What are the Most Common Early Signs of Pregnancy?

• Missed period. If you’re in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without the start of an expected menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.
• Tender, swollen breasts. Early in pregnancy hormonal changes might make your breasts sensitive and sore. The discomfort will likely decrease after a few weeks as your body adjusts to hormonal changes.
• Nausea with or without vomiting. Morning sickness, which can strike at any time of the day or night, often begins one month after you become pregnant. However, some women feel nausea earlier and some never experience it. While the cause of nausea during pregnancy isn’t clear, pregnancy hormones likely play a role.
• Increased urination. You might find yourself urinating more often than usual. The amount of blood in your body increases during pregnancy, causing your kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in your bladder.
• Fatigue. Fatigue also ranks high among early symptoms of pregnancy. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone soar — which might make you feel sleepy.

When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start?

You may experience pregnancy symptoms within a week of conception. Some women report that they did not experience any symptoms for a few weeks. Click here if you need a free test or ultrasound.

Other pregnancy signs and symptoms during the first trimester may include:

• Mood Swings. Expecting mothers frequently experience mood swings. This is primarily caused by the hormonal changes that affect the neurotransmitters of the brain. Some may experience elevated highs and lows, and others alternate between states of happiness and depression or anxiety. Mood swings are normal; but, if you’re struggling with depression or extended periods of sadness, please contact your healthcare provider. Some women prefer to go directly to a counselor or mental health professional.
• Backaches. Lower backaches are common. It can occur with the onset of pregnancy, but it’s usually experienced later as the pregnancy progresses, around pregnancy week 27 to week 34.
• Headaches.  Experts believe the sudden rise of hormones and/or blood flow in your body leads can cause headaches. There is an approximate 50% increase in the volume of blood flowing during your pregnancy.
• Food cravings or food aversions.  The food expecting women crave or seek to avoid varies and is quite sporadic. It is alright to allow yourself the freedom to pursue those cravings and avoid the things you don’t want as long as you are getting the nutrition you need for a healthy pregnancy. These cravings or aversions can occur early in pregnancy or anytime throughout your pregnancy.
• Darkening of the Areolas. It’s normal if the areolas, area around your nipples will darken.
• Bloating. Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can cause you to feel bloated, similar to how you might feel at the start of a menstrual period.
• Light spotting. Sometimes a small amount of light spotting is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus — about 10 to 14 days after conception. Implantation bleeding occurs around the time of a menstrual period. However, not all women have it.

What Else Could It Be?

A missed or delayed period, the most commonly reported first sign of pregnancy, could be caused by:

• Pending menstruation
• Excessive weight gain or loss
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• New workout regimen
• Hormonal imbalance
• Tension or stress
• Change in birth control usage
• Various illnesses
• Breastfeeding

Nausea or morning sickness, the second most frequently cited symptom of pregnancy, might be explained by:

• Food poisoning
• Tension or stress
• Anxiety
• Change in hormonal birth control
• Other stomach ailments

Tender or changing breasts, the third most noted pregnancy symptom, might be triggered by:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Change in hormonal birth control
• Impending menstruation

Fatigue or tiredness can be brought on by:

• Tension or stress
• Exhaustion from working too hard
• Depression or other mental health struggles
• Common cold or flu
• New workout regimen
• Allergies or other ailments
• Lack of sleep
• Improper nutrition
• Pending menstruation

What Do I Do Next?

If you would like to speak to someone about your pregnancy symptoms or the possibility of being pregnant, click the chat button below or call us toll free at 1-800-672-2296.

• If you need a free pregnancy test or ultrasound you can use your zip code to find a free pregnancy testing center.
• If you are trying to get pregnant and need help, check out our new e-book, The Ultimate Fertility Resource Guide.
• Questions about paternity? Call for free paternity info at 1-800-798-0580.

Want to Know More?

• 7 Discomforts of Pregnancy
• Morning Sickness Relief

The post Early Signs of Pregnancy appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

Implantation Bleeding Symptoms

Implantation bleeding is considered one of the early pregnancy symptoms (at least one of the first easily identifiable signs for a mother). Because implantation bleeding occurs near the time of her next period, many women are confused whether it is a possible pregnancy or a period. Here are other signs of implantation bleeding

• Light or faint cramping (less than a normal period cramp)
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Lower backaches

(These can also be PMS symptoms or ovulation symptoms, so having these along with pinkish/brownish spotting does not guarantee that it has to do with pregnancy.)

