When you miss a period, the first question that usually pops in your head is — am I pregnant? The surest way to confirm is by undergoing an early pregnancy scan in London. But it helps to know what the early signs or symptoms of pregnancy are.
Your body experiences a plethora of changes after conception. These changes are necessary to accommodate that new life originating within your body. These bodily changes will make sure that your baby gets a conducive environment to grow and develop until it is time for it to be born.
These changes are commonly referred to as the symptoms of early pregnancy. Below is the list of symptoms that you may experience when you are pregnant. However, these are not the exact signs, and they vary from woman to woman. It can happen that one woman may experience a particular symptom while the other may never experience it at all during her pregnancy. In essence, this is a broad list of symptoms commonly experienced by women during the early stages of their pregnancy. So, let us check out what the most common symptoms are:
- Fatigue
The hormone progesterone produced extensively within your body during the early pregnancy period will make you fatigued and tired. Therefore, most women feel sleepy or experience the urge to take short naps during the day or sleep longer at night. If you are feeling increasingly tired, an early pregnancy scan can help you ascertain if it is because of pregnancy.
- Swollen or tender breasts
Tenderness in your breasts is a result of the hormonal modifications that begin at conception. This symptom, however, fades as the pregnancy advances.
Your breasts will feel heavier and fuller, and the areolas could get darker. Swollen, heavy or tender breasts are one of the primary symptoms of pregnancy. These symptoms usually occur within the first two weeks post conception.
- Nausea
Nausea is popularly termed a “morning sickness”, and many perceive it to be occurring only in the morning. But nausea can happen at an unspecified time during the day. This symptom usually occurs approximately four weeks after conception. Sometimes, this nausea is followed by vomiting.
Few women may be lucky enough never to experience this symptom, but most of them do experience nausea, which only subsides by the second trimester.
If you feel nausea followed by vomiting, then make it a point to keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water and fluids. Plus, eat small, simple meals that can be digested easily.
- Constipation and bloating
The digestive system slows down during pregnancy due to the over secretion of the hormone progesterone. Coupled with the fact that the food takes a long time to move through a woman’s digestive system, this can cause constipation and sensation of bloating in few women. You can do an early pregnancy scan to establish your pregnancy.
- Spotting and cramping
Many women experience mild cramping and spotting in the first two weeks of conception.
This is also referred to as “implantation bleeding”. It happens when the foetus implants on the uterine wall, wherein the newly developed baby would receive nutrients with the help of the placenta till the time of birth.
You would also experience cramping in the uterus as it gradually expands to accommodate the growing baby. An early pregnancy scan in London can show you how things change rapidly within the uterus.
- Mood swings
Few women may appear more emotional than usual at the time of early pregnancy. This emotional outburst is caused by the hormonal fluctuations in your body that affect your brain. The best way to handle such emotional outbursts is to eat healthy food and get plenty of rest for yourself.
- Headache
If you are experiencing more frequent headaches, then you could be experiencing a sign of early pregnancy. Few women experience frequent headaches due to the constantly fluctuating hormone levels in their body.
- Backaches
Few women endure back pain throughout their pregnancy period. On the other hand, many experience none.
The back pain happens because the ligaments at the back start to loosen to support the growth of your baby and to provide balance as your centre of gravity shifts when the pregnancy advances.
- Frequent urination
You may feel the urge to urinate frequently during pregnancy because your kidneys are working overtime to process more liquid. The growing uterus puts increasing pressure on the bladder. And hence, if you notice yourself in the restroom most of the time, then it may be a symptom of early pregnancy. An early pregnancy scan can show you how the uterus grows slowly and the influence it has on the bladder.
- Dizziness or fainting
Hormonal changes in your body can lower your blood sugar levels and your blood pressure levels. Both the conditions will result in you feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Some women may also experience fainting episodes.
Fainting can be risky, especially when you are alone and without any help. So, make it a point to stay hydrated and eat healthy food to minimise the fainting and dizziness symptoms during pregnancy.
These are some of the broad indications of pregnancy. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, then you should consult your doctor at the earliest. If you are searching for an expert professional to do your early pregnancy scan, then you must visit the Well Women Clinic today.
