The female body works in an impressive way, with each change of phase, signs are given of these changes. This also happens when a pregnancy begins and the body starts to show the first symptoms of pregnancy. Obviously, there are cases where the signs are imperceptible, or even when the woman usually does not monitor or pay attention to her body’s changes. Or, she may mistake the presence of some signs for other external or even hormonal issues. But the big truth is that, even though the signals and first symptoms of pregnancy are almost imperceptible, they do happen. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, everything becomes clearer!

What Are the Main Symptoms of Pregnancy?

The main symptoms of pregnancy are well known, but there are some others that are not usually observed and can indicate the early start of a pregnancy—the first symptoms. When we talk about suspected pregnancy, the first symptom that comes to mind is missed period. Nausea, vomiting, and aversion to strong smells and perfumes are also among the first signs and suspicions. However, some other bodily changes are also signs, let’s list them:

  • Swollen and sensitive nipples;
  • Intense mood swings;
  • Dizziness;
  • Increased urge to urinate;
  • Excessive salivation;

Changes in hair and especially in the skin can also be observed. The skin may appear oilier and with the presence of many pimples and acne. A lot of fatigue and abdominal bloating may also be noticed.

When Do the First Signs of Pregnancy Appear?

We usually hear, even from some doctors, that pregnancy symptoms can only occur or be observed after 2 or 3 weeks following intercourse. But some other specialists and studies point out that it is possible to notice signs that pregnancy has occurred just a few days after sexual intercourse, due to implantation bleeding. Since fertilization may not occur the same day as intercourse and can take 2 to 3 days to happen, implantation bleeding takes place on the day the sperm implants in the egg. With the appearance of pinkish discharge, implantation bleeding is simply the vagina’s natural mucus with traces of blood, which occurs at the exact moment of fertilization. Often imperceptible, implantation bleeding can be noticed when wiping with toilet paper after urinating or spotting on underwear. Along with implantation bleeding, some women report feeling a slight cramp or abdominal twinge at the time of fertilization. Another symptom that can be noticed in the first few days is abdominal bloating. When the egg is fertilized, there is a marked increase in blood flow and with this hormonal levels also change to preserve and ensure the embryo’s development. This causes the abdominal area to become more swollen than usual. This abdominal bloating and cramps can be easily mistaken for PMS symptoms and so are not usually considered as early pregnancy symptoms. They go unnoticed until a missed period occurs and a pregnancy test confirms it.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test for Confirmation?

Ideally, you should wait until a missed period is confirmed to take a pregnancy test and confirm your suspicion. However, there are now pharmacy tests with higher sensitivity to the HCG hormone, which are able to detect elevated hormone levels even before a missed period.

IMPORTANT: The best is to wait as close as possible to your expected period date to ensure HCG levels are high enough.

If you take a pharmacy pregnancy test, get a negative result, and the pregnancy symptoms persist, wait 2 to 5 days and repeat the test. HCG levels double every 24 hours, and a negative result may simply be due to low hormone levels on that day. If you are not confident in the pharmacy pregnancy test, the safest option to guarantee an objective and reliable result is through a blood test. In addition to the result, the blood test will thoroughly indicate the amount of Beta HCG hormone in your blood, which is only produced if you are really pregnant. By the way, through the amount of HCG hormone, it is possible to get an idea of how many weeks pregnant you are, as shown below:

  • Up to 25 mIU/ml – 7 days after fertilization;
  • 1,000 mIU/ml – 4 weeks pregnant;
  • 3,000 mIU/ml – 5 weeks pregnant;
  • 6,000 mIU/ml – 6 weeks pregnant;
  • 20,000 mIU/ml – 7 weeks pregnant;
  • 100,000 mIU/ml – 8 to 10 weeks pregnant

Obviously, these are estimated numbers and each laboratory may perform the check with different reference values. In the blood test result, next to the result, the laboratory always provides the reference values to be considered.

The Result Was Positive, Now What?

Whether pregnancy is planned or unexpected, after confirmation through a test, it’s time to start prenatal care. If you confirmed the pregnancy with a pharmacy test, the ideal is to do a blood test to confirm the reference values, but if you see your OB-GYN, they will order it for you. At the first appointment after beta HCG confirmation, prenatal monitoring should begin. At this appointment, your information will be collected for registration and follow-up, as well as to make your prenatal card, where during each check-up your pregnancy development will be recorded, along with your health information. The first data requested will be your LMP (last menstrual period), as well as your weight and blood pressure, which will be closely monitored throughout the pregnancy. At this initial appointment, the first ultrasound will also be ordered. The OB-GYN will use your LMP to calculate the best time for you to have the scan. From 5 weeks’ gestation, a transvaginal ultrasound can already be performed to observe the development of the gestational sac and whether it is properly inside the uterus. From the 7th week of pregnancy onwards, it is possible not only to observe the gestational sac, but also be rewarded with the world’s best sound for parents, the baby’s heartbeat. When an ultrasound is performed from the 8th week through the 13th week, it is possible, through the measurements of the embryo, to confirm gestational age and EDD (estimated due date), which is when you reach 40 weeks of pregnancy. You’ll have to wait a little longer to find out your baby’s sex. At this stage, the embryo is still very small and its genitals are still developing. It will only be around 20 weeks that it can be determined with accuracy.

When to See the Gynecologist / OB-GYN?

Visits to the gynecologist should be regular, at least annually, to keep your routine exams up to date. But if you notice any changes in your body or observe any unusual sign or pregnancy symptom that causes you doubt, see your doctor for confirmation. If you took a pharmacy pregnancy test and it was positive, you should see your doctor immediately to start prenatal care. The sooner you start, the better your pregnancy monitoring and care will be, including the use of vitamin supplements that will ensure good development of the baby. Photo: silviarita