What Does Implantation Bleeding Look Like?

Implantation bleeding looks a bit different from the average woman’s period. It is important to remember that not all women have the same kind of blood flow during their menstrual period. Some will have a heavier flow during their period while others may experience a bit more unpredictability.

These are the key differences between implantation bleeding and a period:

1. Color.  Whether heavy or light, most women are familiar with the color of their period (usually a bright to dark red). Implantation bleeding, however, is typically light pink to dark brown (rust-colored) in color.
2. Clotting.  Some women experience a great deal of clotting during their menstruation, while some do not see much at all. Implantation bleeding, however, should not present any clots.
3. Amount.  Most women are able to fill pads and tampons during their periods, but with implantation bleeding, it is different. The descriptor “bleeding” can be misleading – implantation bleeding is usually only spotting or a light flow rather than a full flow. Typically, implantation bleeding is a little pink or brown discharge only when a woman wipes or just enough to get on a pantyliner. It may be either intermittent or a more constant light flow.

How Long Does Implantation Bleeding Last?

Implantation bleeding should last only between a couple of hours to three full days. If the bleeding you are experiencing is bright or dark red blood, lasts more than three days, and is a full flow in that you are filling up pads/tampons, it it very unlikely you are experiencing implantation bleeding.

Women who are going through their first pregnancy will likely spot or bleed a little bit more than women who are used to the egg attachment. (It is similar to dental flossing of the gums as the first time the gum line is aggravated, it will bleed more, while subsequent times bleeding is lessened.)

However, if your menstruation cycle is shorter than normal (< 3 days), you did not fill up pads or tampons, it was more pinkish/brownish than red, and you had less cramping than normal, it is possible that you are having implantation bleeding.

Why Does Implantation Bleeding Happen?

About 10-14 days after conception (when the sperm joins with the egg), the embryo will implant itself into the wall of the uterus. This movement may break down some blood vessels within the uterus wall and cause some bleeding.

Menstruation occurs around 11-14 days after ovulation (when an egg is released & conception is possible), which is another reason why the two are often confused with one another. Some women may simply believe their period is a few days early. Implantation bleeding typically happens within the week before the expected period.

For example, if you are sexually active and expect your period on January 25th, then you might question any spotting you have between Jan. 18th – Jan. 25th as possible implantation bleeding. It is not common that implantation bleeding would occur before this time or after a period is expected or missed. However, if one experiences ovulation early in the fertility window and the implantation process is quick, or one experiences ovulation late in the fertility window and the implantation process is slow, it is possible.

Women know what their normal menstrual flow looks like, and as long as they are not on any kind of new medication (including birth control and emergency contraceptives) or have a change in stress level, then their menstrual blood flow, color, and consistency are usually the same. So, when this lighter, pink spotting occurs, it will appear a bit out of place.

Implantation Bleeding Concerns

Implantation bleeding should not be a cause for concern and should pose no real risk to the developing baby. If you experience bleeding or spotting more than a few days after your missed period, it is not likely to be implantation bleeding. True pregnancy concerns rarely come from implantation and usually occur after the missed period.

Though this post-implantation light bleeding during pregnancy is not considered normal, there are a few main reasons it may occur:

• Irritation of the cervix (especially following OBGYN exams)
• Irritation or small tears from intercourse
• Heavy or excessive lifting or exercise/exertion
• Vaginal infection.

At least 50% of women that experience spotting/bleeding (other than implantation bleeding) will go on to have a normal, healthy pregnancy.
Extended bleeding can be a sign of something more serious, especially further on during the pregnancy. Molar pregnancy or miscarriage are two concerns, which is why whenever visiting the OBGYN or other doctors, it is necessary to inform them of current or recent bleeding (especially if it is heavy), as well as any other symptoms you are experiencing.

In your first trimester, be sure to let your healthcare provider know about any spotting.
Let your healthcare provider know immediately about any spotting in your second or third trimesters.
If at any point during your pregnancy you experience heavy bleeding, contact your healthcare provider immediately or consider seeking emergency care.

For women going through nausea/vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain (especially one-sided pain), it is possible you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, so inform your doctor right away. Cramping is normal during pregnancy, yet if the level of pain during cramping increases, it is recommended to contact a doctor.

