Early pregnancy symptoms
December 7, 2021
For some women, symptoms of pregnancy appear in the first few weeks after conception. Most aren’t unique to pregnancy & can appear similar to pre-menstrual discomforts. As a guide however, here are some symptoms you may experience:
- Constipation – occurs due to an increase in progesterone which causes food to pass slowly through the intestines
- Spotting or small amount of bleeding (known as implantation bleeding), which happens when the fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Implantation bleeding is usually a bit lighter in colour than a normal period and doesn’t last as long.
- Cramps which are similar to menstrual cramps
- Tender, tingly, more full or heavier breasts
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Food aversions or cravings
- Headaches due to increased blood circulation
- Mood swings due to the increase of hormones in your body
- Faintness & dizziness
So if you miss a period or notice any of these symptoms on this list, you might want to take a pregnancy test – especially if you’re not keeping track of your menstrual cycle. Keep in mind home pregnancy tests work best if you wait to take them until at least a day or two after you miss your period.
If your test is positive, make an appointment with POGS on (08) 6270 0123 or email: reception@pogs.com.au. The sooner your pregnancy is confirmed, the sooner you can begin prenatal care!
What is the difference between the non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) & the genetic pre-natal carrier screening test?
Find out more about cytomegalovirus (CMV) by downloading our FACT SHEET. Call POGS on (08) 6270 0123 or email: reception@pogs.com.au if you need to make an appointment.
Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue (similar to the lining of your uterus) grows outside of your uterine cavity. This is a common gynaecological condition which affects up to 10% of women. Hormonal changes (throughout your menstrual cycle) affect the misplaced tissue, causing the area to become inflamed & painful.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is a common conditions, with approximately 50% of women experiencing nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Often called “morning sickness”, this can actually occur at any time of the day.
The first six weeks postpartum is considered a “recovery” period due to the high level of strain your body has been put through – no matter how you gave birth! Looking after a new baby is hard for all parents, but it can be harder when you are recovering from a caesarean section.
Once you have given birth, your breasts are given a signal to start to produce milk. Blood flows to your breasts, and your milk usually comes in 1 to 4 days after birth. Breast engorgement is when your breasts get full and sore, which is common in the early days and weeks of breastfeeding.
Check out a few tips to stay safe at the beginning stages of your pregnancy. Read more about the post.
Pregnancy hormones are the culprit behind constipation, which is a common pregnancy problem. This is due to increasing progesterone levels which cause the muscles in your bowels to relax – meaning food hangs around longer in the digestive tract.
You may already know that the most important tip to keep your baby safe while sleeping is to keep them on their back – a recommendation that has contributed to an 85% reduction in SIDS deaths since the ’90s. Check out a few tips to ensure you always create a safe sleeping environment for your baby- day & night.
You may be curious about your baby’s appearance directly after birth. Below are some common elements of what you might expect your newborn baby to have. Many of these will diminish as your baby grows but if you have any specific concerns about these characteristics in your baby, do not hesitate to reach out to us for advice!
