Within the first few weeks of pregnancy, women may experience a few symptoms or may experience no symptoms at all. A woman may not even realize she is pregnant. It is likely that a woman may be expecting a menstrual period, and symptoms of this can be similar to early pregnancy. A woman may shrug off abdominal symptoms of pregnancy as being related to her period. The cause of these abdominal symptoms is often attributed to implantation, the attaching of a fertilized egg to the uterine lining.
Pain and Cramping
Mild to moderate pain in the abdomen, related to implantation, is common. Some cramping may continue for several days or intermittently. Sharp or sudden pains and/or any abdominal tenderness should be treated by a medical professional. Sharp pain could be related to an ectopic pregnancy, which means the fertilized egg implanted somewhere other than the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes. Mild spotting may occur with the cramping, but if persistent or heavy bleeding occurs, medical attention is recommended.
Nausea
Nausea can occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This may be part of a pregnancy symptom known as morning sickness. Some women experience nausea with or without vomiting. It can be persistent throughout the day and night, or it can occur at a specific time each day. Nausea may be prominent upon waking, before eating or while eating certain foods. Having a temporary aversion to smells, tastes or textures of foods is not uncommon. In addition to aversions, women may crave certain foods.
Other Abdominal Symptoms
The elevated hormone levels in a pregnant woman slow the digestive system. The result is constipation. Slowed bowels can develop early in pregnancy or at any time. Heartburn is a frequent pregnancy complaint. This can begin as early as the first trimester.
