Tag Archives: pregnancy symptoms

Might Be Pregnant
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What Are The Signs You Might Be Pregnant?

A pregnancy test will tell you if you’re pregnant. However, if it’s too early to take one, you may be looking for early signs that you might be pregnant. While a missed period is usually the first sign of pregnancy, there are several other symptoms that can also indicate you may have a baby on the way. Raleigh OB/GYN put together some of the most common signs you might be pregnant. 

Nausea 

Nausea or morning sickness is a telltale sign that you might be pregnant. It can make it difficult for you to eat certain foods and perform your everyday activities. Keep in mind that while many pregnant women only face nausea in the morning, it can occur at any time of the day. In addition, it may stick around long after the first trimester. 

Light Bleeding or Spotting

You may be surprised to find out that light bleeding or spotting that is light red, pink, or brown in color is actually an early sign of pregnancy. It’s known as implantation bleeding and might occur when the fertilized egg implants itself into your uterine lining. Note that this is different from heavy bleeding, which can be a symptom of a miscarriage.

Cervical Mucus Changes

The discharge that comes from your cervix is called cervical mucus. Right after you conceive, your mucus will likely become thicker and stickier than it normally is. It will likely increase and change to a white or yellow color as your pregnancy progresses. 

Cramping Or Lower Abdominal Pain

Implantation cramps may arise with spotting or without it. Unlike menstrual cramps, which are dull and achy, pregnancy-related cramps typically feel like they are pulling or tingling. It’s quite common for them to come and go over a period of a few days— indicating you might be pregnant.

Frequent Urination

If you notice you have to pee more than usual, you may be pregnant, especially if your period is due soon. This is because your body produces HCG, a pregnancy hormone, which can prompt more frequent urination. Progesterone can also cause you to urinate often.

Nasal Congestion

A sudden stuffy or runny nose may mean you’re pregnant due to hormone levels that often cause mucous membranes to swell, bleed, or dry out. Post-nasal drip and itchy eyes might also indicate early pregnancy. Although nasal congestion can have several other causes, if you think you might be pregnant, this could be an early symptom. 

Higher Basal Body Temperature

Basal body temperature (BBT) refers to your temperature when you’re completely at rest. It typically increases right after you ovulate. If you’re pregnant, however, your BBT will remain elevated instead of going back down. You can track your BBT through a basal thermometer or app. 

Tender Breasts

Pregnancy hormones can cause your breasts to feel sore or tender. If you’re used to sensitive breasts before or during your period, note that they’ll likely be more intense. You may also experience a tingling sensation, and your nipples may become sore as well.

Energy Loss and Fatigue 

Progesterone, the hormone that significantly increases during the first trimester, can make you feel exhausted. You may have trouble getting out of bed or performing your daily activities because you’re worn out. Fatigue typically improves by the second trimester and returns in the third trimester. 

Mood Swings

The increase in estrogen and progesterone may lead to mood swings. You might be happy and upbeat one minute and sad the next. In addition, you may be more emotional or sensitive than you normally are. 

Have Questions About Early Pregnancy? Contact Us Today

Pregnancy affects every woman differently. Therefore, you may experience early signs that someone else doesn’t and vice versa. If you think you might be pregnant, have questions about early pregnancy, or would like confirmation that you’re pregnant, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. You can schedule an appointment through our website or give us a call at (919) 876-8225.

Normal During Pregnancy
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What’s Normal During Pregnancy And What’s Not?

Pregnancy comes with a lot of unknowns. How one woman’s body reacts is an entirely unique experience. Some pregnant women face a whole host of symptoms, while some go unscathed. No matter how your pregnancy journey goes, knowing what is normal during pregnancy and what is not can keep you feeling confident about the adventure to come. 

Conditions Of Normal And Abnormal Pregnancy

Raleigh OB/GYN believes pregnancy is one of your life’s most beautiful and exciting times. A basic understanding of what’s normal during pregnancy and knowing what may indicate a problem can help you keep your baby safe throughout the nine months.

Normal Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy can bring on several physical and emotional changes but vary from woman to woman. It is essential to understand some of the changes you might experience throughout your pregnancy.

  • Swelling, Aches, And Pains

When you’re pregnant, your body tends to hold more water than usual. This water retention can lead to swelling. Often, the extra water congregates in the lower parts of your body, such as your feet, ankles, and fingers. Additionally, the weight of your growing baby can also affect blood flow to your legs, leading to swelling. Many women also experience aches and pains while pregnant, another symptom that is common during pregnancy. 

  • Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal issues are common during pregnancy. Your growing baby creates less room for GI functions, and your hormones are all out of whack. Common GI issues during pregnancy include nausea, vomiting, constipation, heartburn, and diarrhea. If any of your symptoms become severe or unmanageable, talk to your doctor. 

  • Skin Discoloration

At first glance, skin discoloration during your pregnancy may be alarming. However, developing dark, irregular patches, also known as chloasma, is normal during pregnancy. Women may experience this pigmentation disorder due to darker skin complexion, hormonal changes, or the use of oral contraceptives.

Abnormal Pregnancy Symptoms

During pregnancy, it is not uncommon to have some uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms. However, some symptoms may indicate a serious problem. Education on certain symptoms that can lead to an abnormal pregnancy is of the utmost importance. 

