Pregnancy is a natural, gradual process characterized by various physical and hormonal changes in a woman's body. Pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman, depending on her physical condition and hormonal response.
The main sign of pregnancy is a missed menstrual cycle. However, this isn't always the only sign of early pregnancy. There are a number of other symptoms that are also important to note.
15 Signs of Early Pregnancy
The following are 15 signs of early pregnancy that you need to know:
1. Late menstruation
After fertilization, a woman's body releases human chorionic gonadotropin, which stops ovulation. This means her menstrual cycle will also stop until the baby is born.
A missed period is the primary sign of early pregnancy. However, this condition can also be caused by stress, extreme diets, or hormonal imbalances.
2. Nausea
Nausea is a typical early pregnancy symptom, which can occur at any time, not just in the morning. This condition is triggered by increased hormones and sensitivity to smell. To relieve nausea, women can consume ginger juice and ginger tea.
3. Acne appears
During early pregnancy, the body begins to produce more progesterone than usual. This can increase the production of oil (sebum) in the skin, making it prone to acne on the face, neck, back, or chest.
4. Mood swings
Mood swings in pregnancy can be explained medically. In the first trimester, increased estrogen and progesterone levels often affect a pregnant woman's emotional stability.
Pregnant women can feel scared, angry, happy, and even cry in a short period of time.
5. Cravings
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can trigger strong cravings for certain foods, known as food cravings. Food cravings typically occur in the first trimester and diminish during the third trimester.
6. Easily Tired
Pregnant women often experience fatigue. This is due to hormonal changes that cause the body to produce more blood to ensure the fetus's nutrition.
7. Vaginal discharge
Thin, milky white discharge commonly occurs early in pregnancy as part of the body's natural response to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
8. Easily Hungry
During pregnancy, a woman requires more nutrients to meet her body's needs and support the growth and development of the fetus. Consequently, hunger can occur more frequently during pregnancy.
9. Ulcer
Increased progesterone production in early pregnancy can contribute to the onset of heartburn symptoms. Pregnant women can relieve heartburn symptoms by eating small, frequent meals. Additionally, avoid lying down after meals.
10. Back Pain
Back pain experienced by pregnant women is caused by changes in posture and stretched ligaments. When experiencing back pain, pregnant women can reduce it by wearing flat-heeled shoes.
11. Frequent Urination
During pregnancy, women often experience more frequent urination than usual. This is triggered by increased blood volume, requiring the kidneys to filter blood more frequently than usual.
12. Constipation
During early pregnancy, progesterone levels increase. This can lead to slower contractions and constipation. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to maintain adequate fiber intake and hydration.
13. Painful sensation in the breasts
The sensation of pain in the breasts during early pregnancy accompanied by changes in the breasts and nipples, such as feeling full, enlarged, and darker nipples, is caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone in a woman's body.
14. Dizziness
Early pregnant women can experience dizziness due to slowed blood flow back to the heart. This occurs because during pregnancy, blood vessels become looser and wider to facilitate blood flow to the fetus.
15. Bleeding
Early pregnancy can cause light bleeding due to the embryo attaching to the uterine wall. This can be recognized by the presence of small blood spots, indicating fertilization.
Even though it is a normal sign, be alert if bleeding in pregnant women occurs excessively and is accompanied by other worrying symptoms.
Consult your doctor about your condition
Although the signs above are common early pregnancy symptoms in women, you still need to be alert if you experience unusual symptoms or if they interfere with your daily activities.
A pregnant woman's body requires adequate and balanced nutrition to maintain her health and support fetal development. If you experience any severe or suspicious symptoms, consult a doctor immediately for prompt and appropriate treatment.
This article was written by Dr. Lisa Puspadewi Susanto, Sp.OG, FICS (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).