If you are in a stage where you want to
make sure your pregnancy test kit works, this article is for you.
Pregnancy tests are usually
accurate based on your hCG level. Which is why if you want the best results you
should use your morning urine as a sample for the test. But now comes the
tricky bit, knowing the symptoms.
As part of the physical Pre-menstrual
symptom, lots of women undergo bloating, cramping and minor backache. Normally
this is also experienced as their uterus begins to grow at the early pregnancy
stage.
Other early pregnancy symptoms usually include:
• Lighter bleeding or no period
• Cardiovascular, blood flow and
temperature changes
• Nipple and breast changes
• Frequent visits to the toilet
• Morning sickness
• Saliva increase
• Fainting and dizziness
• Headaches
• Exhaustion and tiredness
• Constipation and wind
• Early pregnancy libido changes
Among the most obvious signs which allow a
woman suspect or know about her pregnancy is usually the skipping of a
menstrual period. However, there are a number of other symptoms and signs that
give early pregnancy clues. Every woman does not necessarily undergo a missed
period during the early weeks that follow her inception. Other than mere
confusion, this also leads to misjudged due date calculations and worries
concerning continuation of the pregnancy. Instead of normal periods, some women
may experience 'implantation bleed', despite having conceived. Light bleeding
usually occurs around 12 days following conception or fertilization of the egg
in the woman Fallopian tube, as the developing fetus begins burrowing into the
mother's uterus lining.
Implantation bleeds typically occur shortly
earlier than or almost around the same time as a pregnant woman's subsequent
period would normally have occurred. Though, it is normally not as long or heavy
as the normal average period. You will start detecting pregnancy or notice its
symptoms 7 to 10 days after ovulation. About six weeks following the last
period of a pregnant woman, volume of blood that now flows through her pregnant
body will increase gradually.
Pregnancy necessitates remarkable changes
in your blood flow. Most obvious of these occurs in your uterus as well as in
development of your placenta which enables the fetus to nurture. Blood flow to
your skin also increases, thereby making you feel a little warmer and even
sweat more, especially in your feet and hands.
This blood flow increase helps to boost the
metabolism of your body by almost 20%, which creates extra body heat to protect
you from feeling too cold. During pregnancy, your body core temperature will
usually rise to around 37.8º Celsius, which is equivalent to around 100.4º
Fahrenheit, whereas the normal body temperature is around 37º Celsius, which is
equivalent to around 98.6º Fahrenheit. Surplus blood helps your body in meeting
the metabolic requirements of your developing fetus, and in flowing to other
vital organs, such as your kidneys, etc.
Nipple and Breast Changes will occur within
a period of 2 to 4 weeks of conception, your breasts will undergo a massive
change. Your breasts will begin to enlarge and develop under direct influence
of a special hormone in the body, known as o estrogen. This hormone plays the
main part during puberty, in the development of your breasts.
Changes noted in your breasts during
pregnancy are on account of formation of the growing milk ducts for later
breastfeeding purposes. An increase in blood supply will also cause veins of
your breasts to become more obvious during pregnancy. As sign of Pre-menstruation, some women may undergo breast changes shortly after
conception. Accordingly, they may even sense changes prior to the date of their
next period.
Many women frequently complain of a repeated
urge to pass urine during the period of their early pregnancy. Though, you will
start detecting pregnancy or notice its symptoms 7 to 10 days after ovulation,
the likelihood of your not experiencing it until nearly at the end of a 6-week
gestation period, is more probable.
Pregnant women urge to urinate more because
of an increased flow of blood to your kidneys, which may be about 35 to 60%
more. Shortly after conception, this additional blood makes your kidneys
produce more urine, by about 25%. This increased production of urine peaks
around nine to fifteen weeks of your pregnancy before gradually settling down.
Further, your developing uterus can also
influence passing of frequent urine by applying pressure on your bladder.
Pressure on your bladder is among the core reasons for passing frequent urine
towards the three last months of your pregnancy. By this time your baby will
also have become heavier, as well as moved down further into your pelvis during
the weeks preceding birth.
The morning sickness, actually a contradiction
for the 'entire day sickness', reflects an overbearing nausea or possibly vomit
feeling. It is easily among the most widespread physical complaints related to
early pregnancy, caused due the reaction of your body to high level of the
pregnancy hormone present. Many women spontaneous react to certain smells or odors,
and at times even when a toothbrush is pushed down too far, it causes an
overwhelming feeling of vomit or nausea.
Overall, about 85 percent of pregnant women
are plagued by various stages of morning sickness.
Hence, it is can reasonably
be called an inherent feature of pregnancy. Usual signs of morning sickness
normally start to show themselves about four weeks into pregnancy and may
continue up to around the twelfth week, when they begin to gradually resolve.
During the 6-week gestation period, though
highly unappetizing, an unexpected amount of saliva may normally be produced by
your salivary glands. Many women may notice that their salivary glands are
producing excessive saliva. Some may find this excessive salivation highly
unpleasant and nauseating. They may hence even blame it as the primary cause of
their morning sickness.
Ptyalism is a medical term commonly used
for referring to excessive saliva. Though, it may develop entirely by itself,
it is normally associated with vomiting and nausea, or the symptoms of morning
sickness related to the early pregnancy period. Though, dizziness is quite
common in the early pregnancy period, fainting or 'syncope', has the trend to
be rather uncommon. Fainting in early or even mid pregnancy periods may be the
causative result of natural dilation and relaxation of your blood vessels under
the sway of the hormone known as progesterone that lowers your blood pressure.
During pregnancy, pains and aches are rather
common, just as expected muscle cramps in your legs, thighs and feet. Though
the precise reason for them is unknown, it is strongly suspected that expansion
of your uterus may be responsible for applying pressure on blood vessels and
nerves in your legs, whereby causing occasional pain and leg cramps.
If you should experience cramps, try
stretching your affected muscle or limb. You can also try by straightening the
leg so that your toes face in your direction. Your partner can be asked for
help, if needed. Standing up so that your leg is stretched can also provide
some relief. If pain in your cramps persists, ask your partner for a massage.
You may also call for professional massage to make the best use of your
relaxation period, which would be excellent for you.
Diet makes a significant difference. Many
nutritionists are convinced phosphorous, potassium and calcium supplements are
suitable for relieving cramps. However, you must consult your physician prior
to using any supplements. Your healthy diet should include leafy vegetables and
fresh fruits, in addition to food sufficiently rich in calcium, such as yogurt,
cheese and milk.
In the end of the day, this is a huge
change for you and you can ace it with some help from your partner and your
family as you welcome your baby into your life. Parenthood is a beautiful journey and we bet it is
worth the trouble.
