For women trying to conceive, the two-week period from ovulation to a missed period can feel very long. A woman may sense the early signs of embryo implantation about 8-10 days after ovulation.
By 8 weeks of pregnancy, 90% of women will notice changes associated with pregnancy. Early pregnancy symptoms and premenstrual symptoms (before menstruation) are often similar, which can confuse women. If you suspect you might be pregnant, you should visit a healthcare facility for testing, prenatal care, and regular monitoring.
1. 12 early symptoms that may indicate you are pregnant:
1. Missed period
A missed period is often the earliest symptom. Sometimes you may experience light bleeding, which is normal. The implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining can cause light bleeding, which can sometimes be mistaken for premenstrual symptoms—typically resulting in a few drops of bright red blood and lasting about a day, occurring before the next cycle.
2. Nausea
Nausea is the most common symptom during pregnancy. However, not all pregnant women experience this symptom. Nausea can appear as early as 5 weeks into pregnancy and tends to become more severe by 8 weeks.
3. Breast changes
Breast changes are an early sign of pregnancy. The breast tissue will develop in preparation for milk production. Veins may become more prominent, and the nipples may darken. Breasts and nipples become more sensitive to stimulation.
4. Frequent Urination
The uterus becomes larger along with hormonal changes causing increased blood circulation and unpleasant symptoms for women in the second trimester. Later, as the fetus grows, it increases pressure on the bladder, resulting in frequent urination in pregnant women. If a pregnant woman experiences symptoms of painful urination, it is necessary to check for a urinary tract infection, and it is best to visit a medical facility for evaluation.
5. Fatigue
Fatigue is often an early symptom of pregnancy and is a normal occurrence. Pregnant women should get more sleep, have a more nutritious diet, and engage in light exercise. Fatigue may persist into the second trimester due to sudden energy loss.
6. Cramping
Sometimes there is a sensation similar to cramping during menstruation. The uterus contracts lightly but without bleeding in the first trimester due to changes in size. If you are pregnant and experience more abdominal pain along with vaginal bleeding, you should visit a medical facility for evaluation.
7. Bloating, Heartburn, or Constipation
Bloating, heartburn, or constipation are early symptoms of pregnancy.
8. Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion can sometimes be overlooked. Along with increased blood volume, more blood flows to the nose, causing the blood vessels to become congested and resulting in symptoms of nasal obstruction.
9. Feelings of hunger or loss of appetite
Feelings of hunger or loss of appetite can be symptoms during early and late pregnancy. It is essential to provide enough calories and nutrients such as protein and folic acid during pregnancy. You should choose and change your diet to ensure adequate nutrition for pregnancy.
10. Mood swings
Mood swings are caused by hormonal changes, fatigue, as well as stress during early pregnancy; pregnant women may become more sensitive to external changes, anxious, and may lead to depression.
11. Dizziness, restlessness, lightheadedness, especially when changing positions
Dizziness, restlessness, and lightheadedness, especially when changing positions, are normal but should be monitored if you have been resting and dizziness does not subside. To limit this condition, you should change positions gradually, drink plenty of water, and eat small, easily digestible foods in multiple small meals. Sometimes this symptom may also be due to anemia if it persists for a long time; in that case, you should visit a doctor for further consultation.
12. Headaches
Headaches are a common symptom during early pregnancy due to hormonal changes. You should see a doctor to get over-the-counter pain relief that does not affect the pregnancy.
2. Diagnosis of Pregnancy
The early symptoms of pregnancy are very diverse, and to confirm pregnancy, doctors usually use the following three methods:
First: Testing for beta-hCG in the blood or urine. Beta-hCG is a hormone produced after the embryo implants. There are certain medical conditions related to increased hCG levels.
- Blood and urine tests are performed using two different methods. Blood tests can quantify the concentration of beta-hCG in the blood on day 10 when the embryo implants. Urine tests for qualitative beta-hCG yield results that are slower, with a positive result on day 14 after the embryo implants.
Second: Ultrasound is a commonly used method to confirm pregnancy. In early pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound can detect the pregnancy. A transvaginal ultrasound is better at detecting early pregnancy than an abdominal ultrasound.
Third: Doppler ultrasound confirms fetal heartbeat: after pregnancy is confirmed, Doppler ultrasound can be used to check the fetal heartbeat activity.
