If you are planning to conceive, recognizing the signs of pregnancy can help you take better care of yourself and your baby. Visiting a pregnancy specialist promptly after noticing specific signs allows you to undergo assessments that can determine if you’re at high risk. While pregnant women may experience a range of symptoms, some signs are common to most. Here are four signs of pregnancy and when to see a doctor about them:
1. Missed Period
A missed period is one of the early signs of pregnancy and can be a clear indicator that conception has taken place for women with regular menstrual cycles. Stress, hormonal imbalances, or changes in lifestyle can also cause delayed periods, so it helps to take a home pregnancy test to confirm whether you are pregnant. Some pregnant women may have light bleeding around the time of implantation. See a doctor if you experience bleeding while pregnant to ascertain whether it is normal.
2. Fatigue
During the first trimester, many pregnant women experience fatigue or increased sleepiness. This is due to increased levels of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone prevents uterine contraction and premature labor, keeps your body from ovulating while you are pregnant, prepares the breasts for breastfeeding, and stimulates the endometrium to release nutrients to the embryo. This hormone also slows your metabolism, which may leave you feeling sluggish. As your baby grows, your body’s demand for iron increases due to the need to produce more blood. Without adequate iron in your diet, you are susceptible to iron-deficiency anemia, which causes extreme fatigue and may require a doctor’s visit. Your doctor may prescribe iron tablets to treat anemia-related fatigue.
3. Nausea
Nausea, often referred to as morning sickness, is another sign you may be pregnant. While it is common in the morning, nausea can occur at any time of the day or night. It usually starts around the fifth week of pregnancy and subsides around the 18th week. Rising levels of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone, lower blood sugar levels, and changes in metabolism are some of the causes of morning sickness. Some women experience a severe form of morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidum, characterized by extreme nausea and vomiting, which can cause significant weight and nutrient loss. See a doctor if you are experiencing constant nausea and struggle to keep anything you eat down.
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4. Food Cravings and Aversions
Many pregnant women experience changes in their sense of taste and smell, leading to unusual cravings or strong aversions to certain foods. This is normal and tends to go away after you give birth. Some women may develop a craving for non-food items, such as soil, due to a condition called pica. Pica can indicate a nutrient deficiency, such as inadequate iron or minerals like calcium, copper, and magnesium. If you experience unusual cravings, talk to your doctor for nutritional recommendations.
Get Support During Pregnancy
Recognizing the signs of pregnancy allows you to visit a doctor early for testing and prenatal care, enhancing your health. Early diagnostic tests also allow your doctor to tailor your medical plans and advise you on necessary lifestyle changes. Regular pregnancy monitoring by a specialist can minimize the risks of complications like preeclampsia, preterm labor, and stillbirth. Schedule an appointment with a pregnancy specialist for tailored guidance and care.
