Pregnancy, process and series of changes that take place in a woman’s organs and tissues as a result of a developing fetus. The entire process from fertilization to birth takes an average of 266–270 days or about nine months.
Signs
Spotting and Cramping
After conception, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. This can cause one of the earliest signs of pregnancy -- spotting and, sometimes, cramping. That's called implantation bleeding. It occurs anywhere from six to 12 days after the egg is fertilized. The cramps resemble menstrual cramps, so some women mistake them and the bleeding for the start of their period. The bleeding and cramps, however, are slight. Besides bleeding, a woman may notice a white, milky discharge from her vagina. That's related to the thickening of the vagina's walls, which starts almost immediately after conception. The increased growth of cells lining the vagina causes the discharge. This discharge, which can continue throughout pregnancy, is typically harmless and doesn't require treatment. But if there is a bad smell related to the discharge or a burning and itching sensation, tell your doctor so they can check on whether you have a yeast or bacterial infection.
Breast Changes
Breast changes are another very early sign of pregnancy. A woman's hormone levels rapidly change after conception. Because of the changes, her breasts may become swollen, sore, or tingly a week or two later. Or they may feel heavier or fuller or feel tender to the touch. The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken. Other things could cause breast changes. But if the changes are an early symptom of pregnancy, keep in mind that it is going to take several weeks to get used to the new levels of hormones. But when it does, breast pain should ease up.
Fatigue
Feeling very tired is normal in pregnancy, starting early on. A woman can start feeling unusually fatigued as soon as one week after conceiving. Why? It's often related to a high level of a hormone called progesterone, although other things -- such as lower levels of blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and a boost in blood production -- can all contribute. If fatigue is related to pregnancy, it's important to get plenty of rest. Eating foods that are rich in protein and iron can help offset it.
Nausea (Morning Sickness)
Morning sickness is a famous symptom of pregnancy. But not every pregnant woman gets it. The exact cause of morning sickness is not known but pregnancy hormones likely contribute to this symptom. Nausea during pregnancy may occur at any time of the day but most commonly in the morning. Also, some women crave, or can't stand, certain foods when they become pregnant. That's also related to hormonal changes. The effect can be so strong that even the thought of what used to be a favourite food can turn a pregnant woman's stomach. It's possible that nausea, cravings, and food aversions can last for the entire pregnancy. Fortunately, the symptoms lessen for many women at about the 13th or 14th week of their pregnancy. In the meantime, be sure to eat a healthy diet so that you and your developing baby get essential nutrients. You can talk to your doctor for advice on that.
Missed Period
The most obvious early symptom of pregnancy -- and the one that prompts most women to get a pregnancy test -- is a missed period. But not all missed or delayed periods are caused by pregnancy. Also, women can experience some bleeding during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor what you should be aware of with bleeding. For example, when is bleeding normal and when is it a sign of an emergency? There are reasons, besides pregnancy, for missing a period. it might be that you gained or lost too much weight. Hormonal problems, fatigue, or stress are other possibilities. Some women miss their period when they stop taking birth control pills. But if a period is late and pregnancy is a possibility, you may want to get a pregnancy test.
Other Early Symptoms of Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings changes in your hormonal balance. And that can cause other symptoms that include:
Frequent urination
For many women, this starts around the sixth or eighth week after conception. Although this could be caused by a urinary tract infection, diabetes, or using diuretics, if you're pregnant, it's most likely due to hormonal levels.
Constipation
During pregnancy, higher levels of the hormone progesterone can make you constipated. Progesterone causes food to pass more slowly through your intestines. To ease the problem, drink plenty of water, exercise, and eat plenty of high-fiber foods.
Mood swings
These are common, especially during the first trimester. These are also related to changes in hormones.
Headaches and back pain
Many pregnant women report frequent mild headaches, and others experience back pain.
Dizziness and fainting
These may be related to dilating blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and lower blood sugar.
Dont's during pregnancy
🚫 Eating Cheese and Processed Meats During Pregnancy - do not eat unpasteurized soft cheeses (and other unpasteurized dairy products), hotdogs, or lunch meat unless they have been properly cooked.
🚫 Drinking Diet Soda During Pregnancy (which contain Aspartame)
🚫 Drinking Coffee During Pregnancy - large amounts
🚫 Drinking Herbal Tea While Pregnant - herbs such as peppermint and red raspberry leaf are thought to cause contractions and increase the risk of preterm labour
🚫 Eating Fish While Pregnant - Risk of the presence of mercury
🚫 Using Alcohol and Tobacco
🚫 Nail saloon visiting
🚫 Hair Dye and Perms
🚫 Hot Tubs
🚫 Changing the Litter Box
🚫 Lawn Work
🚫 Eating Spicy Foods During Pregnancy
🚫 Extensive exercise program while pregnant if you have never exercised before. Walking is a good choice.
Do's during pregnancy
Taking folic acid during pregnancy - Spinach has lots of folic acids
Sleeping Position - Lying on your left side after the fourth month minimizes pressure on your uterus and intestines and speeds up nutrients to the baby
Sanjula senanayaka
Safna Husain
References
https://www.britannica.com/science/pregnancy
https://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-myths-dos-donts
https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-am-i-pregnant
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