Introduction
For some, pregnancy begins after months of tracking ovulation days. For some, it starts unexpectedly. And for others, it begins in a clinic, assisted by fertility experts through treatments like IUI or IVF.
No matter how the journey starts, carrying a baby inside you is nothing short of amazing.
Pregnancy brings a mix of physical, mental and emotional changes for the mother. Every pregnancy is unique and so are the symptoms and changes that occur in your body.
Whether you are a first time mom or an experienced mom who has gone through pregnancy before, the journey is never the same.
This blog covers everything you need to know to prepare for pregnancy from knowing when to take a pregnancy test to preparing for labor.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
Very early signs of pregnancy (1 week)
Ideally, week 1 of pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last period. So you are not technically pregnant at 1 week of pregnancy and you won’t have any symptoms.
Conception usually happens a day or two after ovulation which is around day 14 of the menstrual cycle. So you conceive only at around 3 of the menstrual cycle. Spotting or fertilisation bleeding is one of the very early signs of pregnancy along with abdomen cramps and tender and swollen breasts.
Typically, the early signs of pregnancy symptoms start to become noticeable around 4 weeks of pregnancy for most expectant mothers. That is, one or two weeks after conception. Some women might start to notice the symptoms even before a missed period too.
Pregnancy symptoms week by week
Pregnancy is a roller coaster of a journey for most expectant mothers with so many symptoms and pain causing discomfort. Pregnancy is categorized into 3 trimesters: 1st, 2nd and 3rd. But with each passing week, a mother can expect new symptoms and growth in the baby.
PMS Vs Pregnancy
Common symptoms of PMS and early pregnancy include:
- Abdomen cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Sugar cravings
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Bloating
What to expect during pregnancy?
What color is your urine when pregnant?
Ideally, the color of urine can be anywhere between pale yellow to deep amber or light orange. But during pregnancy, the color of urine might change for some expectant mothers. The color of urine can be dark yellow, brown, bright orange, black or even red.
Why am I vomiting yellow liquid while pregnant?
Yellow vomit or vomiting bile during pregnancy is a common occurrence, and it is usually nothing to worry about. Bile is a greenish or yellowish liquid that is released by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which helps with digestion.
Is diarrhea normal in pregnancy?
Experiencing diarrhea while pregnant is a normal concern and it is usually not something to worry about. It happens due to hormonal changes, increased food sensitivity, dietary changes and changes in your digestive system.
Why does acidity occur during pregnancy?
Acidity, heartburn and indigestion is common during pregnancy and it is usually nothing to worry about. It is caused because of slowed digestion as a result of hormonal imbalance in the body.
What is normal discharge during pregnancy?
Vaginal Swelling – Is it normal to be swollen down there while pregnant?
Vaginal swelling is one of the common physical changes that pregnant women experience. It is mainly caused by the excessive blood flow in the pelvis region and water retention in the body.
Pregnancy Nutrition – What to eat & avoid in pregnancy?
Nuts and Dry Fruits
Nuts and dry fruits during pregnancy are super healthy for the expectant mother and the growing baby. They are a great snacking option for pregnant mothers. However, it is important to keep in mind the portions as they are high in fats and calories.
Which fruit is best during pregnancy?
Fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy. They are also a great snacking option for expectant mothers. There are so many fruits that are considered healthy during pregnancy including:
- 1. Apple
- 2. Orange
- 3. Banana
- 4. Watermelon
- 5. Pomegranate
What food is best for a pregnant woman?
During pregnancy, it is important to consume healthy, homemade foods to ensure the health of the mother and the growth and development of the baby. It is recommended to eat whole foods including fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. A few of the best foods to eat during pregnancy are:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Dry fruits and nuts
Saffron & Baby’s Skin Color – Myth or Fact?
There is a common myth that says that eating saffron during pregnancy helps improve the baby’s complexion. But is it true? Does saffron really help with a baby’s color or complexion?
Is it good to take folic acid before getting pregnant?
What food is unsafe for pregnancy?
There are a few foods that pregnant women must completely avoid to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby. These include:
- Alcohol
- High-mercury fish, such as shark and mackerel
- Canned/tinned foods
- Junk food
- High-calorie foods
- Caffeine intake during pregnancy
What is the best lifestyle for a pregnant woman?
How much walking is OK during pregnancy?
Walking for at least 30 minutes a day is great for pregnant mothers, as it helps you stay active and supports a healthy pregnancy.
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for pregnant mothers. It is also safe for most pregnant mothers with low risks and complications.
What sleeping positions should be avoided during pregnancy?
Avoid sleeping on your back or stomach during pregnancy. Lying on your back can put pressure on major blood vessels, which might reduce blood flow to your baby. As your belly grows, sleeping on your stomach also becomes uncomfortable.
Mood Swings – Why do I feel angry and irritable during pregnancy?
Mood swings are one of the common symptoms of pregnancy that most expectant mothers experience. It is usually caused due to the hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy.
Is it good to climb stairs during pregnancy?
Climbing stairs during pregnancy is mostly okay for those with low pregnancy complications. But if you are someone with a high-risk pregnancy or other complications or if your doctor has advised you to take bed rest, it is important to follow their advice and avoid climbing stairs.
Which pregnancy habits can harm mom and baby?
There are a few mistakes that every pregnant mother must avoid during pregnancy to make sure the baby is safe and her pregnancy progresses well including:
- Drinking alcohol/smoking
- Eating foods that cause indigestion
- Missing out on prenatal appointments
- Consuming too much caffeine
- Using hot tubs
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a transformational journey for the expectant couple, especially the mother. From planning for pregnancy to conception to delivery, each stage is different. In order to make this journey smoother, it is important to have regular pregnancy scans to closely monitor the baby’s well-being. Book your consultation with Dr. Deepthi Jammi to ensure your health post delivery.
Why choose Jammi Scans?
- Trusted Expertise: Led by Dr. Deepthi Jammi, the best fetal medicine specialist in Chennai with 15+ years of experience.
- Hi-tech Equipment: Hi-tech scanning equipment for clearer and precise images of your baby.
- Hygienic Restrooms: Clean and neat restrooms to ensure hygiene and comfort.
- Clear Reporting: Detail-oriented reports and clear explanations to ensure clarity.
- Compassionate Staff: Professional and friendly staff trained to care for patients.
- Private Consultations: Private consulting rooms to ensure comfort.
- Comfortable Resting Area: Calm resting area for patients to relax.
- Easy Appointments: Flexible and easy appointments.
Book your appointment with Jammi Scans today. Expert and individual care for every patient to ensure your health.