Still Not Sure?

If you are not sure which type of bleeding you are having, we recommend waiting three days after the bleeding/spotting stops before taking a pregnancy test. You are welcome to contact our toll-free helpline at 1-800-672-2296 to speak with a pregnancy educator.

Often, taking a pregnancy test before the missed period or during implantation bleeding is just too soon for tests to offer conclusive results. Ideally, waiting a week after the spotting or missed period is most desirable as the results should prove more accurate.

Next Steps

Implantation bleeding is a sign of a potential pregnancy. If you have waited until after your period was due and taken a pregnancy test that delivered a negative result, there is a good chance you are not pregnant. Watching for implantation bleeding while trying to get pregnant is fine, but many women do not experience nor notice implantation spotting even when it does occur.

Want to Know More?

• Early Symptoms of Pregnancy
• Getting Pregnant After Ovulation
• Bleeding During Pregnancy

Compiled using information from the following Medical sources:

1. March of Dimes: “Pregnancy Complications.”

2. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: “What Are Some Common Signs of Pregnancy?”

3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: “Abnormal Uterine Bleeding,” “Early Pregnancy Loss.”

4. Norwitz ER, et al. Overview of the etiology and evaluation of vaginal bleeding in pregnant women.

5. Moore KL, et al. Answers to clinically oriented questions. In: Before We Are Born: Essentials of Embryology and Birth Defects. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013.

6. Frequently asked questions. Pregnancy FAQ038. Bleeding during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Bleeding-During-Pregnancy

7. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Months 1 and 2. In: Your Pregnancy and Childbirth Month to Month. 6th ed. Washington, D.C.: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2015.

8. Mayo Clinic FAQs

The post What is Implantation Bleeding? appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

When you become sexually active, it comes with a lot of “what ifs,” the main one being am I pregnant? Since many symptoms of pregnancy are not specific only to pregnancy, women often wonder if their symptoms are due to pregnancy or something else entirely. To find out if it is time to consider taking a pregnancy test, check out this article.

One of the best things to do if you are trying to get pregnant, to avoid pregnancy, or to understand your cycle is to track it! There are many different apps for your smartphone, tablet, and/or computer that can help you track when your next period is expected. These applications can also keep notes on your symptoms, and after a few months of use can help you narrow down your expected fertility window/ovulation.

If you’re trying to see when your expected fertility window is this month, try our free ovulation calendar.

Am I pregnant, or am I about to start my period?

Symptoms of pregnancy and an impending period can be hard to tell apart since they can be very similar:  mood swings, abdominal cramping, backaches, breast tenderness, headaches, and food cravings. There are a couple of symptoms that are more often related to pregnancy than to a menstrual period:  nausea/vomiting and implantation bleeding. Keep in mind that not all women will experience these.

When a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining around 6-12 days after fertilization, some women will experience 1-3 days of light spotting, which we call implantation bleeding. This typically happens right around or before the time a woman is expecting her period.

Nausea that happens right near when a woman expects her period is more likely due to early pregnancy (or something else) than due to a menstrual period. Many people will refer to this as “morning sickness,” even though it can happen at any time of day. Wait, and if you don’t end up having a normal period when you expect it, it may be time to take a pregnancy test.

Am I pregnant, or am I about to ovulate?

Ovulation can also have symptoms similar to early pregnancy; however, it can be helpful to check what point you are at in your menstrual cycle. If you aren’t expecting your period for another 12-16 days, you may be experiencing. Also, if your last menstrual period was normal in length and flow, it is even more likely that what you are experiencing is related to ovulation, not pregnancy.

Ovulation symptoms are not apparent to every woman, and they do not happen consistently to each woman. These symptoms can include light spotting, abdominal cramping on one side (from an ovary preparing to release an egg), breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, a heightened sense of smell, taste, or vision, and/or a heightened sex drive.

If you are experiencing these symptoms and your expected period is only a few days away, wait to see if you have a normal period and if not, it may be time to take a pregnancy test.

Am I pregnant, or am I fat?

Usually, by the time a woman starts seeing visible weight gain she is already into her second trimester. Typically by this point, you would have noticed some other signs telling you that you may be pregnant.

