom, and even doctors say it’s possible, though it's not very common, but it is possible! A bitter or metallic taste in the mouth can also be due to pregnancy, and is another early pregnancy symptom that can be mistaken for a liver problem, especially in women who drink alcohol. Of course, we need to take care not to confuse things and say that any pain near the belly button can be a sign of pregnancy.
Normally, the first pregnancy symptom to appear is bloating. The rise in hormones can cause the area where the uterus is located—below the belly button—to be more pronounced, especially at night. Discomfort during sexual intercourse can also be one of the first symptoms, did you know? Yes, an enlarged uterus can make sex uncomfortable, since deeper penetration can touch the cervix and cause discomfort due to swelling.
Symptoms can also include frequent urination and a higher body temperature. It’s very common for women to feel hot flashes, intense heat, and increased sweating due to this higher body temperature, which is also caused by higher progesterone. Some women tend to experience heartburn as an early symptom, and nausea may accompany it in most cases! Breast tenderness and even twinges in the breast can be a sign of pregnancy; these are common symptoms in the first few days.
In fact, knowing the first symptoms of pregnancy isn’t so difficult, but knowing when to take the test is very important to avoid disappointment if the pregnancy was planned.
Changing Habits
Initially, when a woman starts to suspect she may be pregnant, she should give up any habits that could harm the pregnancy immediately3. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, prescription medications, and anything else that could harm the pregnancy should be avoided until pregnancy is confirmed. As soon as the first symptoms appear it's very important that the woman focuses completely on the safety of her pregnancy and takes care of herself until birth and breastfeeding. Finally, if you really think you are pregnant, the best thing to do is to take a test after your period is late, either a pharmacy test or a beta HCG test. A positive result will surely change your life!
Readers' Questions
How do I recognize the first pregnancy symptoms?
To recognize pregnancy symptoms, you need to pay attention to various signs that may indicate a possible pregnancy. And, of course, you must have had the possibility of getting pregnant in that cycle. If you are noticing one or more pregnancy symptoms, take a pregnancy test to confirm.
How does the belly look in the early pregnancy symptoms?
The belly is one of the last signs to look for when suspecting pregnancy. In the early stages, it’s impossible to notice any difference because the embryo is microscopic.
References:
- 1Foxcroft, K. F., Callaway, L. K., Byrne, N. M., & Webster, J. (2013). Development and validation of a pregnancy symptoms inventory. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 13(1), 1-9.
- 2Di Renzo, G. C., Mattei, A., Gojnic, M., & Gerli, S. (2005). Progesterone and pregnancy. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 17(6), 598-600.
- 3Rayburn, W. F., & Phelan, S. T. (2008). Promoting healthy habits in pregnancy. Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America, 35(3), 385-400.
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