If you’re trying to conceive, it’s important to recognize common pregnancy symptoms. The earlier you can recognize these symptoms, the earlier you can schedule an appointment with your midwife or OB to confirm the pregnancy and begin making any changes in your diet to ensure the health of your little one. Pregnancy symptoms can be divided into two categories: physical symptoms and emotional symptoms. Let’s take a look at some of the most common pregnancy symptoms women experience over the next nine months.
Physical Symptoms
- Morning Sickness
One of the first physical symptoms you’ll likely experience is morning sickness; however, be prepared—morning sickness can actually occur at any point during the morning, afternoon or evening. Several home remedies, such as saltines, mint, and ginger can help quell your bouts with pregnancy-related nausea.
- Shortness of breath
It’s common to notice a shortness of breath during pregnancy, especially as your pregnancy progresses. The larger your baby grows, the more room he or she needs. As a consequence, your organs begin to squish, and you may notice a change in your breathing. This is normal; however if you experience difficulty breathing, you should contact your healthcare professional immediately.
- Increasing frequent urination
For the same reason you’ll likely notice a change in your breathing, you’ll likely notice yourself looking for public restrooms everywhere you go. Your bladder will be under more pressure the larger your baby grows and you’ll need to pee every few hours if not more frequently.
- Swelling
Many women experience swelling particularly in the hands and feet during pregnancy. However, if you notice facial swelling, you should discuss this with your doctor as midwife as this could be a sign of a more serious issue. Resting with your feet above your heart and prenatal massage by a licensed professional can help to decrease any discomfort caused by pregnancy swelling.
- Weight Gain
Gaining weight during pregnancy is important to ensure that your baby experiences a healthy development. However, it’s important that your weight gain results from nutritionally-dense foods and not empty calories; when faced with a choice between chips or carrots, opt for the naturally crunchy option!
Emotional Symptoms
- Mood Swings
Mood swings are a common emotional symptom related to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. The severity of mood swings varies from mama to mama, and can be triggered by small instances. Although you may not be able to control these mood swings, you can be aware of them and act accordingly.
- Nesting
Nesting refers to a sudden need to prepare for your baby’s arrival. Many expecting mothers experience a strong urge to clean and organize sometime during the second or third trimester. Thankfully, most women also experience an energy surge during this time as well so doing baby laundry, scrubbing down the nursery, and organizing all the gifts from the baby shower seem to go hand in hand.
Before the invention of the pregnancy test, a woman’s body would alert her to her pregnancy through a variety of means, including morning sickness. Over the next nine months you’ll experience a variety of physical and emotional symptoms; it’s important to know that these changes are normal. However, if you ever have your doubts, or feel as if your body is “off”, it’s important to follow your instincts and speak with your healthcare professional. He or she will be able to evaluate your situation and recommend a safe course of action for both you and your baby.
[lamoud_Pregnancy_Calculator]My content[lamoud_Pregnancy_Calculator]