  • Vaginal Bleeding

In the early stages of your pregnancy, experiencing light bleeding, called “spotting,” is harmless. The NHS suggests this happens when the developing embryo plants itself in the wall of the womb. However, heavy bleeding in later trimesters is not normal during pregnancy. Causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy include growth on the cervix, problems with the placenta, or may indicate preterm labor. If you experience bleeding later in your pregnancy, contact your OB/GYN immediately.   

  • High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure during pregnancy is called gestational hypertension or, in serious cases, preeclampsia. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest severe and uncontrolled high blood pressure during pregnancy can cause serious complications for you and your fetus. Because high blood pressure during pregnancy does not often cause any symptoms, your OB/GYN should check your blood pressure during every prenatal appointment. 

  • Preterm Labor Symptoms

Preterm labor is when a pregnant woman experiences regular contractions that result in the opening of the cervix after 20 weeks of pregnancy and before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Signs and symptoms of preterm labor include

  • Sensations of abdominal tightening (contractions)
  • Dull pain in the lower back
  • Pelvic or lower abdomen pressure
  • Vaginal spotting or bleeding
  • Preterm rupture of membranes
  • A change in vaginal discharge

Preterm labor can result in premature birth, which often leads to your baby needing special attention in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). If you are experiencing any symptoms of preterm labor, it is important to contact your doctor or OB/GYN immediately. 

Pregnancy can be a wonderful time; however, you need to know what is normal during pregnancy and what are serious symptoms. Possessing this knowledge can help you have a happy, healthy, and full-term pregnancy. At Raleigh OB/GYN Centre, we offer a full range of obstetrical care from preconception to delivery. For more information about what is normal during pregnancy and what is not, schedule an appointment with our team of dedicated providers.

Pregnancy Symptoms
Blog

Pregnancy Symptoms You Haven’t Heard Of

Pregnancy symptoms are not one-fits-all. In fact, pregnancy symptoms hardly will ever look the same from woman to woman. Some women begin to experience pregnancy symptoms as early as 2-3 weeks, while others may experience little to no symptoms throughout their pregnancy. Either way, there are a host of pregnancy symptoms that, although bizarre, are totally normal.

Unexpected Pregnancy Symptoms 

Although every pregnancy is a unique and memorable journey, some pregnancy symptoms are more frequent than others. Some of the most common early pregnancy symptoms, according to the American Pregnancy Association, include:

 

  • Nausea with or without vomiting
  • Missed period
  • Tender and swollen breasts
  • Increased urination
  • Fatigue

 

As conventional as these symptoms seem, as your pregnancy continues, the hormonal changes in your body may lead to unusual pregnancy symptoms beyond the first signs and symptoms. Here at Raleigh OB/GYN, we want to ensure you are prepared for anything pregnancy might throw your way.

Nosebleeds

Though alarming, nosebleeds are relatively common during pregnancy. When pregnant, your blood volume increases to support the growing baby, and the pressure from the extra blood may sometimes cause vessels to rupture. These ruptures often happen in the nasal cavity because the nose has tiny blood vessels that can irritate and dry out from normal breathing. 

Dysgeusia

Dysgeusia, or distortion in taste, is caused in pregnant women due to hormone changes. Many women describe having a metallic taste in their mouth or complete aversions to the foods they liked pre-pregnancy. Even though there isn’t a specific way to avoid dysgeusia, some tricks to try include:

 

  • Eat what you can, and don’t feel bad about avoiding certain foods  
  • Drink citrus juices like lemonade to combat the metallic taste
  • Stay consistent in brushing your teeth
  • Try rinsing your mouth with a mild salt or baking soda solution
  • Considering switching your prenatal vitamin 

 

It is important to remember that dysgeusia doesn’t last forever and usually subsides by the second trimester. You’ll be back to eating your favorite foods in no time!   

Increased Heart Rate

Around the 8-10 week mark of pregnancy, your heart may begin to pump faster and harder. This is usually no cause for concern, as having heart palpitations and arrhythmias are frequent side effects of pregnancy. When pregnant, your blood volume increases significantly, and your heart must work harder to pump the blood throughout your body. Healthline suggests your blood flow will increase between 30 and 50 percent during pregnancy. 

 

If you experience palpitations accompanied by chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, or confusion, seek medical help immediately. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition of the hand and fingers caused by the compression of a major nerve that often causes pain, tingling, numbness, or burning through the carpal bones, wrist, and flexor tendons of the hand. When pregnant, your hormones trigger fluid retention, which causes swelling. This swelling can push against the carpal tunnel’s median nerve, which increases pressure in the carpal tunnel and may lead to pain in the wrist and hand. Approximately 31% to 62% of pregnant patients experience carpal tunnel syndrome. Typically, CTS starts during the third trimester of pregnancy and will subside after your baby is born.

Sore And Bleeding Gums

As other symptoms, sore and bleeding gums, often referred to as pregnancy gingivitis, occur due to hormonal changes in the body and result from plaque build-up on the teeth. The best way to combat sore and bleeding gums is to practice good oral hygiene. Some other remedies include:

 

  • Use an anti-gingivitis toothpaste or mouthwash
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Fully remove plaque when brushing your teeth

 

If pregnancy gingivitis becomes painful and unmanageable, it is always recommended to consult your dentist or hygienist.

 

Becoming pregnant is followed by an array of different symptoms, some of which are more common than others. Raleigh OB/GYN is dedicated to helping you understand every step of your unique pregnancy journey. If you have been struggling with pregnancy symptoms, set up an appointment to talk to your doctor. You can schedule an appointment through our website or give us a call at (919) 876-8225.