Pregnancy Questions

When Do You Start Noticing Pregnancy Symptoms and What Are They?

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When do you start noticing pregnancy symptoms

Have you ever wondered: “When do you start noticing pregnancy symptoms?”. For sure, whether you’re trying for a baby or not, there comes a time when you might start looking for clues, so here are some of the common ones.

Before we start, did you know that some women start noticing symptoms of pregnancy as early as one week into the pregnancy when a fertilized ovum (egg) attaches to the uterus wall? While others haven’t noticed any symptoms until after a few months of pregnancy!

Some pregnancy symptoms may be a missed period, inexplicable fatigue, and nausea. And other signs include enlarged or sore breasts, frequent urination, and headaches.

The most accurate way to know if you’re pregnant is to have a pregnancy test. You can take the test anywhere, but not anytime. Did you know that it’s best to do this in the morning right after you wake up? And have you ever been instructed to ‘start collecting midstream’ for urinalysis? The same thing applies! Did you really think health professionals say those lines just because? 😄

Exactly When Did You Have Pregnancy Symptoms?

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A woman will likely start noticing symptoms around 4 weeks after conceiving. But all women aren’t the same and many can feel differently two weeks after conceiving while others many never feel any signs of pregnancy until several months into their pregnancy.

In general, notable symptoms of pregnancy like fatigue and nausea won’t be obvious until week 6 to 8 of pregnancy. But you might begin to experience the ‘uniqueness’ of pre-motherhood at about week 5.

At 3 weeks pregnant, you’re approaching the implantation phase and might notice a little spotting due to the ovum displacing the lining of the uterus when it attaches itself to the uterus. Too technical? Just don’t panic when you suddenly little drops of blood on your undies. Most first-time moms do. Yours truly is not an exception!

Around this period, you might experience fatigue, nausea, tender breasts, frequent urination, food aversions and an enhanced sense of smell.

At 4 weeks pregnant, the clearest symptom of pregnancy is a missed period. One-third of women who starts suffering from morning sickness is around the fourth week. 

Different symptoms of pregnancy are extremely important so that you can prevent yourself from eating something that may harm your baby.

10 Early Signs of Pregnancy

These early pregnancy symptoms are just a guideline. Many of these symptoms may closely resemble routine pre-menstrual symptoms:

1. Missed period One of the most noticeable early signs of pregnancy is a missed period. This is usually what makes women search for more information about other pregnancy symptoms.

2. Tender breasts: Sore and swollen breasts are one of the earliest indications that you’re pregnant, but this symptom goes away after your first trimester.

3. Nausea: Morning sickness isn’t just limited to mornings but it fades away on your second trimester.

4. High temperature: An elevated basal body temperature can be an indication that you’re pregnant.

5. Fatigue: The rising progesterone levels in your blood might make you feel knackered.

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6. Mood swings: Lower lows and higher highs are a sign that pregnancy is interfering with your hormones.

7. Food aversions/cravings: Some food smells may make you nauseous. There may be cravings as well. Like most other pregnancy symptoms, these food preferences may be down to hormonal changes—especially in trimester one when these changes are most drastic.

8. Headaches: In early pregnancy, increased blood circulation due to hormonal changes can cause frequent, mild headaches.

9. Abdominal bloating: Your clothes may feel tighter around the waist as your hormones may make you feel bloated.

10. Frequent urination: You might find yourself making more trips to the bathroom as your body keeps extra fluid that fills up the bladder faster.

How Many Pregnancy Symptoms Do You Have Now?

While a pregnancy test and ultrasound is the only way to really find out if you’re expecting, these are other symptoms to watch out for based on other moms’ experiences. So based on our list, how are you feeling? Excited? Nervous?

Cramps After Sex During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

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Cramps After Sex During Early Pregnancy

Experiencing cramps after sex during early pregnancy? Well, the first three months of pregnancy is usually the most difficult period in women’s journey through motherhood. In the first trimester, a woman will experience the first of several physical, behavioral and emotional changes caused by pregnancy.

