The Physical Symptoms of Pregnancy
A missed period is one of the first indicators that you may be pregnant, but there are also many other symptoms and signs that occur during pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, it’s important to first confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound—which you can do around the 6th week of pregnancy. We at Life Forward are here to help you on your journey.
We have a team of medical professionals that you can talk to and ask questions. They will provide some answers and offer free pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. We also have experienced Client Educators who are trained, willing to listen, and provide a safe and neutral environment. We want you to feel heard and understood as you share intimate thoughts and feelings. Please reach out to Life Forward to get started today!
In this article, we’ll focus on the physical symptoms of pregnancy, when they occur, and tips for nausea relief.
What Are the Physical Symptoms of Pregnancy and When Do They Occur?
There are various changes that happen to your body during pregnancy and many of them occur at different times depending on how far along you are. Symptoms also vary from woman to woman. You may experience several symptoms, many symptoms, or no symptoms at all during your pregnancy. Here are some of the most common physical symptoms of pregnancy and when they occur:
Fatigue - Many women experience fatigue, especially early on in pregnancy. This is because of all of the changes happening in your body, including increased blood flow and production of progesterone. A pregnant woman can experience feelings of fatigue and tiredness before she even misses her period.
Nausea and/or Vomiting - Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy and is often referred to as “morning sickness.” It can occur with or without vomiting. Nausea can start when you are 4 to 6 weeks pregnant and last throughout your entire pregnancy.
Breast Sensitivity - Pregnancy often causes changes in your breasts as your body undergoes hormonal changes. This can lead to tender, swollen, and sensitive breasts that feel sore and heavy. This change generally occurs before you even miss your period.
Bleeding or Light Spotting - Another common symptom of pregnancy is bleeding or light spotting. The color of the bleeding is usually lighter than during your normal period. Bleeding is especially common in the first 1 to 2 weeks, but can also occur up to 12 weeks.
Headaches - During the first few weeks of your pregnancy, you may experience more frequent headaches due to the hormonal changes in your body.
Frequent Urination - During pregnancy, your body also increases the production of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone increases blood flow in your body, resulting in your kidneys processing more fluid, which ends up in your bladder.
Bloating - Feeling bloated—similar to the feeling at the start of your period—is another symptom of pregnancy caused by the hormonal changes in your body.
Nasal Congestion - Your nose may feel more congested during your pregnancy due to the increased blood production and hormone levels. This can result in membranes in your nose swelling, drying out, and even bleeding.
Cramping - Uterine cramping is another common symptom of pregnancy and can feel similar to cramping during your period. This generally occurs early in pregnancy.
Constipation - With all of the hormonal changes happening in your body, your digestive system may slow down, which can lead to constipation.
These symptoms may be a sign that you are pregnant, but you should always confirm your pregnancy by getting an ultrasound. You can schedule an ultrasound with us at Life Forward to confirm your pregnancy.
Since nausea is one of the main symptoms women experience during pregnancy, we’ll now offer some advice on how to get relief.
Tips for Nausea Relief
Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy and can last for your entire pregnancy. The cause of nausea during pregnancy isn’t completely clear, but it’s believed to be connected to the rise of hCG—the pregnancy hormone—in the body.
Here are some of the best tips for nausea relief while pregnant:
Eat plain foods—likes vegetables, toast, crackers with peanut butter, yogurt, pita and hummus, smoothies, string cheese, and apple slices
Eat cold meals
Eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of 3 big meals every day
Drink water in between your meals instead of while you’re eating
Put lemon in your water to make drinking easier on your stomach. You can also go all the way and make lemonade.
Put crackers and ginger ale or Sprite next to your bed. When you wake up in the morning, eat some crackers and have a few drinks of soda. Let it digest for a bit and then slowly get up out of bed
Drink sports drinks that keep you hydrated—like Gatorade or Powerade. If it’s hard to keep these drinks down, try freezing them in ice cube trays and sucking on the cubes. You can also try Italian Ice or other frozen products
Make homemade popsicles with frozen fruit puree
Suck on peppermint candies or jolly ranchers
Consume items with ginger in them—like candies, ginger snap cookies, fresh ginger, ginger in tea, and more
Pregnancy can be a time full of change and uncertainty—like the physical symptoms that come with pregnancy—but Life Forward is here to help you on your journey!
How Life Forward Can Help
At Life Forward, we are here to help women in the Cincinnati area who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. In addition to consultations, pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds, we offer other educational and supportive services—as well as referrals to other community resources—at no cost to you.
Our staff of trained Client Educators and medical professionals will assist you and connect you to the resources and help you need. These resources can help you be more prepared during your pregnancy and make the best decision for yourself. Learn more about the services we offer or contact us at 513.961.7777 to schedule an appointment today!