Pregnancy is the best news a mother can receive. Also, at this point, many changes happen inside the body of the mother. There may be changes that make you feel stress and worry. In this blog, we will discuss symptoms of pregnancy that are important for you to know.

Symptoms

Let’s check out the following 20 symptoms that are important to be known for pregnancy.

1. Missed period

Though missing a period isn’t always a sign of having a pregnant belly still, if you experience regular periods and now you have missed it can be a sign that you are pregnant.

2. Headaches

Frequent headaches are often a common visible sign of pregnancy. It is usually caused by fluctuations or alterations in your hormone levels and due to the increase in blood volume. Also, you can reach out to your doctor for any emergency painful headaches.

Also Read: How To Talk To Your Partner About Fertility Issues

3. Spotting

It is another common symptom that is experienced by some women in their early pregnancy stage. It can cause implantation, which occurs mainly after fertilization i.e. 1 to 2 weeks. Also, spotting can be caused due to infection or any type of irritation. Therefore, it is advisable to reach out to your gynaecologist if you face a long time of mild spotting. It will avoid any major issues from arising if treated timely.

4. Hypertension caused due to pregnancy

Sometimes pregnancy leads to hypertension in the expecting mothers. It can be harmful and can increase the risk including, smoking, obesity, and any prior history of pregnancy-caused hypertension.

5. Weight Gain

Gaining weight is a common symptom faced by pregnant women. In the first months of pregnancy, you can observe 1 to 4 pounds increasing. But, the actual weight gain occurs in the second trimester’s beginning and is visible to all.

6. Heartburn

It is another common symptom faced by expecting mothers. The pregnancy hormones tend to relax the valve between the oesophagus and stomach which further leads to leaking out of the stomach acid causing heartburn.

7. Cramps

The uterus muscles begin to expand and stretch causing cramps to occur. The pulling sensation is similar to menstrual cramps. And, if you notice spotting along with cramps then they’re chances of ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. Have an appointment with the doctor immediately.

8. Back Pain

The fluctuations in hormones and the stress on the muscles of back cause back pain during pregnancy. Most women experience back pain in the mid of their pregnancy when they start gaining weight.

9. Anemia

Pregnant women can have high chances of getting anemia which further causes dizziness and lightheadedness. It can be dangerous as it can lead to premature birth and a baby with low weight as per requirement. Therefore, it is always advisable to have anemia checked during the prenatal phase.

10. Depression

One of the common symptoms found in expecting mothers. As per research, more than 23 percent of all pregnant women, face depression. If you feel too much anxiety or stress, talk to your doctor immediately.

11. Insomnia

It is seen in many pregnant ladies. This can be due to many external factors. It can even be due to stress or anxiety. Be sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a diet full of vitamins and minerals needed. Practice some yoga stretches, as prescribed, to relax your body and prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep.

12. Breast Changes

This is the first symptom that is noticed by a pregnant lady. It is visible even before you get to know the news of your pregnancy as a confirmation. You can feel your breast swollen, tender, heavy, or full. The nipples get sensitive and become larger. And, even your areola darkens.

13. Acne

In early pregnancy, many women experience acne due to an increase in androgen hormones making your skin oily and having clogged pores. Don’t worry, this acne will go as soon as you deliver the baby.

14. Vomiting

It is very common and is familiar to everyone as morning sickness. This symptom is most commonly visible in the first four months of your pregnancy. It is the first confirmed pregnancy sign. It is caused due to the increased rush in hormones.

15. Hip Pain

It is a common symptom and hip pain tends to increase in the coming months of the pregnancy. It can be caused due to posture change, due to heavy uterus, sciatica, or due to pressure on ligaments.

16. Diarrhoea

Other digestive issues and diarrhoea are common in pregnancy. It is because of the changing hormones, diet, and increase in stress levels. You should contact your doctor if it lasts longer.

17. Fatigue

It is experienced as a symptom by every expecting mother. When you carry a baby, maximum energy goes into building a placenta causing high fatigue in you.

18. Sensitive to smell

The expecting mothers become sensitive to smell, finding every other smell unappealing. It is the first common early pregnancy sign which makes a visible sensitivity to smells appear.

Related Article: Freezing Embryos: A Lot Of People Are Turning For This Option

19. Food Aversions

Expecting mothers to face another common symptom, from the first day of their pregnancy, is they get too picky about their food choices. Due to hormones pacing up and down, they crave things that they didn’t like long back. Every expecting mother has her unique taste and the type of comfort food she enjoys. By the second trimester, you get used to these abrupt food changes.

20. Mood Swings

The mood swings are high for pregnant women. You can experience them anywhere after four weeks of pregnancy. Don’t worry much as people around, understands you well.