If you feel that you’ve been gaining weight, ask yourself a few questions. Have you missed the last couple/few periods? Were you having unprotected sex before that? Have you been having other pregnancy symptoms (nausea, constipation, abdominal cramping, breast tenderness, etc.)? If you answered yes to these, it may be time to take a pregnancy test.

If not, have you been eating more in general or more unhealthy food than usual? Have you been exercising less than usual? Have you had any hormonal imbalances or extra stress? All of these can lead to weight gain. If you are experiencing rapid weight gain and you don’t feel your lifestyle has changed, it may be time to see a doctor.

Or am I bloated?

Pregnancy, along with PMS, ovulation, and unhealthy eating can all cause bloating. First, try to rule out a food cause. Have you been eating more unhealthy (fried, fattening, extra protein) in the last few days? Have your bowel movements been abnormal (i.e., are you constipated- though, this can happen with pregnancy as well)? Have you been experiencing any cramping or gas pains?
If not, it may be due to something else. If you are about to start your menstrual period, this too can cause bloating. If your menstrual period does not begin within a few days of when you expect it, it may be time to take a pregnancy test.

Or am I sick?

Often, this question comes up because of nausea and/or vomiting. Other times it has to do with abdominal cramping, indigestion, or headaches. Some women even associate common cold-like symptoms, like a runny nose, with early pregnancy. If you are nauseated, vomiting, cramping, or having headaches only a couple to a few days after having sex, it is unlikely that these have to do with pregnancy from that experience.

If you are experiencing nausea/vomiting slightly before your expected period, wait to see if your menstrual period does come – if your period is normal, it is less likely this nausea/vomiting is due to pregnancy; go see your doctor because you are likely sick.
Having a runny nose is not normally connected to early pregnancy unless you are experiencing other symptoms of early pregnancy along with it. If all you have is a runny nose, this is unlikely indicative of a pregnancy.

If you are experiencing severe/stabbing cramps in your abdomen (especially if it is only on the right or the left side) along with nausea/vomiting, this may be a sign of an ovarian cyst or an ectopic pregnancy. If so, it is time to consider seeking emergency care.

The post Am I Pregnant, Or…? appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

Alternatives to the First Signs of Pregnancy

The American Pregnancy Association looked at the most commonly reported first signs of pregnancy. After comparing and researching the available data, we were able to identify some of the most commonly experienced causes of these symptoms (apart from pregnancy).

Missed Period

A missed period is the most commonly reported first sign of pregnancy. However, this symptom is one of the easiest to explain away with another cause, which could be any of the following:

• Excessive weight gain or loss
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Hormonal imbalance
• Tension and stress
• Change in birth control usage
• Various illnesses
• Breastfeeding

You can contact the American Pregnancy Association at 1-800-672-2296 M-F 10am-6pm to discuss your concerns or ask questions about your pregnancy symptoms.

Nausea or Morning Sickness

Nausea or morning sickness is the second most commonly reported early pregnancy symptom. This sign of pregnancy can also be accounted for by various other causes:

• Food poisoning
• Tension and stress
• Change in hormonal birth control
• Other stomach ailments

Tender or Changing Breasts

A change in breasts, including swelling, tenderness, or discomfort, is the third most commonly reported early sign of pregnancy. This symptom can be explained by the following:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Change in hormonal birth control
• Impending menstruation

Fatigue or Tiredness

Rounding off the four most commonly reported symptoms of pregnancy is fatigue or tiredness. This symptom is easier to account for with another cause. Below is a list of potential causes for fatigue or tiredness:

• Tension or stress
• Exhaustion from working too hard
• Depression or other mental health struggles
• Common cold or flu
• Allergies or other ailments
• Lack of sleep
• Improper nutrition

Pregnancy Signs and Alternative Causes

Here is a review of other symptoms of pregnancy and their possible causes: Lower Backaches: This could be explained by pending menstruation, stress, strains, injury, poor sleeping habits, or improper lifting. Headaches: Alternative causes include dehydration (common), caffeine (common), withdrawals, pending menstruation, eye strain, stress, and other ailments. Frequent Urination: Some alternative explanations include urinary tract infections and diabetes, both of which would warrant consulting your primary care physician regarding treatment. Other potential causes include an increase in the liquid intake or the use of diuretics. Spotting: Spotting or light bleeding could be caused by pending menstruation, altered menstruation, change in hormonal birth control, infection, or an abrasion from intercourse. Food Cravings or Aversions: This symptom might be attributed to poor diet, lack of nutrients, stress, depression, anxiety, certain illnesses, or pending menstruation. Darkening of Areolas: This pregnancy symptom has fewer alternative causes. However, it could be the result of a hormonal imbalance or the residual effects of a previous pregnancy. As you can see, each of the signs of pregnancy can be explained by other causes. If you are experiencing pregnancy symptoms, it is best to wait until you miss your period before taking a pregnancy test.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of pregnancy noted above, call the APA Helpline to discuss your pregnancy symptoms: 1-800-672-2296

