The earliest weeks of pregnancy are marked by many exciting changes. The most dramatic changes result from rapidly shifting and changing Hormone levels of Estrogen and Progesterone as your body prepares for ovulation, when the ovaries release an egg. Pregnancy occurs when the Sperm fertilizes the egg and then will travel up the fallopian tubes to the uterus, where it will reside for the next 40 or so weeks until delivery.
Knowing that you are pregnant The first day of a woman’s Menstrual cycle is considered to be the commencement of her pregnancy. Though you may have no noticeable changes in the physical structure during the first week of pregnancy, there are a number of internal changes that start taking place within the body.
There are some signs and symptoms that most women experience which are the symptoms of Ovulation during the first two weeks of pregnancy. The most common symptoms that women experience during Ovulation include some mild cramping, which may occur on one or both sides of the body. Many women also experience increasing volumes of fertile cervical mucous, which typically appears as clear, slippery and stretchy mucous.
Early signs of pregnancy Most women will not start experiencing true pregnancy signs until 10–14 days after ovulation, though some women have reported symptoms as early as a couple days post conception. Some early signs are:
• Increased fatigue and tiredness
• Increased nausea
• Inability to sleep well
• Metal like taste in your mouth
• Increased need to urinate
• Tender breast|
Things to consider Before you conceive, you can start preparing for a healthy delivery right from the beginning. The most important thing is to start including a healthy balanced diet daily. This is a period where your body has increased nutrient needs. You should also include vegetables and fresh fruit in your diet along with protein rich foods like milk, eggs and pulses. Folic acid supplementation is usually recommended when you start thinking about pregnancy itself as it helps to reduce your baby’s risk of getting birth defects.
Remember to avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs as they can lead to birth defects as well as respiratory problems, low birth weight, Fetal alcohol syndrome and other health problems.
As most prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can affect your pregnancy, always consult your health care provider before taking any medication. |