Early Pregnancy Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

1. Early Pregnancy Symptoms and When to See a Doctor One of the earliest signs of pregnancy in women with regular menstrual cycles is a missed period. But did you know that your body may be signalling your pregnancy to you long before your missed period? Moreover, a missed period is not always a definite indication that you are pregnant, since irregularities in the menstrual cycle can occur due to several reasons, including illness, stress, physical activity or as a result of taking birth control pills. If you have missed a period but have tested negative on your home pregnancy tests, consider having an online medical consultation with a registered doctor to discuss possible reasons. Early Pregnancy Symptoms: Fatigue In the early stages of pregnancy, especially during the first 12 weeks, your body is undergoing a lot of changes to prepare itself for the foetus. You may find that you’re feeling exhausted after doing physical activity that you previously used to do without running out of breath. You may feel sleepier than usual and may feel a frequent desire to take naps. Mood Changes Hormonal changes within the body are likely to make you feel emotional, upset, or angry. You may experience random, unexplained mood changes. Morning sickness While commonly known as “morning” sickness, these feelings of nausea and the urge to vomit, or even vomiting, may occur at any time of the day. You may also feel a heightened sense of smell, and may feel nauseous when you smell certain scents or smells. Your tastebuds are also likely to change, and what you may have found irresistible before could make you suddenly want to throw up. Some women even report craving non-food items, such as soil or paper. This could be an indication of a nutrient deficiency and should be discussed with your doctor. You may also want to talk to your doctor if you’re unable to keep anything down, as nutrient deficiencies could affect both you and your baby. Breast changes Bladder changes As your growing uterus puts more pressure on your bladder, you may experience a frequent need to urinate. This is also because of hormonal changes in the body which causes an increase in levels of body fluids and makes the kidneys work more efficiently. Many women report feeling tenderness in their breasts, darker nipples, or feelings of heaviness. However, it is important to note that you may experience breast swelling and tenderness even before your period, so this symptom could also be an indication that your period is near. Bloating and constipation Hormonal changes can cause the digestive system to slow down, resulting in bloating, constipation, and increased flatulence. Do not try to self-medicate or take laxatives if you suspect you’re pregnant, and get in touch with your doctor for ways to manage your discomfort. Cramping or spotting Some women may experience cramping in their lower abdomen, similar to menstrual cramps. They might even see a little bit of blood on their underwear, which is often confused as the beginning of a period, especially if a woman is not expecting to get pregnant. An online medical consultation can make the initial steps easier, by allowing you to speak to a registered doctor, get pathology or specialist referrals or just consult with a doctor about your symptoms quickly and from the comfort of your home. https://www.primemedic.com.au/consultation/