The early signs of pregnancy

The signs and symptoms of early pregnancy vary from woman to woman and often from pregnancy to pregnancy for each individual woman. For some women, the signs are physical, for others they are psychological, and for still others, it's a potpourri.

Below I will describe some of the most common signs of early pregnancy. Really good reading.

Sore breasts

Tenderness or outright sore breasts are completely normal and often the first thing women react to, which can make them think they are pregnant. Some women experience breast enlargement early in pregnancy, while others experience darkening of the nipples and the surrounding area.

We recommend that you purchase a maternity and nursing bra from the 4th month of your pregnancy. Our products are designed to grow with you throughout your pregnancy and adapt to your growing breasts before, during and after breastfeeding. You can see our selection here

Carriwell

Fatigue

Great and almost insurmountable fatigue is also completely normal in early pregnancy. I am often surprised by this, since there is no visible pregnant belly yet. But don't let that fool you. It is in early pregnancy that all the basics happen. This is where you build a baby. Your body is doing a big and vital job, so listen to the fatigue and rest, sleep and nourish yourself and your baby with healthy food - if possible for nausea too...

Nausea

Nausea is also one of the most common signs of early pregnancy. For some, it is “just” a little morning sickness. For others, it is completely unnerving and can mean that sick leave is necessary for a few weeks. Nausea is caused by hormonal changes and is therefore a good thing to see with pregnancy glasses on. For the vast majority, the nausea is gone around week 12 of pregnancy, for a few it continues until week 16 of pregnancy and for a few it persists or comes back at the end of pregnancy. If this is the case, know that there is a possibility of relief, for example through acupuncture, diet, etc. It is important to know that nausea can be affected by both physical and psychological factors, so it is good to take good and loving care of yourself “all the way” in life. You can read more about this here .

Vomiting

For some women, nausea is accompanied by vomiting. This can be morning sickness, vomiting during the day or, for example, in connection with the intake of spicy food. A few percent of pregnant women (0.5-2%) have what is called hyperemesis, which is so much vomiting per day that fluid and weight loss often occurs. Women with hyperemesis receive help from their doctor with a referral to a pregnancy clinic. As with nausea, vomiting ends around week 12 of pregnancy for the vast majority.

Increased sense of smell

If you have been pregnant, you will most likely find that standing on a crowded bus is one of the worst. The smells from the many people, the increased humidity and the seats of the bus themselves smell and you must just get off the bus and into the fresh air. Or maybe you can simply not cope with the smell of frying onions (or something completely different). It can be difficult to understand until you have tried it yourself. You are very likely to have your own experience with an increased sense of smell in early pregnancy - and for some women throughout pregnancy. It is not known for sure why pregnant women's sense of smell increases so significantly. Some believe that it is a survival mechanism to ensure that you do not consume bad food while pregnant, which is really smart.

Urinary urgency

It's completely normal to have an increased urge to urinate in early pregnancy (well, also in late pregnancy, but there it is for other reasons). Urinating early in pregnancy is because pregnancy hormones increase blood flow and thus sensitivity in the bladder.

Be aware that increased urination can also be a symptom of cystitis, AND that many pregnant women suffer from a tendency to cystitis - even if you may never have had cystitis in your life. It is better to get checked 3 times too much than once too little. It is your doctor who can easily and quickly check whether you have cystitis with a urine sample.

Bloated stomach

Pregnancy hormones affect the intestines, which slow down their function. This can cause a bloated stomach and problems buttoning your pants in early pregnancy. Make sure you drink plenty of water and get fiber in your diet, such as from vegetables. Going for a walk or bike ride can also help.

You can use our waist extenders for your trousers to help you wear your favorite jeans for longer.
Look at it now. here

Team-Carriwell

Cravings for specific foods

There are many funny stories about what pregnant women have craved. Everything from pickled cucumbers to school chalk - so not the sugar version. Without any reason for it, I have always thought that the body is wise and asks for what it needs. For example, more salt, lime or something completely 3. It is always a good exercise to listen to your body's needs - it will benefit you during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period - well, for life.

Mood swings

Hormones control many things in our body and psyche. When there is a change in hormones, it can be felt - also mentally. In early pregnancy, there is a change in hormones to a certain extent. It is therefore also normal to have crying spells, feel overwhelmed, get angry out of the blue, etc. It can be nice for both you and your partner to know that this is completely normal. Check to see if you have eaten and slept enough. Do you lack fresh air, alone time or something else? Boundaries, feelings and needs can change during pregnancy. Be lovingly curious about these changes and inform your partner and loved ones about it, so that they can meet you where you are.

Spotting

It's not uncommon to experience spotting around the time you should have had your period. The bleeding is caused by the egg implanting in the uterine lining. If you're worried, reach out. There's no point in worrying.

Positive pregnancy test

Yes, it is not a physical or psychological sign that you are pregnant. But a super factual sign that you are pregnant. The tests that can be bought everywhere in supermarkets, at gas stations and the like can now detect pregnancy hormones very early after the egg has been fertilized. For some, a few more tests are needed, a few days apart, before there is a sure answer. If you want to know for sure with the greatest precision, then stop by your doctor and have a blood test taken. This is also where you should contact - through your own doctor - when you find out that you are pregnant. Here, blood tests will be taken and pregnancy papers will be drawn up.

Dear woman, dear partner, I wish you a wonderful pregnancy process on your way to expanding your family. You are always welcome to contact me if you have any questions.