The first three months of pregnancy can lead to physical changes and the spread of hormones throughout your body. If this is your first time being pregnant, then the anticipation of experiencing symptoms related to your condition can seem a bit daunting. On top of a few physical transformations, an unexpected pregnancy itself can feel like a life-changing event, and you may be feeling a tad overwhelmed. This may not have been something you planned for, and you may be wondering what you can expect from some of the common pregnancy-related symptoms. But understanding the changes your body may go through can help you understand what sort of questions you’d like answered, as well ways to alleviate any potential discomforts.
An unexpected pregnancy brings changes, and not just the physical kind. Avenue Women’s Center is here to assist women throughout all stages of their pregnancy, offering free consultations and limited medical services to provide you with nonjudgmental care. You may have concerns about your pregnancy-related symptoms, as well as how to move forward with an unexpected pregnancy decision. Our caring pregnancy consultants will meet with you for a free appointment in order to discuss your options, and answer any questions you may have to help you feel comfortable about making a decision for yourself. Contact us today to talk about your unexpected pregnancy!
Common Pregnancy Symptoms: What You Can Usually Expect
Mood Swings: You may feel a series of complicated emotions stirring inside of you, and while some of that may stem from the stress of making an unexpected pregnancy decision, it could be due to one of your pregnancy-related symptoms. Mood swings often occur due to hormonal changes that are affecting the neurotransmitters in your brain. While these shifts in mood may vary, some women may alternate between high-levels of happiness and euphoria, while others feel depressed or anxious. These abrupt changes in mood are normal during pregnancy, but if you begin to notice extended periods of sadness, you may want to contact your healthcare provider or a counselor for further help.
Nausea or Morning Sickness: This is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of pregnancy, and it’s possible you’ve heard about it before from pregnant friends or family members. You may begin to experience nausea about 2 to 8 weeks after conception, but this does not always mean you’ll vomit. Just because it’s often called “morning sickness” does not mean it is relegated to when you wake up. You may feel a bit queasy during other times of the day, such as the morning or the afternoon, so you may want to eat what you can stomach and not push yourself too hard. Typically, this particular symptom only occurs during the first trimester, and if you continue with the unexpected pregnancy, you may feel the nausea subside a little during the second and third trimester.
Cravings or Aversions to Food: Some pregnant women find themselves drawn to eating foods they wouldn’t normally eat, or you may have a healthy appetite for things like meat, pasta, or sweets. On the other hand, you may also find yourself feeling adverse to your favorite foods. Similar to nausea and morning sickness, the cravings and aversions usually occur within the early stages of pregnancy, such as the first trimester, although some women have reported these symptoms appeared in later trimesters.
Frequent Urination: When you’re pregnant, you may have to urinate a lot. For some women, this may occur between 6 to 8 weeks into their pregnancy. The expanding of the uterus generally applies a bit of pressure to your bladder, and this is what causes your routine visits to the bathroom. If you’re worried about how the need for bathroom breaks may impact your work or school schedule, you may want to talk with your employer or the school’s main office to see how they may be able to accommodate you. This may include being able to work remotely in order to allow for breaks, or being excused temporarily from productivity in order to take any necessary trips to the bathroom.
Seeking Consultation During the First Trimester
The first trimester of your unexpected pregnancy can seem overwhelming due to all of the changes your body is going through. But seeking outside assistance may help you better understand your symptoms and how you may be able to take care of yourself. A healthcare provider or a pregnancy consultant may be able to guide you and offer reassurance throughout your unexpected pregnancy.
Obtaining professional consultation can also help you assess your overall health and identify any risks. What you tell your doctor or a pregnancy consultant will remain private, and every question you ask deserves an honest and reliable answer. If you have not done so, you may want to learn about how you can go about scheduling an ultrasound exam in order to rule out the chances of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you understand your unexpected pregnancy and your symptoms to provide you with relevant information. Our limited ultrasound services can tell you the gestational age of your pregnancy, and provide insight on early pregnancy risks. We care about you having access to reliable and accurate information, which is why our compassionate pregnancy consultants will provide details on your pregnancy options and help address any concerns or questions you may have. Reach out today for free and confidential support during your unexpected pregnancy!
References:
- American Pregnancy Association. Pregnancy Symptoms – Early Signs of Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/early-pregnancy-symptoms/
- Mayo Clinic. (2017, April). First trimester pregnancy: What to expect. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047208
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.