The Early Signs of Pregnancy: A Guide for First-Time Mothers

If you have been trying to become pregnant, recognizing the early signs of pregnancy is crucial for a healthy start. This article will guide you through identifying common pregnancy symptoms and the initial steps to take upon confirming your pregnancy. 

Symptoms of pregnancy can vary widely, but there are several common signs to watch for:

1. 
   

   A missed period often prompts women to take a pregnancy test. However, it’s important to note that not all delayed or missed periods are due to pregnancy.

   
   


2. 
   

   Nausea and vomiting are commonly known as morning sickness, this can occur at any time of the day and usually starts around the sixth week of pregnancy. 

   
   


3. 
   

   You may notice your breasts feeling tender, swollen, or heavier than usual.

   
   


4. 
   

   Fatigue makes you feel unusually tired and is common due to hormonal changes.

   
   


5. 
   

   As your uterus grows, it presses on your bladder, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom.

   
   


6. 
   

   Mood Swings occur when the flood of hormones in your body can make you unusually emotional.

   
   

How Early Can I Take a Pregnancy Test?

Suppose you’re experiencing symptoms such as a missed period, nausea and vomiting, breast changes, fatigue, frequent urination, and mood swings. In that case, taking an easy home pregnancy test for initial confirmation is advisable and might give you a reason to celebrate. 

• Be sure to use first-morning urine when you test, as it has the highest concentration of the pregnancy hormone, hCG, which will help give you a clear result. Carefully read the instructions on your test to familiarize yourself with the specific steps for that brand - We recommend doing this the night before.


• Be sure to read the results within the time frame given in the instructions to avoid any confusion caused by evaporation lines. Remember, it's okay to feel a range of emotions during this process!

First Steps After Confirming Pregnancy

Congratulations—you’re pregnant!! Now, it is essential to establish care with a healthcare provider specializing in pregnancy and childbirth. If you have selected an OBGYN, a positive pregnancy test is an excellent reason to schedule a visit.

• Begin taking prenatal vitamins immediately. Look for a prenatal with DHA, folic acid, iron, and calcium. Folic acid is crucial in preventing neural tube defects, while iron supports your and your baby’s blood health.


• Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy. Pregnant women should avoid undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and excessive caffeine. 


• Drink plenty of water to support the increased blood volume and avoid harmful substances - This includes smoking, alcohol, and certain medications. Discuss any medications you’re taking with your OB-GYN, and with their approval, engage in moderate activity like walking or prenatal yoga to keep you and your baby physically and mentally fit.

Conclusion

Recognizing the early signs of pregnancy and taking immediate steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy is vital. We encourage first-time mothers to seek early prenatal care, start on prenatal vitamins, and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and your healthcare provider is there to guide you through this exciting journey.

Please contact your OB-GYN for personalized advice and support with any concerns or questions.

References

1. Nobles, J., Cannon, L., & Wilcox, A. J. (2021). Menstrual irregularity as a biological limit to early pregnancy awareness. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 119(1). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2113762118 


2. Lee, N. M., & Saha, S. (2011). Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 40(2), 309–334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gtc.2011.03.009 


3. Effati-Daryani, F., Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, S., Mohammadi, A., Zarei, S., & Mirghafourvand, M. (2021). Fatigue and sleep quality in different trimesters of pregnancy. Sleep Science, 14(S 01), 69–74. https://doi.org/10.5935/1984-0063.20200091 


4. Beyazıt, A., Hakverdi, A. U., & Gözükara, K. H. (2023). The effect of pregnancy on urinary symptoms. Curēus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.44232 


5. Pownall, M., Hutter, R. R., Rockliffe, L., & Conner, M. (2022b). Memory and mood changes in pregnancy: a qualitative content analysis of women’s first-hand accounts. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 41(5), 516–527. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2022.2052827 


6. Zhang, N., Zhang, F., Chen, S., Han, F., Lin, G., Zhai, Y., He, H., Zhang, J., & Ma, G. (2020). Associations between hydration state and pregnancy complications, maternal-infant outcomes: protocol of a prospective
   observational cohort study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20(1). 
   https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-2765-x 
   
   

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