Very Early Signs of Pregnancy
Before you miss your period, your body starts to signal you that a new guest is inside. The very early signs of pregnancy can be different for each person, but some common changes are common to almost everyone. The most common sign is breast changes. You may suddenly notice that your breasts feel quite heavy, are painful to the touch, or feel much softer than before.
In addition, many people experience ‘morning sickness’ or nausea. Not only in the morning, but at any time of the day, they may suddenly feel dizzy, especially when they smell certain foods. Another interesting thing is that the uterus starts to grow, which causes frequent urination, putting pressure on the bladder, so they have to run to the bathroom repeatedly. Mood swings are also a big symptom. You may be laughing a lot, and then suddenly feel sad and crying for no reason. Many people may also feel a slight stabbing pain in the lower abdomen or a period-like feeling, which many people mistakenly consider as a sign of the onset of menstruation.
Feeling very tired for no reason
At the very beginning of pregnancy, many women talk about a problem called ‘feeling very tired for no reason’. It seems that you may not have done any hard work or heavy work all day, but you feel as if your body is no longer moving. It feels as if your whole body is poisoned and you always want to just lie down. This fatigue is called ‘Fatigue’ in English, which is much deeper than a simple lack of sleep. The main reason for this is the change in hormones inside your body, especially the hormone ‘progesterone’, which increases dramatically at this time, which makes you very relaxed. In addition, the body is now working day and night to build a new life. The amount of blood produced in your body increases to nourish the baby, and as a result, your heart has to pump blood much faster than before. This puts a lot of pressure on the body and you become very short of breath. In simple words, there is a ‘construction job’ going on inside your body that is absorbing all your energy. Many times, this fatigue is accompanied by nausea or a loss of appetite, which further weakens the body. So if you find that you are just closing your eyes or not wanting to get out of bed from morning to night, don’t blame yourself for being lazy. This is a natural reaction of your body, which is telling you that you need a lot of rest now.
What you should do to relieve this fatigue
You can follow the following simple rules to manage this body’s confusion or fatigue:
Listen to your body: Whenever your body tells you that it is tired, stop doing everything and take a break. A short 15-20 minute power nap during the day can make you feel much more alert.
Nutritious food and water: Fatigue increases when your body lacks water, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Foods rich in iron and protein (such as eggs, bananas, lentils) will give you energy.
Ensure a good night’s sleep: Try to get at least 8 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night. Avoiding mobile or TV before going to bed helps you sleep better.
Light walking: It may sound strange, but it is true that walking in the fresh air for 10-15 minutes in the afternoon without lying down increases blood circulation in the body and reduces fatigue to some extent.
Change in sleep habits
After getting the news of pregnancy, many women notice that their usual sleep habits have changed. Earlier, you might have stayed up all night watching movies or reading books, but now you find yourself falling asleep in the evening. In many cases, the opposite also happens. Even though you feel drowsy all day, you don’t want to sleep after going to bed at night. The root of this change is your body’s hormonal turmoil. When the level of the hormone ‘progesterone’ increases in the body, it acts like a sleeping pill, making you feel drowsy or tired all the time. In addition, due to the increase in urination at the beginning of pregnancy, you have to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom repeatedly, which disrupts your deep sleep. Again, the anxiety or excitement that works in the corner of your mind about the unknown can also cause sleeplessness. Many times, during this time, you start having very strange and vivid dreams that you remember even after waking up. Due to the enlargement of the uterus, you also have to rush to find a comfortable sleeping position. In simple words, the engine inside your body is now working at double speed and the body sends sleep signals repeatedly to overcome the fatigue of that extra work. So if you see that your sleep time or habits are not the same as before, don’t panic, this is just a preparation for your body to accept the new life.
Essential tips for good sleep
To manage this sleep fluctuation and sleep peacefully, you can follow the following points:
Drink less water after noon: To avoid the hassle of going to the bathroom repeatedly at night, drink plenty of water during the day, but reduce the amount of water two-three hours before bedtime.
Follow a specific routine: Try to go to bed at the same time every day and wake up at the same time in the morning, so that the body’s ‘biological clock’ is correct.
Comfortable position: Make a habit of sleeping on your left side from the beginning. This improves blood circulation in the uterus and your sleep is also deep.
Avoid tea and coffee: Do not drink tea, coffee or excessively sugary drinks after noon as caffeine can stimulate your nerves and rob you of sleep.
Heaviness or sensitivity to touch of the breasts
A symptom that almost every woman experiences at the very beginning of pregnancy is breast changes. Many times before a missed period, the breasts or breasts feel quite heavy and have become much softer or more sensitive than before. In simple terms, when a new life is being transferred inside the body, the body starts preparing in advance. Due to hormonal changes, blood circulation in the breast area increases manifold and the fat layer and milk glands start to grow. As a result, you will feel that your breasts feel a little more swollen and tight than usual. Sometimes, even a slight touch can cause pain or discomfort, and even the friction of clothes can feel quite painful at this time. The area around the nipples or nipples often becomes darker in color and may appear like small grains. Many people confuse this feeling with the pain before the period, but this sensitivity of pregnancy usually lasts a little longer and gradually intensifies. This change in your body is basically an initial step in nourishing your unborn baby in the future. So if you suddenly find that your favorite underwear feels tight or you feel a kind of tingling pain in your chest, then understand that this is a big physical signal that you are about to become a mother. This discomfort is temporary and after a few weeks of pregnancy, when the body adapts to the hormones, this pain or sensitivity decreases a lot.
