Some changes begin to occur in the body from the first days of pregnancy. Although these changes are noticed in some expectant mothers, they may not be noticed in some people. Although pregnancy symptoms vary week by week, the same symptoms may not occur in every woman. “Am I pregnant?“, “How many weeks pregnant am I?” It is necessary to consult a doctor to examine the body’s reactions and to have a healthy pregnancy process in order to reach the correct answer to such questions. It should be noted that although there are common symptoms of pregnancy, these may differ from person to person, and what is seen as pregnancy symptoms may also be related to something else.

   In some people, early pregnancy symptoms may begin to appear in the first week, while some people may not have these symptoms at all. Pregnancy symptoms can be listed as follows:

• Menstrual delay

   Menstrual delay is one of the first signs of pregnancy. However, not every menstrual delay is a definite sign of pregnancy. When menstrual delay occurs due to the absence of menstrual bleeding during pregnancy, women may see this as an early pregnancy symptom. Menstrual delay may be a sign of pregnancy or other gynecological diseases. In addition, stress and eating disorders can cause menstrual delay.

• Chest pain and breast tenderness

   Early pregnancy symptoms include ‘changes in breasts’. Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy can cause pain in the breasts. Since chest pain is also one of the menstrual symptoms, it alone is not enough to be a definitive pregnancy symptom. Pregnancy symptoms may also include enlargement and darkening of the area around the nipples. These situations, which are seen as signs of pregnancy, can occur immediately after fertilization or in later periods of pregnancy. These conditions, which are seen as breast tenderness at the beginning of pregnancy, continue with growth later in pregnancy. Dark nipples are another early sign of pregnancy. The darkening of the nipple is caused by pregnancy hormones that affect the cells in the nipples or melanocytes that control color. Nipples may become more prominent during pregnancy, and milk ducts in the nipples begin to open during pregnancy.

• Bleeding

   In some cases, pregnancy symptoms may manifest as discharge. During pregnancy, bleeding is in the form of light spotting and can be a harbinger of the beginning of pregnancy. These bleeds are different from menstrual bleeding and are among the early signs of pregnancy as they can signal the onset of pregnancy. At the same time, as bleeding can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, a doctor should be checked.

• Dizziness

   During pregnancy, dizziness can be seen due to metabolic changes. In this process, metabolic monitoring is extremely important.

• Skin problems

   Brown spots in some parts of the body can be a sign of pregnancy. Pregnancy spots can usually be seen around the nipples, groin, abdomen and belly. Although it is not known exactly what causes these spots, it is thought to be due to the estrogen hormone secreted during pregnancy. Pigmentary changes in skin color during pregnancy are known as pregnancy masks. This situation can be seen in 70-90% of expectant mothers. Pregnancy skin spots can increase even more when exposed to sunlight or other UV rays.

   Acne during pregnancy can be seen after the eighth week due to hormonal changes. In rare cases, there may be a reduction in the existing pimples.

   In the last 3 months of pregnancy, pregnancy cracks may begin to form. These cracks can be seen especially in the abdomen, arms and legs. Genetic factors also affect the formation of stretch marks during pregnancy and it is not possible to prevent them completely.

• Constipation

   Digestive system slowness, which is among the symptoms of pregnancy, can cause constipation. The reason for this is that the growing uterus puts pressure on the last part of the intestines. Those with suspected pregnancy should not use laxatives and similar drugs for constipation without consulting a doctor.

• Headache

   Women who have migraine problems before pregnancy may experience headaches during pregnancy. Women who do not have a migraine problem may also experience headaches more often than normal in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Headache during pregnancy is usually a tension headache and may occur due to hormonal change, anxiety and stress. Pain relievers are generally not recommended for headaches in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Using medication during pregnancy can be risky in terms of fetal development. If there are headaches, high blood pressure, edema in hands and feet that cannot be diagnosed during pregnancy, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Headaches during pregnancy can be relieved after the 3rd month of pregnancy.

• Nausea

   Although it is among the most common symptoms of pregnancy, not every nausea may be a sign of pregnancy. Stress, vertigo, hepatitis, pancreatic diseases, tense stomach, stomach hernia, strained intestine, reflux, stomach irritation, irritation of the intestinal lining, kidney disease, gallbladder disease, viral constipation, menstrual etc. In cases, nausea and vomiting can often be seen.

   The common complaint of 3 out of 4 women in the first pregnancy period is known as nausea and it develops due to physiological reasons. The answer to the question of what causes nausea during pregnancy is related to the increased estrogen and Beta HCG hormones. The complaint of nausea seen in most pregnant women causes vomiting from time to time. Nausea and vomiting can differ from person to person and can be seen in the early or mid-pregnancy period.

   Nausea during pregnancy can be quite difficult for expectant mothers during the first 3 months. This condition, known as morning sickness, may sometimes be accompanied by dizziness. Changes in carbohydrate metabolism and vitamin B6 deficiency can cause nausea. Since morning sickness can cause dehydration in the body, it is necessary to pay attention to nutrition during this period.

• Odor sensitivity

   Odor sensitivity that occurs during pregnancy also triggers nausea. Especially cigarette, perfume, food and heavy sweat smells can cause nausea and vomiting by activating the gag reflex. It has been determined that the odor sensitivity is caused by the estrogen hormone during pregnancy.

• Frequent urination

   Frequent urination is one of the most common symptoms in later pregnancy. Frequent urination, which is a sign of pregnancy, begins to decrease after the 4th month, but it may increase again towards the end of pregnancy when the baby’s head presses on the bladder. If frequent urination is accompanied by burning and stinging, the risk of urinary tract infection should be considered. In order to have a healthy pregnancy, this condition must first be diagnosed by a doctor and then treated.

• Groin pains

   Groin pain can be seen between the 4th and 5th weeks of pregnancy symptoms. The reason for this is that the embryo implants in the inner wall of the uterus. Groin pain during pregnancy is an expected condition, but also vaginal bleeding can present a risky situation. If there is bleeding with groin pain, a doctor should be checked. Groin pain during pregnancy is not severe enough to affect the ability of pregnant women to walk or move.

Author: Mr. Article