Early Pregnancy Signs: Belly Changes and Symptoms

I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that?

Doctor, you mentioned that during pregnancy, the belly gradually expands and does not suddenly increase in size.
If someone has sexual intercourse and becomes pregnant, will they feel their belly getting bigger one month later? They mentioned feeling it before Thursday, so they should have noticed the belly expanding this week.
Is it true that in early pregnancy, even if the belly does get bigger, it won't suddenly go from no sensation to feeling larger within just one or two weeks? Also, is it common to feel more sleepy before menstruation? They have felt more tired yesterday and today.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/09/08

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

During pregnancy, the abdomen gradually enlarges rather than suddenly.
If a woman engages in sexual intercourse and becomes pregnant, she may not notice her abdomen expanding within just one month.
It is possible that she might start feeling changes in her abdomen, but this typically occurs over a longer period.
In early pregnancy, even if there is some abdominal enlargement, it is unlikely to be perceived as a sudden change within one or two weeks.
Additionally, regarding premenstrual symptoms, increased sleepiness can occur, but it is not guaranteed.

Reply Date: 2019/09/08

More Info

During early pregnancy, many women experience a variety of physical and emotional changes, which can sometimes be confusing. One common question is whether a woman can feel her belly getting bigger just one month after conception. Typically, noticeable changes in the abdomen due to pregnancy do not occur immediately. Most women will not feel significant changes in their belly size until around the second trimester, which usually begins around the 13th week of pregnancy.
In the first month of pregnancy, hormonal changes are the primary factors affecting a woman's body. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, nausea, and breast tenderness. While some women may feel a slight bloating or fullness in their abdomen due to increased progesterone levels, this is often subtle and may be mistaken for premenstrual symptoms. Therefore, it is unlikely that a woman would feel a significant increase in belly size within just a few weeks after conception.

Regarding the experience of feeling sleepy or fatigued, this is indeed a common symptom during early pregnancy. Many women report increased tiredness or a need for more sleep, which can be attributed to the body's efforts to support the developing fetus and the hormonal changes taking place. Progesterone, in particular, can have a sedative effect, leading to feelings of drowsiness.
As for the question about premenstrual symptoms, it is important to note that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can also cause fatigue and mood swings. The symptoms of PMS and early pregnancy can overlap significantly, making it challenging to distinguish between the two without a pregnancy test.
In summary, while some women may notice slight changes in their abdomen or increased fatigue shortly after conception, significant changes in belly size typically do not occur until later in pregnancy. If there are concerns about symptoms or the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
In addition, if you are experiencing emotional fluctuations, it is essential to talk about these feelings with someone you trust or a healthcare professional. Emotional well-being is crucial during pregnancy, and support is available to help manage any anxiety or mood changes you may be experiencing.

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