Pregnancy is a special situation where the normal physiology of a woman becomes altered, partly due to the various hormonal changes occurring in pregnancy.
Some of these hormones include human chorionic gonadotrophin, also known as hCG, estrogen, and progesterone.
In addition to these hormones, mother’s pituitary hormones, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and parathyroid hormones are secreted in large quantities.
These hormones together will contribute to the occurrence of early signs and symptoms of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
So, in this video we will look at some common signs and symptoms of early pregnancy.
Missed period.
The most common and clear-cut sign in early pregnancy is a missed period.
This occurs due to the hormonal changes that prevent the uterine epithelial lining from shedding, facilitating the implantation of the embryo.
However, it is important to know that a missed period does not mean that always there is a conception.
Sometimes women experience missed periods when they have menstrual abnormalities.
Morning sickness.
Morning sickness is one of the most common reasons for pregnant women being admitted to hospital.
Despite being known as morning sickness, symptoms can occur at any time of the day or night. The severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum, is much rarer and affects up to 3% of pregnant women. For most women, their symptoms improve or disappear by around week 14, although for some it can last longer.
Breast changes.
Breast changes are another very early sign of pregnancy. As mentioned earlier, a woman's hormone levels rapidly change after conception. Because of this, their breasts may become swollen, sore, or tingly a week or two later.
Or they may feel heavier or fuller or feel tender to the touch.
The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken.
Frequent urination.
Physiologic changes in the urinary tract during early pregnancy are common.
The ureters become dilated, and bladder capacity will become reduced.
In addition, the fluid levels in the mother’s body will also become high.
These factors will ultimately lead to frequent urination.
Fatigue.
Fatigue may be due to energy depletion resulting from the physiologic and psychological changes occurring during the first trimester.
Some of the factors predisposing to the condition include, high oxygen consumption, fetal growth and development, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary tract, metabolic, and psychological processes.
Food cravings, frequent hunger, and food aversions.
Food can be complicated during early pregnancy.
Some women begin to crave certain foods or feel constantly hungry. While some foods and flavors may seem very pleasant in early pregnancy, others might suddenly taste unpleasant.
Food aversions can happen throughout pregnancy, making a woman dislike thing she previously enjoyed.
In addition to these, some less common early signs & symptoms of pregnancy include the following.
Spotting, also known as implantation bleeding.
Cramping.
Mood swings.
Headache & dizziness.
Metallic taste.
And constipation.
Even though most women experience at least a few signs and symptoms mentioned above, it is always best to confirm your pregnancy via a urine or blood test.
And once confirmed, it is important to consult your healthcare provider, and plan the pregnancy to be a healthier one.
Hope you enjoyed the video.
Thanks for watching!

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