What are the Symptoms of Pregnancy?

Pregnancy – It can occur by sexual intercourse between wife and husband or assisted reproductive technology. Pregnancy is the time when one or more child develops inside a woman which is also known as gestation. There are also multiple pregnancies in which more than one child such as twins. The birth of child occurs about 40 weeks from the start of the last menstrual period. It is time for the birth of child around 9 months in which the average days of each month is 31 days. If a measured from fertilization it is around 38 weeks. From the first eight weeks, an embryo is the developing child or more than one child following fertilization after which, the term fetus is used until birth. The confirmation of pregnancy may be with a pregnancy test.

The process of pregnancy is divided into three trimesters in which first trimesters from week one through 12 that includes conception when the sperm fertilizes the egg. This fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube and attaches to the inside of the uterus, and begins to form the embryo and placentaThe possibility of miscarriage may be highest during the first trimester.  In pregnancy, the second trimester is from week 13 to 28 weeks More than 90 percent of babies can survive outside of the uterus if provided with high-quality medical care in 28 weeks. The third trimester of pregnancy starts from 29 weeks to 40 weeks.

Symptoms of pregnancy – There are several signs and symptoms of pregnancy which are as discussed below –

  • Headache – It is one of the common early symptoms of pregnancy. Generally they are caused by altered hormone levels and increase amount of blood. If women feel headache immediately contact with doctor.
  • Weight gain – The weight of the women increase from 1 to 4 pounds during a first few months of pregnancy. During the start of second trimester weight gain become more noticeable.
  • Constipation – During early pregnancy the hormone changes which can slow down the digestive system results women may become constipated.
  • Back pain – In early pregnancy hormone stress on the muscles are the main cause of back pain. The increased weight of the pregnant women is also a cause of back pain. About 50 percent of pregnant women complaint back pain to doctor during pregnancy.
  • Depression – Women are suffered with depression from 14 to 23 percent during pregnancy. There are several emotional and biological changes of women at the time of pregnancy. If you are feeling uncomfortable during pregnancy, contact to the doctor.
  • Breast changes - It is one of the symptoms of pregnancy. At the time of pregnancy, the breast may begin to feel swollen, tender and generally heavy or full. The nipples of the women may also become larger and more sensitive and the areolae may darken.
  • Vomiting – Vomiting is the first symptoms of pregnancy.  It is a common symptom of pregnancy in first month to fourth month. Vomiting is caused due to increased hormones in early pregnancy.
  • Diarrhea - At the time of pregnancy, diarrhea and other digestive difficulties occur frequently. Different diet, stress and changes in hormone are the main cause of diarrhea. If women are suffered with diarrhea in large days then contact with doctor to prevent this problem.
  • Spotting – During early pregnancy, there are some women feel light bleeding and spotting. This type of bleeding is most often as a result of implantation which normally occurs from 1 to 2 weeks after fertilization.

The bleeding during early pregnancy may be result of relatively minor conditions such as an infection or an irritation. Bleeding can also sign of serious pregnancy complications in women such as ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa and miscarriage. If you feel this type of conditions then immediately contact with doctor.

  • Cramps – During pregnancy, the muscles in the uterus start to stretch and expand, the woman feel a pulling sensation which resembles menstrual cramps. When spotting or bleeding occurs alongside the cramps then it’s a symptom of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
  • Anemia – During pregnancy women have a high risk of anemia which causes some symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness. This type of condition can lead to high risk of low birth weight and premature birth. Generally prenatal care involves screening for anemia.
  • Insomnia – It is also very common symptom of early pregnancy. Hormonal changes, stress and physical discomfort are the causes of insomnia.  Yoga, balanced diet and good sleep habits are helpful in preventing insomnia.
  • Acne – Several women may experience acne during early pregnancy due to increased androgen hormones. This type of hormones makes the skin oilier, which can clog pores. Generally pregnancy acne is temporary and clears up after the baby is born.
  • Hip pain – Pain in hip is common at the time of pregnancy which increases in late pregnancy. There are several causes of hip pain such as changes in the posture, pressure on the ligaments, a heavier uterus and sciatica
  • Heartburn – During pregnancy, hormones released can sometimes relax between the stomach and esophagus. If stomach acid leaks out then the result is heartburn.
  • Pregnancy-induced hypertension – During pregnancy, hypertension or high blood pressure sometimes develops. There are several factors can increase the risk such as smoking, obesity, and past or family history of pregnancy-induced hypertension.