What you can do to reduce this discomfort
You can follow the following simple ways to deal with this sensitivity or heaviness of the breasts:
Choosing the right underwear: Avoid wearing wired or tight bras during this time. Wear a comfortable sports bra or maternity bra made of soft cotton that will give your breasts good support.
Light massage or care: Do not rub too hard while bathing. Clean gently with lukewarm water, which will help maintain normal blood circulation.
Get support at night: If you experience pain while sleeping, you can wear a very light and loose cotton bra while sleeping at night. This will reduce breast movement and reduce pain.
Pain monitoring: If you feel a hard lump or a lump in your breast along with pain, or if it becomes red and swollen, be sure to inform your doctor.
Mild pulling or pressure in the lower abdomen
In the very beginning of pregnancy, many women report a mild pulling or pinching sensation or pressure in the lower abdomen. It is very natural to be afraid of this because we feel like our period is starting. But behind this pulling or pressure is a wonderful physical change. In simple terms, when your uterus makes room for a new embryo inside itself, the muscles of the uterus slowly start to stretch to make room for it. Our uterus is normally very small, but as the baby grows, it has to grow much larger. When these muscles and ligaments start to grow, you feel a mild pulling or period-like discomfort in the lower abdomen. Doctors often call this ‘implantation cramps’, i.e., when the baby embeds itself firmly in the uterine wall. Sometimes, if you suddenly sneeze, cough, or stand up suddenly from a lying position, you may feel a sharp pain on one side of your stomach. Again, if you have problems with gas or constipation, this feeling of pressure may be even greater. This early stage of pregnancy is actually a kind of ‘fight to adapt’ where the uterus is making room for a new life inside it. As long as this tension or pressure is not too intense and there is no bleeding, it is considered a normal and positive sign of pregnancy.
What to do to reduce this tension or discomfort
You can follow the following simple points to manage this uncomfortable feeling in the lower abdomen:
Move slowly: Practice getting up slowly without jerking while getting up from a bed or sitting, as this will put less strain on the abdominal ligaments.
Resting position: If you feel tension in your stomach, lie on one side and place a pillow between your legs. This relaxes the uterine muscles and reduces pressure.
Drink enough water: If the body is dehydrated or dehydrated, the chances of muscle tension increase, so drink water little by little throughout the day.
Warm compresses: If the stomach is very uncomfortable, you can apply a warm water bag to the abdomen, but remember that the water should not be too hot.
Sudden discomfort with smell
At the very beginning of pregnancy, many women go through a strange experience, which is ‘a sharp increase in the sense of smell’. The smells that you used to love or that you could not smell at all, suddenly start to seem unbearable to you. In simple terms, it is as if a ‘super sensor’ has been installed in your nose! The smell of frying onions and garlic in the kitchen, the smell of fish scales, or even the scent of your favorite perfume or soap can make you feel dizzy or even vomit. Doctors call this ‘Hyperosmia’.
The main reason for this is the sudden increase in the level of the hormone ‘estrogen’ in the body. Under the influence of this hormone, your sense of smell becomes much more sensitive. Many people cannot even tolerate a cold smell that comes when you open the refrigerator. Sometimes, the normal body odor of your husband or other family members seems very unpleasant to mothers during this period of pregnancy. This is basically a defense mechanism of the body that helps you stay away from unsafe or rotten food in the early stages of pregnancy. Although it is quite troublesome, remember that it is a very strong and common sign of your impending motherhood.
What you can do to deal with unpleasant odor
To get some relief from this unbearable odor problem, you can follow the following simple strategies:
Air circulation: Keep the kitchen window open while cooking or turn on the exhaust fan so that the smell does not accumulate in the room. If possible, take a break from cooking directly for a few days.
Use of scent-free cleaners: Start using lightly scented or scent-free cosmetics instead of strong-smelling soaps, shampoos or detergents.
Help with lemon or ginger: Whenever a bad smell comes to your nose, dry a piece of fresh lemon or ginger. The refreshing smell of lemon works very well to reduce nausea.
Eat cold food: Cold food has less odor than hot food. If you have trouble eating because of the smell of cooking, try eating the food a little colder.
Sudden mood swings
In early pregnancy, many women notice that their minds are on a roller coaster. You may be very happy, but then suddenly, for no reason, your eyes start to water or you become very angry. In simple terms, this is called a ‘mood swing’. Just like your mood is a little irritable before your period, it can be several times more so in early pregnancy. The main reason behind this strange behavior is your body’s hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone. These hormones affect the parts of your brain that control your emotions and feelings.
