Pregnancy Symptoms - What You Feel When Pregnancy Is Confirmed, Before Your Period Is Late

Sometimes, when you really want something, you can self-suggest yourself to feel emotions that don't actually exist. The same goes for when you want something not to happen. Pregnancy is the perfect example.

The strong desire to become a mother, as well as the fear of getting pregnant, can make you interpret the slightest symptoms as signs of pregnancy. But can you really feel anything when pregnancy is established? Are there really symptoms that can confirm this even before your period is late? We tell you everything in this article.

What is pregnancy fixation and when does it occur?

Let's start by establishing what pregnancy fixation actually means.

When we say a pregnancy is established, we are actually referring to the moment when the fertilized egg implants (“attaches”) to the uterine wall. Implantation occurs approximately 6-10 days after conception. It may be accompanied by light bleeding and short-term cramping. Depending on the amount and duration of bleeding, you may need to use sanitary pads or pads .

How long does it take to get pregnant?

Implantation generally occurs over several days. As mentioned, the process begins approximately 6-10 days after conception, after which the embryo continues to implant deeper and deeper into the uterine lining.

Implantation bleeding, on the other hand, although it can last 1-2 days, is often only present for a few hours, in the form of a few drops of blood (spotting).

Of course, symptoms and the entire process vary from person to person, and each woman's experience with her entire pregnancy, from conception to delivery, is unique.

Early signs of pregnancy (before missed period)

Because every expectant mother experiences pregnancy uniquely, there is no universal set of early symptoms present in all women. Theoretically, the actual implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine wall cannot be felt, and a missed period is the first obvious sign.

But we can't deny the experiences of women who notice signs earlier - whether they are self-suggested or not. According to statistics, 25% of women have various symptoms even before their period is delayed. Below we have prepared a list of the most common early signs of pregnancy:

Implantation bleeding

Due to hormonal fluctuations and the movements of the embryo implanting in the uterus, the uterine lining can become more sensitive and bleed easily. About 1 in 4 pregnant women notice this implantation bleeding , about 1-2 weeks after conception.

Mild cramps

In addition to implantation bleeding, some women may experience mild cramps in the abdominal area. These are also caused by the movements of the embryo attaching itself to the uterine wall, and they generally don't last long. However, you can use a heat patch made with 100% natural ingredients to reduce the discomfort and continue your day without pain.

Temperature changes

Another early pregnancy symptom that can occur before your period is late is a change in your body temperature. Some women notice their basal body temperature rising for a longer period of time.

Tender or swollen breasts

Breast swelling, increased tenderness, and soreness are among the symptoms most commonly associated with pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, breasts may appear heavier, fuller, veins may become more prominent, and the areolas may darken.

However, these symptoms are not automatically a confirmation of pregnancy, and can easily be confused with signs of premenstrual syndrome. Similar changes occur in the body before menstruation, due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone.

Unexplained fatigue

The increased need for rest and feelings of fatigue and exhaustion are constantly present throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. They can start very early, before the menstrual period is delayed.

Seemingly inexplicable, this fatigue is justified by the intense preparations and major hormonal changes that the body rapidly goes through to support the development of the fetus.

Nausea or changes in taste

Nausea is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy, especially morning sickness. About 50% of pregnant women experience it in the first few weeks.

Vomiting and nausea can also be caused by changes in taste and smell that occur during pregnancy. While some flavors seem incredibly appetizing, many women develop strong aversions to certain smells or foods.

Frequent need to urinate

The need to urinate frequently can be noticed from the first weeks of pregnancy and can continue until birth. It is absolutely normal.

The volume of blood reaching the kidneys begins to increase shortly after conception, and as the uterus grows, it puts increasing pressure on the bladder.

Less common symptoms in early pregnancy

Hormonal changes and other lifestyle factors (e.g. hydration levels, stress) can have a strong impact on a woman's experience early in pregnancy. That's why some people may also notice other, less common signs, such as:

• Metallic taste in the mouth: Hormonal changes may be responsible for the metallic taste that some women unexpectedly experience throughout the day, or when they eat certain foods; constant nausea, gastroesophageal reflux, nutritional deficiencies, and certain dental problems can also contribute to unusual tastes.
• Appetite changes: Aversion to certain foods (even favorite foods), unusual food cravings, as well as a constant feeling of hunger, can be normal symptoms throughout pregnancy.
• Headaches: Increased blood flow, along with hormonal fluctuations, can cause dizziness and headaches in the first few weeks.
• Nasal congestion: Some women experience a stuffy nose early in pregnancy; this is due to hormonal changes that can dry out the nasal mucosa, also increasing the risk of nosebleeds.
• Skin changes: also based on hormonal fluctuations, changes in complexion, skin, and hair can occur as early as the first trimester; for some women, this means brighter skin, for others it can mean acne and inflammation.
• Abdominal bloating (flatulence): Bloating and constipation are uncomfortable but common symptoms in the first trimester.

Differentiating symptoms from those of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

It can be difficult to distinguish early pregnancy symptoms from those specific to premenstrual syndrome . Increased breast tenderness, mood and appetite changes, spotting, mild cramps – all of these can be caused by both the hormonal changes of the first trimester of pregnancy and those before menstruation.

So we recommend that you arm yourself with a lot of patience, because... the key factor that will help you differentiate them is the progression of symptoms over time:

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms improve and disappear with the arrival of menstruation.

While in pregnancy, menstruation remains absent, and symptoms persist and intensify over time. Also, frequent urination and morning sickness can be more obvious signs of pregnancy.

When is a pregnancy test recommended?

A pregnancy test is the most reliable way to confirm whether or not you are pregnant, so we recommend taking it as soon as you first suspect you are. You can choose a home test that measures the amount of hCG hormone in your urine, or you can get tested at your doctor's office with blood tests or ultrasounds.

Pregnancy will not be detected immediately after conception, but there are ultra-sensitive tests that can confirm that you are pregnant even 5 days before your period is late. To be sure, you can repeat the test after a few days. As the pregnancy progresses, it becomes easier to detect.

Frequently asked questions about pregnancy fixation

If you have any other questions about implantation bleeding and other aspects of pregnancy, keep reading this section carefully. We've answered the most common questions about what you feel in the earliest stages of pregnancy.

Do all women have implantation bleeding?

No, not all women bleed when the embryo implants in the uterus. According to statistics, 1 in 4 women notice light bleeding about 1-2 weeks after conception. But you can be pregnant even without this symptom.

How can I differentiate implantation bleeding from menstruation?

Implantation bleeding is characterized by a light flow (sometimes just a few drops), of short duration (a few hours, at most 1-2 days), for which it is sufficient to use a daily pad.

Menstruation, on the other hand, has a heavier flow, can last between 2 and 7 days, and requires the use of menstrual products such as pads or tampons to avoid staining clothes.

Is it possible to feel cramps when the pregnancy is fixed?

Yes, implantation may be accompanied by mild abdominal cramps. These are due to the movements of the embryo as it attaches itself to the uterine lining.

Can cramps before menstruation be a sign of pregnancy or just PMS?

Cramps can be present both before menstruation and in early pregnancy. If we are talking about moderate or severe cramps that persist, they tend to signal the arrival of menstruation. On the other hand, if they appear about 6-10 days after unprotected intercourse and are mild in intensity, they can be associated with pregnancy.

If your period is late, a pregnancy test can confirm whether it's PMS or pregnancy.

Is it normal to feel bloated in the first few days after conception?

Bloating is a common symptom in early pregnancy. It can be due to progesterone levels affecting your bowel movements, or due to high fiber intake. Bloating usually goes away after the first trimester.

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