What are the symptoms of early pregnancy?

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Early pregnancy, also known as the first trimester, is characterized by several symptoms that gradually manifest over time. These include cessation of menstruation, breast changes, gastrointestinal symptoms, increased secretions, and other reactions. Details are as follows:

1. Cessation of Menstruation

The suspension of menstrual bleeding is often the first indication of pregnancy. For women with regular menstrual cycles, a missed period of two weeks significantly increases the likelihood of pregnancy. Early pregnancy tests or blood tests for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) can confirm this.

2. Breast Changes

As pregnancy progresses, hormonal shifts stimulate breast changes such as tenderness, tingling sensations, darkening of the areolas, and hardening of the nipples.

3. Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Pregnancy can also lead to nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. These gastrointestinal reactions vary in severity due to individual differences in physical constitution.

4. Increased Secretions

Elevated estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy stimulate the cervix and endometrial glands to produce more mucus, resulting in increased vaginal secretions.

5. Other Reactions

Early pregnancy may also bring about symptoms like a slight elevation in body temperature, increased urination frequency and urgency, drowsiness, and fatigue. The manifestation of these symptoms also varies among individuals.