You wake up one morning feeling like you have the flu. You are nauseated and exhausted. At first, you think you may have eaten something bad. You force yourself to get up, and you are able to get down some dry toast and a little tea. Then it dawns on you: You could be pregnant. Your period is a couple of days late but you really had not given it much thought. Knowing the early symptoms of pregnancy could help you figure out whether you're expecting a child.
Nausea
The most frequently encountered symptom of early pregnancy is nausea. The nausea is created by the rush of hormones from the tiny placenta developing in your uterus. The good news is that for the most part, the nausea disappears after the first trimester. You can help yourself by getting up slowly, keeping dry toast or crackers by the bedside, drinking lots of fluids and eating several small meals a day. You will find that your sense of smell is sensitive and can easily incite a spell of nausea.
Feeling Under the Weather
You may be feeling a little under the weather, like you have the flu. This is just another sign that there is a lot of silent work going on in your body, as the baby moves from being a small ball of cells to a little embryo implanted in your uterus. Take rest breaks whenever possible. Don't be afraid to continue your present exercise routine if you have one. This will help counteract the fatigue you are experiencing. Your baby is working hard, and your body is supporting all that work. Do whatever you can to keep your energy up.
Breast Tenderness
You may notice that your breasts are tender and look a little larger. They may feel firm to the touch, and your nipples may look darker. This is nature's way of preparing your breasts for breastfeeding. You might even find that your nipples retract during your pregnancy. Massage may resolve the retraction.
Emotional Ups and Downs
Because of the surge of hormones created by the early pregnancy, you may feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster. You may find yourself crying for no reason or laughing uncontrollably over something completely innocuous. The physical, hormonal and psychological changes that are occurring right now are intense, particularly in the first days and weeks of pregnancy. In fact, your dreams may seem very real, and your sleep may be interrupted. This will all quiet down once the first trimester of pregnancy has passed.
The Pregnancy Test
The best way to confirm you are pregnant is with a pregnancy test. These tests measure the Beta HCG that is circulating in your system. This hormone comes from the placenta. The earliest over-the-counter tests can detect a pregnancy five days after a missed period. These tests are accurate when used according to the directions.
References
- "The Encyclopedia of Women's Health and Wellness"; The American College of Surgeons and Obstetricians; 2000
- "The Miracle Within;" Jack McCubbin and Cathy Schaffer; 2006
- "2006 Compendium of Selected Publications"; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2006
