Early Signs of Pregnancy: A Chronicle of Joy

The classic signs of early pregnancy are ones you probably know: nausea, extreme fatigue, missed period. But did you know there are many more? Do you know how long these more or less bothersome symptoms last, and if they're enough to say for sure that yes, you really are expecting a little baby?

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• How can you be sure you recognize the very first signs of pregnancy?
• 3 months of symptoms: your first pregnancy calendar
• Is it possible to be pregnant without any symptoms?
• You're almost certain you'll have a baby: how do you confirm your pregnancy?

How can you be sure you recognize the very first signs of pregnancy?

A few days’ delay in your period doesn’t automatically mean you’re going to be a mom, that’s true. But still, you might start asking questions. What if a new life was already growing inside you? Discover the main clues to watch for to help you know for sure.

Late period: the main sign

If your period doesn’t start on the expected date, you might be pregnant. But irregular cycles or a high level of stress, among other things, can delay or suspend your period for a few days or even several cycles. This is known as amenorrhea.

The first physical changes that raise suspicions

From the moment the embryo implants, your body sends other signals, some more subtle than others, which might raise your suspicions.

• Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. This is also called “nidation,” which happens about 6 days after the conception sex. But you might not even notice it, as this spotting can be very subtle.
• Very early on, your breasts may feel more sensitive and rounder, fuller, or firmer. They are getting ready for lactation. These changes are due to the rising levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body.
• Right from the start, intense, overwhelming fatigue sets in. You want to sleep all the time, and that’s normal—your body is working hard. Progesterone levels rise to strengthen the uterine wall and maintain the pregnancy, while your blood pressure and blood sugar drop. Drowsiness is a symptom you’ll see again in the third trimester.
• Quickly, cravings might push you to snack constantly, or you might start favoring foods like pickles, strawberries, watermelon, spring rolls... even if you didn’t like them before. It’s hard to resist pregnancy cravings!

Hormonal changes that remove any doubt

The accumulation of symptoms helps confirm your intuition and gradually brings real confirmation of your condition. If you can check all the boxes, there’s a good chance you’re lucky enough to be expecting a baby.

• Nausea appears, especially in the morning, around one month of pregnancy and throughout the first trimester. They may come with vomiting and can happen when you get out of bed (which is common), during the day after a smell, the sight of a dish… or not at all. The pregnancy hormone HCG released by the placenta is the main cause behind them.

Do you know what hyperemesis gravidarum is? Expectant mothers who suffer from this condition experience vomiting so intense and frequent that they cannot keep any food or drink down. Fortunately, this condition is most often treatable.

• Hormones, stress, and fatigue often bring about sudden, unexplained mood swings, urges to cry, or irritation—which can also clue you in.
• Increased blood flow to the pelvic region and rising estrogen and progesterone levels lead to more abundant vaginal discharge (light and odorless) starting at the beginning of pregnancy. Called leukorrhea, this is another clue for you.

Late period: other possible explanations

A delayed period is always a cause for stress because it doesn't happen for no reason. That said, the explanations for this shift are varied and don’t always mean you’re pregnant.

Intense stress, a job change, exams, jet lag, a restrictive diet, intensive sports, as well as certain medications, an infection, ovarian cysts, or even a thyroid disorder can disrupt your cycle.

However, if you notice repeated delays without explanation, if your cycles are very irregular, if your periods have been absent for more than 3 months with no pregnancy, if bleeding appears between periods, or if you have unusual pain, contact your doctor or gynecologist for an exam.

Conversely, if you are pregnant, it’s still possible (though rare) to get your period on the usual date. Known as “anniversary periods”, this bleeding can hide an early pregnancy, especially if you have no other symptoms, or they are very mild.

How to tell the difference between early pregnancy signs and PMS

It’s true that PMS (premenstrual syndrome) closely resembles early pregnancy symptoms: food cravings, fatigue, mood swings… except that your period eventually comes.

If you’re unsure and don’t want to wait without knowing, head to the pharmacy and buy an early detection pregnancy test! These tests can detect a tiny amount of beta-HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced by the placenta) in urine—about 10 mIU/ml.

3 months of symptoms: your first pregnancy calendar

Of course, every woman and every pregnancy are different. You may experience very few of these symptoms, or on the other hand, notice even more.

These less common, yet very real, clues that you may be pregnant

• You’ll also need to pee more often. The cause is your growing uterus pressing on your bladder. This change can also lead to cramps and temporary pains, eased by applying a warm compress.
• Bloating or a sensation of fullness may also be felt. Again, as often, hormones are to blame.
• Because pregnancy slows down digestion, transient digestive disorders (diarrhea, constipation) can affect your comfort. Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods to help ease them.
• For the same reason, headaches may be more frequent. To prevent them, mineral water is your friend, and to relieve them, avoid self-medicating. Instead, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Your nose may be more often stuffed up: the increased hormone levels and blood flow cause congestion. To help, use a saline nasal spray.
• Also, your skin may break out with a sudden acne flare-up. Here, the only remedy is patience.
• Some women also mention a metallic or iron-like taste in the mouth. Called dysgeusia, this fairly common phenomenon is mostly due to hormonal fluctuations, like increased estrogen levels.
• As the skin stretches, particularly on the belly and breasts, itchiness can occur. However, if itching is intense and widespread, it might be a sign of cholestasis of pregnancy. To be safe, don’t hesitate to see your doctor.
• Insomnia is a fairly common pregnancy symptom in the third trimester. However, due to hormonal changes, pregnancy anxiety, or even nausea, it’s possible for it to start earlier.

How long do pregnancy symptoms last?

The duration and type of early pregnancy signs vary from woman to woman. Although they typically begin in the first few weeks, they can start as early as the first days and last 9 months or nearly, even though their intensity also changes. In general, the first trimester is the most difficult because of intense hormonal changes, while the second is more stable.

Is it possible to be pregnant without knowing it?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to be expecting a child without having any signs of upcoming motherhood. Symptoms—early or not—are different with each baby. Also, learning to notice them depends on how much you listen to your body.

People also say symptoms are weaker for a first baby and become stronger as you have more pregnancies.

You're almost certain you'll have a baby: how do you confirm your pregnancy?

To confirm your suspicions, the first step is to get a pregnancy test to do preferably one or two weeks after your expected period date, using the first urine in the morning.

Sold over the counter in pharmacies and now supermarkets, there are many types, but all work the same way. They measure the level of beta-HCG in your urine, which appears about 10 days after the egg is fertilized by the sperm. But keep in mind, even if they are 99% accurate, a false positive or false negative is never impossible.

To be sure and to be able to tell your partner you’re pregnant, ask your doctor to prescribe a blood test for beta HCG. This blood test is 100% accurate from just a few days after conception.

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Your first medical appointment while waiting for baby

Once your pregnancy is confirmed by a test or bloodwork, schedule an appointment with your doctor or midwife, ideally before 8 weeks of amenorrhea. This first visit is essential.

• A complete check-up will be carried out to assess your health status.
• This is the beginning of your pregnancy care!
• And it’s the right time to ask all your questions about your pregnancy declaration (to be sent to Social Security before the end of the 3rd month).

Finally, congratulations from the entire Élhée Team! If you’re expecting a baby, you’ll find here all the kindness, advice, and accessories, including newborn bottles and physiological pacifiers, you need to enjoy a fulfilling parenthood.

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