Identifying Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Do you think you could be pregnant? Of course, ultrasounds and pregnancy tests are the only ways to know for sure. However, there are other signs you can watch for as well. Symptoms can be different for each woman, so it can be difficult to know exactly when you should schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN.

At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology in Los Angeles, CA, our doctors provide a number of treatments, including infertility services. Read on to learn more about early pregnancy symptoms, so you can be prepared for the next step in your journey. Here, we will explore the timeline of various symptoms women may experience during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Weeks One to Four

During the first four weeks, you may notice cramping and spotting. The fertilized egg creates a group of cells that will eventually develop into the baby’s body parts and organs. Around the fourth week, the group of cells will implant into the uterine lining. Occasionally, this can result in spotting, which is commonly mistaken for a period.

However, the characteristics of bleeding during implantation can differ from a normal period. Typically, implantation bleeding will consist of light spotting and will not last for more than three days. If you experience these signs, you will likely miss your next period.

Weeks Four to Six

After the fourth week, symptoms will continue, though they are often unique for each individual. Some common pregnancy indicators between weeks four and six include:

• Fatigue: Due to an increase in progesterone, many women feel sleepy.
• Nausea: A large percentage of women report feeling sick to their stomach during the early stages of pregnancy.
• Aching Breasts: Hormone changes can result in tingling or tender breasts. This symptom typically fades after a few weeks.
• Frequent Urination: During pregnancy, your kidneys may produce more fluid than usual, due to an increase in the amount of blood in your body.
• Bloating: Similar to bloating during your period, you may also experience it during pregnancy as a result of hormone changes.
• Motion Sickness: Many people refer to morning sickness during early pregnancy, but nausea can occur any time of the day.
• Mood Swings: The surge in hormones that your body experiences can cause you to experience emotionally fueled reactions. This can include heightened feelings of depression, anxiety, irritability, or euphoria.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Many women tend to become flushed or hot during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Weeks Seven to Twelve

As the weeks continue on, you may begin to notice more symptoms. These can include:

• Low Blood Pressure: Typically, blood pressure will drop during early pregnancy, and could cause dizziness.
• Extreme Fatigue: As a result of low blood pressure, you may become extremely tired.
• Heartburn: The valve between your stomach and esophagus can become more relaxed than usual, due to hormones. As a result, the stomach leaks acid and causes heartburn.
• Changes to the Nipple: The areolas often become much darker in women who are pregnant.
• Weight Gain: Within the first couple of months, it is not uncommon to gain between one and four pounds.
• Acne: The sudden changes in hormones can cause acne breakouts.
• Pregnancy Glow: Alternatively, hormones can push more blood through your vessels, resulting in a glossy or flushed appearance.

Schedule a Consultation with Us Today

To learn more about the early signs of pregnancy, schedule a visit with one of our doctors. You can call us at (818) 881-9800 or contact us online anytime.