Before you take your first pregnancy test, your body usually gives small signs that something is happening inside you. Do you want to know what the first symptoms of pregnancy are?
In the first few days or weeks, there are already signs or symptoms that indicate we might be pregnant, even before a missed period.
First symptoms of pregnancy
Below are some of them:
- A missed period is usually the first clear symptom. Although sometimes it can be confused with what is known as implantation bleeding, which occurs when the embryo implants in the mother's uterus (though this bleeding does not always occur).
- Vomiting and nausea: these are usually more frequent first thing in the morning, although some women feel this way all day. To alleviate it, it is recommended to eat small amounts more frequently.
- Odors: very related to the above, your sense of smell intensifies, and suddenly there will be odors you can't stand :). It's also normal to suddenly reject certain foods and, conversely, strongly crave others; the latter is commonly known as pregnancy cravings.
- Extreme tiredness: that feeling of falling asleep everywhere is normal; it's common to feel very sleepy as your body is undergoing many changes, and it's important to try to rest as much as you can.
- Heaviness, gas, constipation: sometimes these go unnoticed but can indicate that progesterone levels are rising (which is a hormone produced by a woman's ovaries). This hormone helps prepare the uterus and also prepares the breasts to produce milk.
- Breast enlargement: changes in the breasts are almost the first thing we notice, and this is explained by the above—progesterone preparing our body. Increased sensitivity is also common.
- Constant urge to urinate: the uterus is starting to grow and compresses the bladder, which makes us feel like we need to go to the bathroom. This feeling will be even greater at the end of the pregnancy.
- Congested nose or bleeding gums, while not as frequent, can also be a symptom of pregnancy.
- Bloating or lower abdominal pain: hormonal changes at the beginning of pregnancy can make you feel bloated, similar to when you get your period.
Am I really pregnant?
To clear up any doubts, it's best to take a home test and then see a gynecologist to confirm that everything is fine. But it's also good to know what the first symptoms of pregnancy are and start taking care of yourself from the beginning.
Oh, it's also important to remember to take folic acid a few months before trying to conceive. Folic acid plays a very important role and protects us from anemia. There's no need to wait until you feel the first signs of pregnancy; it's advisable to start earlier.
What were the first symptoms you noticed when you became pregnant? Are we missing any?
