Pregnancy refers to the fusion of the sperm and the egg released from the ovary during ovulation. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus and implants on the linings for a successful pregnancy. This is often the whole process of getting pregnant. However, certain factors can inhibit the process, especially when the woman fails to undergo thorough pregnancy and prenatal care regularly. Scheduling a meeting with a gynecologist is crucial for a successful pregnancy and the health of both mother and child.

When going through different pregnancy stages, it can be challenging, especially when it is your first. Yet, the process begins with conceiving and getting a positive pregnancy kit to ascertain that you are pregnant. Again, you can use an ovulation calculator to determine if you are pregnant as missed periods are occasional signs of pregnancy. This guide helps you learn signs to observe when you are pregnant.

Pregnancy Testing

If you suspect you are pregnant, you can whether test while at home or visit your doctor. Typically, most women conduct home tests and later visit a doctor to confirm the outcome. But if you are unaware of how to use pregnancy test kit, it is essential to consult or use the manual for better results. On the other hand, some take tests in hospitals where a sample of blood is taken and tested for specific hormonal changes. Notably, these results are often more accurate compared to home tests.

Pregnancy Symptoms

Before taking tests, you are likely to have experienced one or more symptoms of pregnancy. Others will appear in the coming weeks due to different changes in hormones. Here are the general symptoms of pregnancy from the first stage.

Missed Periods

Missed periods are among the first signs of pregnancy at one week but with relatively lower chances of guaranteeing pregnancy. Women with irregular period cycles tend to less dependent on missed deadlines as their periods are often delayed. Besides, several other health issues may lead to missed periods.

Headaches

Headaches during pregnancy are frequent for different women, with some beginning from the early stages throughout the pregnancy. This problem often results from changes in hormonal and increased blood levels. However, the headache should never be severe but mild and only takes a few hours.

Spotting

Early stages of pregnancy accompany different symptoms, and light bleeding and spotting is no exception. This is among the various symptoms of pregnancy after one week that women experience. The bleeding often occurs from the implantation of the fertilized egg to the uterus or other minor conditions such as infections.

Heartburn, Constipation, and Vomiting

After the first trimester, you are likely to experience newer symptoms of pregnancy-associated with the digestive system. For instance, acid from the stomach may leak, leading to heartburns, while constipation often results from slow digestions. Vomiting is a component of morning sickness that leads to nausea and sickness.

Weight Gain and Breast Changes

Pregnancy symptoms at week two can begin with physical changes, though it varies between different women. Some of the changes include the growth of breasts, darkening of the alveoli, and tenderness. Weight gain and other physical changes are experienced during different stages of pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Vaginal Discharges

You usually experience the early signs of pregnancy discharge at least two weeks after conception. The discharge often increases over time and becomes thicker as the pregnancy progresses. During the final months of your pregnancy, you are likely to get a more substantial discharge with blood spots. Typically, the presence of blood spots near delivery means you are soon going into labor.

However, when receiving blood spots much earlier, it may become a sign of other problems such as miscarriage symptoms. Therefore, you should note that discharge during pregnancy is healthy, but always consult your doctor when you see discoloring or blood spots before your delivery date.

Pregnancy Prevention

Birth control has become a standard pregnancy prevention method used by different women today. The goal is avoiding pregnancy at a given period, but reasons behind it center upon partners. With various ways available, specific methods work best for certain individuals; therefore essential to talk to your doctor before considering a given plan. Some pregnancy prevention methods available include;

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Use of pills
• Male and female condoms
• Morning-after pill
• Natural Family Planning (NFP)

Pregnancy Complications

During pregnancies, various issues may arise and pose a threat to either the mother or the child. Most problems are found to begin during the first 12 weeks pregnant when the fetus has gained shape. It is also the period where several signs of ectopic pregnancy are reported and demand great care to both the mother and the unborn child. Intrinsically, it is where prenatal vitamins are administered to promote the health of both the mother and child. Common pregnancy complications include;

• Anemia
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
• Mental health problems
• Hypertension
• Diabetes during pregnancy
• Obesity and weight gain
• Certain infections such as HIV, TB, and viral hepatitis
• Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Prognosis

Each week of pregnancy may have a limited impact on your health or that of your unborn child but accompanies endless changes of the body during this period. However, lifestyle choices can either harm or help the baby develop healthily. Some of the actions for better health include;

• Taking multivitamins
• Practicing safe sex
• Use Flagyl in pregnancy
• Visiting a dentist
• Getting adequate sleep
• Receiving a flu shot

Foods to avoid during pregnancy are;

• Raw meat
• Liver and other related foods
• Raw eggs
• Unpasteurized milk
• Specific cheese
• Dairy products

Bottom Line

If you ask questions such as ‘how many weeks does pregnancy take?’ or ‘how many days after period is safe to avoid pregnancy?’ This manual has the answers you seek. If you are pregnant or planning to be soon, it is vital to prepare and learn what is coming your way.