Most moms will experience many symptoms on their first trimester such as morning sickness, nausea, constipation, breast tenderness, weight gain, cravings and so on. But what if you’re experiencing cramps after sex in early pregnancy? What does this mean? Keep on reading to learn more about post-sex cramps on early pregnancy.

Are Cramps After Sex During Early Pregnancy Normal?

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Yes, and to be expected for the most part. Sometimes, cramps in your groin area and abs during pregnancy is accompanied by spotting or a little extra blood flow as well. Neither of these things should embarrass you in the slightest, nor should they be a cause for concern or reason to stop.

Of course, if there’s more blood than normal, it’s always best to ask your doctor or midwife immediately.

Causes of Post-Sex Cramps At The Beginning of Pregnancy

Painful twinges or cramps during or after sex in a normal. A healthy early pregnancy probably causes extra blood flow to the abdominal area and this natural change may cause the cervix to be more sensitive. Implantation can cause menstrual-like cramps around the time of conception.

Cramps can sometimes be a signal of something more serious like miscarriage, early labor, ectopic pregnancy or preeclampsia. Most especially when they’re accompanied by more troubling symptoms such as dizziness or non-stop blood flow, or even if they hurt so much so that they make you bend over.

Any of the above complications indicate a possible problem that requires medical attention, so it’s always a good idea to consult your medical provider if you’re worried about having post-sex cramps when you’re pregnant.

Relieving Post-Sex Cramps

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After the climax, your uterus receives a rush of blood from the body, which can bring about those painful cramps in the groin area. 

Don’t suffer through them. Rather, give yourself an opportunity to recover with rest and relaxation until the pain dissipates. Some women also get relief faster after a nap or a warm bath.

If your cramps keep increasing and worsening instead of fading away, check with your doctor immediately to ensure that these weird symptoms aren’t indicative of something serious.

If you’re experiencing cramps that are insufferable, skip full-on sex. You may find other ways with your partner that are equally enjoyable, particularly if it doesn’t put you in a state of recovery afterward.

When to Call Your Doctor

Post-sex cramps are quite normal throughout pregnancy. But sometimes they might indicate something is amiss. Call your doctor promptly if you suffer cramps along with any of these symptoms:

  • Feeling dizzy or having faint spells
  • Painful headaches
  • Severe spotting or bleeding, particularly bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Vision changes
  • Burning or pain during urination
  • Over four contractions in an hour, as this might signify labor

Newly Pregnant and Having Cramps After Making Love?

Don’t shy away from asking sex-related questions during pregnancy. Your doctor is there to help. Your sexual needs are still important during pregnancy, whether you experience cramps after sex during early pregnancy or not.

How Long Does It Take to Realize You’re Pregnant?

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How Long Does It Take to Realize You're Pregnant?

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How long does it take to realize you’re pregnant? It can be difficult or easy to answer the big question of whether you’re expecting or not, depending on how well you’re familiar with pregnancy and your own body.

Most women know they’re pregnant within 2-3 weeks of conceiving. What’s more amazing is that some even realize it much sooner, within days even! It basically depends on your capability to understand the changes happening within you and how responsive you are to them.

Sure, you’ll be able to tell when you’ve missed your period by carrying out a pregnancy test, (sometimes even before you miss your period) but you need to know that taking a pregnancy test too soon isn’t a great idea. You’re very likely to get an inaccurate result.

How Soon Can You Do a Pregnancy Test?

If you’re a girl who gets her period every month at the same time without fail and somehow missed this one, don’t panic yet. There’s no such thing as a perfectly timed monthly period. You don’t have to zoom your way to the nearest pharmacy yet and search for pregnancy test kits.

Based on studies and real-life experience, the best recommended time to take the test is 2 weeks after you missed your period. So if you’re able to remember, or lucky enough to log your period every month, then that’s great – you can now begin counting!