Though these symptoms can feel high on you just by reading but, don’t worry. You will be perfect after delivering your baby. Therefore, enjoy the process of being an expecting mother.

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10 things you have to do before you go into labour.

After months of waiting, now the time is near to your baby’s arrival. It is no harm to get bit ready before your baby steps in your life. In this blog, we will discuss all labour, the anxiety attached to it, and the things you must follow before going for labour.

Labour

Childbirth is the best thing that happens to a mother. This feeling continues to progress at the arrival of every baby birth, no matter if the baby is the first one or the last one. Every pregnancy matters.

The experience of enjoyment is often neglected under the clouds of anxiety and fear attached to labour. Therefore, you need to have the right knowledge and early preparation to avoid labour stress. Also, your doctor is of great help during this process, and make sure to consult your doctor. You should let them know your fears or hopes related to delivery so that they can prepare well to give you a wonderful labour experience.

At the time of labour, the baby adjusts according to the surroundings inside the womb, slides down the uterus, and is born as a new life in this world. Remember, the care you give in your antenatal period is reflected by the smooth labour you experience at the end.

10 things to do before the labour

Follow the below-listed things before your baby steps out in your life to make the labour process simpler and enjoyable.

1. Make sure you have prepared your hospital bag with all the necessary things you feel you’ll be needing in the hospital.

Your hospital bag must consist of these items:

1. A pair of slippers, clothing to wear on your way back home, socks to keep you warm, a nursing top to carry breastfeeding the easy way, and an additional robe.
2. Stack another set of clothing to help you change if your baby vomits or spits on you.
3. Throw in a warm blanket in your hospital bag to assure your baby gets the warmth it needs.
4. Assure you have all of your important personal toiletries.
5. Don’t forget to keep your written copy stating the birth plan and also, stack in the breathing tips, if you have any of them, by your birthing lectures.

As you are willing to bring the comfort of your home to your hospital ward make sure to pick up a comfortable body pillow, essential oils, or even a set of personal speakers if you feel the need of having them at the time of labour.

Also Read: Ovulation- how long does it last?

Remember to install an additional baby seat in your car, otherwise, you won’t be permitted by the hospital to leave. And, finally set a crib, table for changing diapers, and other necessary things you feel your baby would need, beforehand.

2. After your hospital bag is set, have time for yourself. Do stuff that feels good to you. Call your friends home if they make you happy. It will help you lower your anxiety levels making you free of any childbirth stress. Go to a spa or play music or cook something fascinating. The main aim is to keep yourself happy at all costs.

Don’t feel distressed and be ensured that you have got the best team of doctors to work with your hopes and fears related to delivery in the best way. You can even choose your doctor from the list of best doctors around you. Be comfortable and don’t stress yourself at any point.

Some activities like writing a letter to your baby, downloading audiobooks, and sorting out ways for announcing the birth of your baby to the world, can make you forget your distress and enjoy your phase.

Also Read: How to Track your Basal Body Temperature and Ovulation?

3. Stock up your medicines, additional needs of your baby, and fill the pantry to assure you have everything on the spot when anything is required after the delivery at your hands. Stock the nursery well with all the needed items like diapers, swaddle blankets, sleep sacks, foodie PJ’s, and onesies.
4. Instruct your helpers to clean your house well. You can assist them if you feel, but remember not to overwork or overstress yourself with the home cleaning. Set your house in a way that it has changing supplies on every floor with the needed nursing supplies. Make sure your carpets are cleaned and disinfected to assure the safety of your baby.
5. Confirm the availability of your doctor or the midwife. If you feel, you want to change them, go ahead with the best options present around you. Check on your birth plan and also check on the companions you want in your hospital room during delivery. Don’t create a mess there as to who is needed and who is not. It will avoid stress during your delivery.
6. Spend some time with the other kids, if you have any. Don’t worry, if it’s your first baby. Spend some time with your partner to feel at comfort and enveloped in love. You can also arrange a prenatal massage under the expert hands.
7. Don’t forget to have some alone time. Don’t overthink when you’re alone. Try to focus and calm your anxious feelings by saying, “Everything, would be sorted out in the best possible ways”. You can even practice your affirmations or lay your hands on the gratitude journal to make you happy and feel positive.
8. Make sure to have your baby’s clothes cleaned and disinfected to assure the safety of your baby and the sensitive skin it has.
9. Opt for freezer meals so that you don’t have to work extra after the delivery. Also, your husband can help you with heating those freezer meals and you can have a good time together.
10. Invest in a good nursing outfit including lingerie. Also, you can see if the breast pump is covered in your insurance or not.

We hope the above-listed points help you have an exciting delivery. Don’t stress out. We believe in you and we trust that you can do it properly.

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