In addition, physical fatigue, lack of sleep, and the hidden anxiety about the new responsibility of being a mother are also major causes of this mood swing. A small thing can become very big in your mind or you can scream when you see a small mistake. Many times, you feel bad for yourself later. Remember that this is not a deliberate behavior on your part, but a huge change in your body that is temporarily affecting your mind. This is a very common and normal symptom of pregnancy.
What to do to manage your mood or state of mind
You can follow the following simple steps to keep yourself calm during these emotional ups and downs:
Talk to your partner: Explain your state of mind and why it is happening to your husband or family members. Their support and sympathy will reduce your mental stress a lot.
Adequate sleep and rest: The more tired your body is, the more irritable your mood will be. So, get adequate rest to relieve fatigue and keep your mind calm.
Take a short break: Whenever you feel very upset or crying, stop doing everything and listen to your favorite song or read a light story book.
Light spotting or change in discharge
Many women naturally get nervous when they see light pink or brown spots on their underwear in early pregnancy. In simple terms, this light spotting or dripping blood is called ‘spotting’. It is not as abundant as a period or menstruation and it does not continue continuously. The main reason for this is ‘implantation bleeding’. When the fertilized egg or small embryo firmly attaches itself to the wall of the uterus, a little bleeding may occur from there. This is one of the early signs that you are pregnant.
In addition, vaginal discharge also changes a lot during pregnancy. Due to the influence of hormones, the amount of discharge may increase slightly than before. It is usually white like thin milk and has a very mild odor. This extra discharge basically helps protect your uterus and vagina from any external infection. However, remember that if this discharge or spotting is accompanied by itching or if its color is red, green or yellowish and has a foul odor, it can be a cause for concern. Light brown or pink spotting is a common occurrence in early pregnancy, which indicates that the body is preparing for the arrival of a new life.
What to watch out for during spotting or discharge changes
To keep yourself healthy in this situation and understand the situation, it is important to keep the following things in mind:
Monitor the color: If the discharge or spotting is light pink or brown, there is nothing to worry about, but if you see bright red blood, you need to be alert quickly.
Maintain cleanliness: If the discharge increases, keep the area clean and dry. However, do not use any kind of perfumed soap or chemical.
Rest: If spotting occurs, stop all kinds of heavy work or running and rest for a few hours, which usually stops the spotting.
Use pads: Use ordinary sanitary pads instead of tampons during this time. This will help you see the amount and color of the discharge, which will be helpful for your doctor.
Is there pain?: If this spotting is accompanied by severe cramping in the lower abdomen, similar to menstrual pain, then it is more likely that the matter is not normal.
Not feeling like yourself
At the beginning of pregnancy, many women often say something like “everything is fine but I don’t feel like myself.” In simple terms, it feels like the world you know has suddenly changed. This feeling is not only physical but also mental and spiritual. Before, you may have been very alert, loved to chat or managed the house in a tidy manner. But now it seems that you can’t focus on anything anymore. When you stand in front of the mirror, you feel like a stranger, even your favorite activities become a source of annoyance.
The main reason behind this is a huge revolution taking place inside the body. Due to hormonal changes, your brain and body are in a strange daze. You may feel depressed for no reason or feel very lonely while everyone around you is very happy. This feeling of “not finding yourself” or lost is a very normal but less discussed symptom of pregnancy. The fact that you are no longer the same is actually an evolution. Your body and mind are breaking old habits and mindsets and building new ones to prepare you as a ‘mother’. So don’t be alarmed if you don’t feel the same as before, it’s a sign of the beginning of your new existence.
What to do to cope with this strange feeling
When you can’t find yourself within yourself, the following small steps will help you stay mentally calm:
Talk to yourself: Convince yourself that these changes are temporary. Your body is doing a miracle right now, so it’s normal to be a little upset.
Fulfill small hobbies: If you feel too lonely, listen to your favorite music, write a diary or take care of some plants. Do something that gives you mental peace.
Prioritize rest: When the body is tired, the mind becomes more chaotic. So get enough rest, which reduces the pressure on the mind.
Share with your partner: Tell your partner about this strange feeling you have. Sometimes, just being able to talk about your feelings is half the trouble.
Go to nature: Walking for a while under the open sky or on the grass in the afternoon can relieve a lot of the gloomy mood and make you feel refreshed.
Conclusion
These early days of pregnancy are as joyful as they are challenging with many new physical and mental changes in every woman’s life. In the end, it can be said that from seeing brown blood on the pad to feeling moody or tired, everything is part of a huge work of your body. Your body is now changing itself little by little to nurture a new life.
The most important thing at this time is to understand your body’s signals and not worry too much about anything. Most of the symptoms become normal with time. But remember that you are not alone in this journey of becoming a mother. The right information, family support and regular advice from your doctor will make your journey much easier and safer. Take care of yourself and try to accept each step of this new change with a smile.