Still can’t wait to take the test? Some tests are more highly responsive than others and can be taken sooner. This could be 4-5 days before the next period. But really, it’s best to wait for at least the first day of your period. If you missed it, go and take a pregnancy test. Once again, taking early pregnancy tests may give you false results so it’s still better to take more tests in the following days.

PREGMATE 10 Pregnancy Test Strips (10 Count)

Luckily, test strips are relatively inexpensive and come in packs of 10 or more. In fact, the popular Pregmate HCG test strips can be bought in a 100 pack! If you are pregnant, HCG strips become more accurate the further into your pregnancy you progress, as HCG levels double every 48 hours.

When Will You Begin Experiencing Pregnancy Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, some women experience pregnancy symptoms very early on, but many don’t. 

Even the Babycenter conducted an experimental study that involves a number of women- all of whom ended up giving birth. Half of them had some pregnancy symptoms within 8 days after missing their period. Some had some symptoms about 2 weeks after missing their period and almost all of them had some symptoms a month after missing their period.

Many symptoms of early pregnancy are so similar to PMS, too, which can be quite confusing.

Let’s take a look at the early signs of pregnancy below.

Early Signs of Pregnancy Apart from a Positive Pregnancy Test

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  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Noticeable breast changes
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Feeling sick (nausea)
  • Increased urination
  • Aversion to some foods or drinks
  • Light spotting (also known as implantation bleeding)
  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
  • Enhanced sense of smell
  • Missed period
  • Getting more emotional 
  • Feeling differently

These are several of the pregnancy symptoms you may notice within your first 6 weeks of conceiving.  

The most obvious early signs of pregnancy are having light spotting rather than a proper period and, of course, missing your period. You can also have pregnancy symptoms even before missing your menstruation. 

And as time goes by, you’ll more than likely know the symptoms quickly. Especially if you’ve watched, heard stories, or been with someone who’s had early pregnancy symptoms.

Is There a Possibility That You’re Pregnant?

Only your body and time can tell. If you’re a first-time mom, you have the option to ask someone. But if you’re too shy or nervous to ask questions, this article should be able to help you. Of course, no one can blame you if you’re worried.

Pregnancy tends to bring out all the emotions you may have never felt before. So if you’re planning to surprise everybody, it’s time to learn to wear your poker face, especially if you never have before!

Pregnancy Worry: 38 Weeks, 4 Days Pregnant With No Signs of Labor

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Pregnancy Worry - 38 Weeks 4 Days Pregnant With No Signs of Labor

Are you 38 weeks, 4 days pregnant, with no signs of labor? And are you now having what you might call “pregnancy worries”? Don’t worry too much, your little angel’s long-awaited debut is near – just a bit busy growing and developing inside you each day.

At 38 weeks, your pregnancy is approaching full-term. Perhaps you’re now ready to take the next critical step: giving birth! But before your due date, there’s still plenty you need to know about this crucial week of pregnancy.

Your Baby at the 38th Week of Pregnancy

Your bub will continue to increase in size, gaining around 0.5 pounds a week in your last weeks of pregnancy. She’ll begin to fill out while that nice squishy baby fat begins to build up around her knees, elbows and, shoulders.

Baby’s Size

At this time, your baby is as huge as a Swiss chard or a bunch of leeks. She’ll weigh between 6-7 pounds on average and be about 19-20 inches long.

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Fetal Development

Your child’s brain, liver, and lungs continue to grow during the last weeks of pregnancy. For this reason, it’s vital to give birth at full-term, or as near to full-term as possible.

By now, her lanugo (the soft, fuzzy hair that covers her skin) will be almost gone, or have already disappeared.

The bowels of your baby will also be keeping its first poo, known as meconium, which the baby will pass after being born. (Meconium is a sticky substance that consists of anything your little one might have ingested while in the uterus.)

