Morning Sickness in Pregnancy Nausea and morning sickness is one of the most common and well-known of the early pregnancy symptoms, generally beginning as early as 2-3 weeks after conception and lasting until the end of the first trimester. This pregnancy symptom can range from mild queasiness to constant, uncontrollable vomiting. A few unlucky women can struggle with nausea throughout…
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Exhaustion in Pregnancy If you feel somewhat sluggish, you’re not alone! Many women start to feel more tired than usual; beginning in early pregnancy. Feeling just plain worn-out is fairly common throughout pregnancy (generally more so in the first and third trimesters), starting as early as 1-2 weeks after conception and is very normal. After hitting the second trimester, energy…
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You may gradually begin to notice the area around your nipples (the areolas) darkening and even possibly getting bigger around in diameter. Besides pregnancy, darkening of the areolas can be caused from tanning, as well as a hormonal imbalance. Sometimes early in pregnancy, women experience their Montgomery’s tubercles (glands or little bumps surrounding the nipples) begin to elevate and enlarge,…
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If you have an ultrasound during the first trimester and a gestational sac is seen, that’s a definite sign of pregnancy. The earliest visible sac can be seen at 4 1/2 weeks and in almost all normal pregnancies by 5 weeks along (obviously excluding ectopic pregnancies). At 32- 35 days along, the first ultrasound evidence of pregnancy can be detected…
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Softening of the lower portion of the uterus (the cervical isthmus, which is located between the uterus and the vaginal part of the cervix) is a pregnancy symptom that may occur as early as 4- 6 weeks along. Hegar’s sign can be noted during a “bimanual” exam done by your doctor early in the first trimester. This is a normal…
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Breast Changes Changes in the breast like sensitive nipples is common during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is one of the many changes in pregnancy that may begin to happen to your breasts during pregnancy and prepares the breasts for milk production. Extra sore nipples are quite a common (and unwelcome) change. Some women notice this symptom before their…
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Breast Changes in Pregnancy Some women notice that their breasts are more tender than normal and possibly swollen as early as 1-2 weeks after conception, even before a missed period. This is normal and due to hormonal changes that are happening. It’s not uncommon to experience changes in your breasts, including a feeling of fullness or heaviness in addition…
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Early Pregnancy Tests Many pregnancy tests can be taken as early as the first day of your missed period (approximately 14 days after conception has taken place) and be fairly accurate in detecting pregnancy. Some tests claim to be accurate even earlier, although the longer you wait to take the test, the more accurate the result will be, since pregnancy…
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Changes in Discharge Many women discover an increase in their vaginal discharge, as pregnancy progresses. This discharge is called “leukorrhea” and is normal. This discharge is normally milky white, yellowish or clear and quite odorless. Leukorrhea is caused by increased blood flow to the vaginal area during pregnancy. It may become quite an annoyance to the point of making a…
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Lighter Menstrual Period Often, the absence of a period (or “amenorrhea”) is the first and most common sign of pregnancy. A missed period as a symptom of pregnancy is much more reliable in women who have normal and regular periods. During pregnancy, a pregnant woman does not ovulate, therefore she will not have periods. In addition to pregnancy, a missed…
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Implantation Bleeding Right before or about the same time you would normally expect your menstrual period, you may experience a small amount of spotting and occasionally some mild cramping. This sometimes happens 3-12 days after conception, when your newly-fertilized egg implants itself into the lining of your uterus (or the “endometrium”). Implantation bleeding is lighter than a regular menstrual period…
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During pregnancy, chadwick’s signs, the vaginal tissue and cervix (which are generally a light pink shade) may darken and take on a bluish or purplish tinge. This coloration is caused from the increased blood flow to the vaginal area, leading to engorgement. This visible symptom may be present as early as the 6th week of pregnancy, although 8-10 weeks along…
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Pregnancy is such a wonderful yet mysterious place in a woman’s life until that big moment: Delivery. And it seems like eating takes on a new meaning for the new mom to be. We know there is a new being developing and naturally; eating seems to be of great concern to birthing a healthy baby. Therefore, many questions may come…
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Another important aspect of pregnancy nutrition is drinking plenty of fluids. Pregnancy is largely made up of water. This mom-to-be must drink eight 8 ounce glasses daily. What does fluid do for mom? It helps her get rid of unneeded items in her body, keep her skin soft, reduce swelling and urinary tract infections. Dehydration can produce pre term labor….
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Protein is very important in pregnancy. This helps the cells reproduce in the baby. Some examples of a serving of protein would be: 3/4 cup of low fat cottage cheese, 1 3/4 cups of low fat plain yogurt, 3 ounces of skinless chicken or turkey, 3 1/2 ounces of fish or shrimp, 5 or 6 ounces of tofu, 1 serving…
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