The post Illnesses with Pregnancy-Like Symptoms appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

Causes of nausea during pregnancy

While nausea is definitely an uncomfortable feeling, the good news is that it is not harmful to you or your baby, and it is often perceived as an indication of a healthy pregnancy. Nausea is a key part of the common concern referred to as morning sickness.

The cause of nausea during pregnancy is not completely understood. However, it does appear to be linked to the production of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone. Commonly referred to as the pregnancy hormone, this is the hormone that the body begins to produce once the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Again, how it contributes to nausea is unknown, but because of they both peak around the same time, they’re assumed to have a clear connection.

There are other theories as to what causes nausea during pregnancy as well. Some other contributing factors might be:

• Estrogen is another hormone that rises during early pregnancy and could contribute to queasiness.
• A sensitive stomach could be made worse while trying to adapt to the changes of pregnancy.
• Stress or fatigue is suggested to cause a physical reaction within the body, leading to nausea and vomiting.

When to expect nausea during pregnancy

Nausea typically starts within four to eight weeks of gestation and is expected to subside between 13 and 14 weeks. However, it can start earlier and can last longer. Also, not every woman will experience nausea the entire duration of the first trimester. It could last only a couple of weeks or come and go throughout the first few months.

Many refer to nausea during pregnancy as morning sickness, leading women to believe they will only experience nausea in the mornings. In fact, research shows that “morning sickness” actually occurs more often throughout the entire day, rather than just in the early hours.

Nausea help during pregnancy

Treatment for and prevention of nausea during pregnancy is truly synonymous in regards to everyday self-care and home remedies. The following suggestions are beneficial to try as soon as you find out you are pregnant or if you are already pregnant and just looking for some relief. Look at the steps below, and explore our guide to managing morning sickness.

To help prevent and treat nausea during pregnancy, try:

Home or natural remedies

• Avoiding foods and smells that trigger your nausea.
• Keeping soda crackers by your bed and eating a couple before getting up. Allow some time for digestion, and rise slowly once you are ready.
• Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day instead of three big meals.
• Drinking less water/fluids with your meals, and instead, drink them between meals.
• Eating drier, plain foods such as white rice, dry toast, or a plain baked potato instead of richer, creamier foods.
• Sucking on hard candy.
• Keeping rooms well ventilated or having a fan close by for easier breathing. If neither of these is possible, take time to go outside to get some fresh air.
• Getting plenty of rest; Listen to your body when you are feeling fatigued, and try lying down.
• Sniffing ginger or lemons, or drinking ginger ale or lemonade, which can help ease the feeling of nausea.
• Talking with your healthcare provider about the prenatal vitamins you are taking; having too much iron may cause nausea, and switching to a different vitamin could help.
• Asking your healthcare provider about taking a vitamin B-6 supplement, which has proven to help reduce nausea and vomiting.

Prescription Care for Nausea

Many women find that natural or home remedies do not help. It could be that some relief is experienced, but it may not be as much relief as you would like. The good news is that you can talk to your doctor to get a prescription that is specifically designed to treat nausea.

Concerns with nausea during pregnancy

If you are experiencing severe nausea and vomiting, and the above treatments do not appear to be helping, contact your doctor for further suggestions. While nausea during pregnancy can be normal, it can also point to a problem that needs to be addressed.
Examples of potential conditions seen with severe nausea are:

• Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which is a medical condition that causes you to lose essential nutrients needed during pregnancy.
• Molar Pregnancy, which occurs when an abnormal growth of tissue develops within the uterus.

Want to Know More?

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Beckmann, C., Ling, F. W., Barzanksy, B. M., Herbert, W., Laube, D. W., & Smith, R. P., Obstetrics and Gynecology (6th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

2. Mayo Clinic, Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc.

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