You at Week 38 of Pregnancy

You’re undoubtedly counting down the days now, and wondering each morning if today might be “the day”. Try to enjoy the final few days before your baby comes by resting as much as possible, ready to welcome your newborn.

You may be overwhelmed by well-wishers emailing, texting, or phoning to ask if “something has happened”. That’ll definitely keep you busy but you must admit, it’s amazing that people are as thrilled as you are to meet your little one!

Some moms try several natural ways to initiate labor when they reach this stage of pregnancy, from having sex to eating pineapples. So if you’re tired of waiting, go ahead and try some of these natural tricks to trigger labor and see if the rumors hold any water!

Are Past Your Due Date with No Signs of Labor?

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  • Walk fast, walk up the stairs, walk around – just walk while you can or until your baby’s finally ready to “go”.
  • One of the first symptoms of labor starting is the loss of your mucus plug, but the time remaining could be hours or even weeks!
  • If contractions last beyond 30 seconds, occurring about every 5 minutes, that’s definitely a sign. But just to be sure, call your doctor and once you get the most-awaited confirmation, you should be ready to go. (You already packed everything you’ll possibly need during your stay in the hospital, right?)
  • Babies born before week 37 are described as premature or preterm, while those born after week 42 are called ‘post-term’. You know what that means, right? Just be patient, you can do it! 😄

Are You Still Worried About Your Pregnancy?

Don’t be! Just make sure you’re ready for labor and childbirth, and that your home is ready to welcome your baby. Your labor is just around the corner so don’t fret. Your patience in waiting is definitely worth it.

How to Tell If Baby is Engaged in Pelvis and Your Labor is Near?

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How to Tell If Baby is Engaged in Pelvis and Labor is Imminent

You’re approaching the end of your pregnancy and you’re wondering how to tell if your baby is engaged in your pelvis. 

Your baby drops, or engages, as your body gets ready to give birth. In other words, your baby drops deeper into the pelvis and gets ready to get into the birth canal when your labor starts. It’s an exciting stage simply because it indicates that your body’s doing what it’s supposed to do and that you’ll soon be cuddling your little angel in your arms.

While your doctor will certainly tell you when your child has dropped, being able to identify the signs by yourself can help you understand what’s going on in your body while it prepares for labor. While the symptoms aren’t entirely universal, the following subtle body changes all indicate that you’re getting closer and closer to welcoming your tot at long last.

Easier Breathing

When your baby drops, it physically descends into the pelvis. This decreases pressure on your lungs, which obviously makes breathing easier than it was for months previously. 

Pelvic Pain

Pain or “zings” in your pelvic region is an unusual sign of your baby descending. The pain occurs due to the head of the baby putting pressure on lots of ligaments in the pelvis. You might feel pain when you move in a certain manner. Or the pain may come apparently without reason. This occurs as the baby settles in its new position.

Remember, the minor twinges of pelvic pain may be indicative of your baby descending. But if you experience regular, persistent pain, consult your doctor. Also see your doctor if you experience any other symptoms such as bleeding, fever, or fluid loss.

Pelvic Pressure Pain

As your baby descends into your pelvic, there may be increased pressure in this region. This may cause you to feel like you’re waddling when you walk.

Lower Belly

When your baby engages, your pregnancy bump might look like it’s lying lower.

More Discharge

When your baby has engaged, its head will physically increase pressure on your cervix, which will help it dilate and thin out to start labor. Your cervix will thin by removing the mucus plug which blocked the cervical opening.

In the last few weeks of pregnancy, you may notice more discharge that gushes out like real mucus. Or, it could simply be a heavier stream of discharge. Pregnancy isn’t always beautiful, just so you know!

Frequent Urge to Urinate

Is your baby growing one pound a week and its head is lower on the bladder? This situation makes you go to the bathroom every 10 seconds (too much?). Your pregnancy is coming to an end.

