Early Signs of Pregnancy: What to Look For Before Your Period

Q: Early Signs of Pregnancy: What to Look For Before Your Period

Hello Annie： In the early stages of pregnancy, it's important to pay attention to symptoms such as vomiting, chills, fever, and lower abdominal cramping. <br>1. <br>Severe vomiting may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum. <br>2. <br>Chills, fever, burning sensation during urination,

What are the signs before pregnancy?

Hello, I apologize for taking up your time, but I have some questions.
Since last month, my menstrual cycle has been irregular; it was over two weeks late.
I was supposed to start my period on the 7th of this month, but I took traditional Chinese medicine at the end of November to try to induce my period, and now that the medication is finished, I still haven't started.
Why is this happening? Recently, I've been feeling dizzy and nauseous, and I've noticed some discharge that isn't normal vaginal discharge.
What are the early signs of pregnancy?

Annie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/12/11

Dr. Shi Chengyang reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello Annie: In the early stages of pregnancy, it's important to pay attention to symptoms such as vomiting, chills, fever, and lower abdominal cramping.
1.
Severe vomiting may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum.
2.
Chills, fever, burning sensation during urination, and diarrhea may suggest an infection.
3.
Lower abdominal cramping may be a sign of miscarriage.

Signs of early pregnancy: These can often be identified by the woman based on her feelings or physiological changes.

Missed period: This is the most commonly noticed sign of pregnancy.
For women of reproductive age with regular menstrual cycles, if their period is more than two weeks late after sexual intercourse, they may be pregnant.
However, a missed period does not automatically mean pregnancy; there are many reasons for a delayed period, such as poor ovarian function, hormonal imbalances, stress from work or exams, etc.
Therefore, it is best to seek a doctor's diagnosis for safety.
Breast tenderness, swelling, and itching: These are physiological changes that can occur in early pregnancy.
Additionally, there may be changes such as darkening of the areola, visible subcutaneous veins in the breasts, and prominent nipples.
Frequent nausea and vomiting: Many women experience nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, especially in the morning.
These symptoms vary from person to person; some may experience mild symptoms while others may have severe ones.
Medical attention is only necessary if the nausea and vomiting are extremely severe; otherwise, these are normal early pregnancy symptoms.
Skin color changes: There may be pigmentation changes in the skin or the development of stretch marks on the abdomen, which are more noticeable in the later stages of pregnancy.
Vaginal mucosa discoloration: In early pregnancy, the vaginal mucosa may appear darker due to increased blood flow, which should be assessed by a physician.
Increased fatigue: Women often feel more tired and may frequently want to sleep in early pregnancy.
Frequent urination: By the third month of pregnancy, the expanding uterus can compress the bladder, reducing its capacity and leading to frequent urination.
For further inquiries, please visit the obstetrics and gynecology department at Yunlin Hospital.

Reply Date: 2003/12/11

More Info

Early signs of pregnancy can often be subtle and may vary from person to person. If you are experiencing a delay in your menstrual cycle, along with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and unusual discharge, it is important to consider the possibility of pregnancy. Here’s a detailed overview of what to look for in the early stages of pregnancy, as well as some insights into your specific situation.

Common Early Signs of Pregnancy
1. Missed Period: One of the most significant early signs of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period. If your cycle is typically regular and you notice a delay, it could indicate pregnancy.

2. Nausea and Vomiting: Often referred to as "morning sickness," nausea can occur at any time of the day and is a common symptom in the first trimester. This can start as early as two weeks after conception.

3. Breast Changes: Many women notice changes in their breasts, such as tenderness, swelling, or darkening of the areolas. These changes are due to hormonal fluctuations.

4. Fatigue: Increased levels of progesterone can lead to feelings of fatigue and tiredness, which are common in early pregnancy.

5. Frequent Urination: As the uterus expands and hormonal changes occur, you may find yourself needing to urinate more frequently.

6. Mood Swings: Hormonal changes can also affect your mood, leading to emotional fluctuations.

7. Food Cravings or Aversions: Changes in taste preferences, including cravings for certain foods or aversions to others, can occur.

8. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: This can be attributed to hormonal changes and increased blood flow.

9. Unusual Discharge: Some women experience changes in vaginal discharge, which may be more noticeable in early pregnancy. This can include an increase in clear or milky discharge.

Your Specific Situation
Given that you mentioned a delay in your menstrual cycle and symptoms like dizziness and nausea, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. If the test is positive, you should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and prenatal care.

Considerations Regarding Medication
You mentioned taking traditional Chinese medicine to induce your period. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially during pregnancy, as some substances may not be safe for the developing fetus.

When to Seek Medical Attention
If you suspect you are pregnant and experience severe symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or any other concerning signs, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of complications such as an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Conclusion
In summary, early signs of pregnancy can include a missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and changes in mood and discharge. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test and consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. Early prenatal care is vital for the health of both you and your baby, so do not hesitate to reach out for professional guidance.

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