Less Heartburn

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You may experience less acid reflux and heartburn as your baby drops lower into the pelvis. While not all women will experience this, some suddenly notice a relief when their child has engaged.

What Else Should You Do if Your Labor is Near?

While your baby dropping is a sign that your body is preparing for delivery, it doesn’t really tell when exactly your labor will begin. And if you experience the feeling that your child is “pushing down” prior to week 37 or increased pelvic pressure, call your doctor so they can rule out preterm labor. 

How Do I Know If I am Leaking Amniotic Fluid? 3 Common Signs to Watch Out For

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How Do I Know If I am Leaking Amniotic Fluid Common Signs to Watch Out For

How do I know if I am leaking amniotic fluid? Well, before we answer this question, consider a situation we’ve seen all too often on TV and in movies: the camera pans to a heavily pregnant woman, her face a picture of panic, the classic “I think my water broke!” line which for some reason prompts the peanut gallery to panic, too. 

While this isn’t exactly how things usually happen (makes for a nice plot twist though), amniotic fluid is an essential part of labor and childbirth—and a critical part of pregnancy. But what’s its role during pregnancy? 

How Do I Know If I am Leaking Amniotic Fluid?

You may wonder, what is amniotic fluid? What kind of liquid is this? Why is it even spelled that way?! 🤭Kidding aside, let’s take a look at some of the facts about amniotic fluid.

What is Amniotic Fluid?

It’s the warm, fluid cover that supports and protects your baby while it grows in your womb. This vital fluid contains hormones, nutrients, your baby’s urine, and immune system cells.

At its peak, your amniotic fluid is about 1 quart. After week 36 of pregnancy, fluid levels begin to go down as your body readies itself for childbirth. 

What’s an Amniotic Fluid Leak?

When your doctor does an ultrasound before childbirth, they will estimate the level of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby. At some point, the fluid is likely to start leaking.

If too much amniotic fluid leaks out, this is called oligohydramnios. The fluid may also leak out when the amniotic sac ruptures, a phenomenon called ‘the rupturing of membranes’. 

Often, it can be difficult to tell if you’re leaking amniotic fluid or not. That said, we have listed a quick rundown of some of the symptoms that expecting moms should watch out for.

How to Tell If You’re Leaking Amniotic Fluid

How do I know If I am leaking amniotic fluid?

Let’s face it—fluids such as occasional spotting, discharge and even a bit of urine when you sneeze or laugh can all be quite normal during pregnancy. So how do you tell if your amniotic fluid is leaking or what you’re going through is normal? Here are a few signs to watch out for:

Odor

Unlike urine, amniotic fluid has no odor. If you’re leaking something odorless, it’s most likely amniotic fluid.

Color

In general, amniotic fluid is clear. By contrast, urine is yellowish and discharge tends to be cloudy white. Are you noticing a small flow or continuous trickle of colorless fluid? If so, it’s more than likely to be amniotic fluid.

Amount

Continuously leaking fluid? Is it collecting in your panty liner every few hours? If yes, you’re likely leaking amniotic fluid.

If you’ve got signs of an amniotic fluid leak, you aren’t sure if what you’re leaking is actually amniotic fluid, or you’re noticing discharge or fluid tinged with blood, brown or green, let your healthcare provider know immediately. It’s also imperative to not have sex, use tampons or engage in anything that might bring bacteria to your vagina.

How would you know if your water broke?

Leaking amniotic fluid, at any stage during pregnancy, could be a cause for concern. But knowing the symptoms can help you call for medical assistance and avoid any further complications. 

Suddenly remembered funny, unforgettable memories when your water broke? Share it with us through the comments below – we’d love to know we’re not the only ones with epic memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does amniotic fluid smell like?

Amniotic fluid doesn’t smell at all, unlike urine.

What color is amniotic fluid?

Amniotic fluid is clear although some claim it’s a bit yellowish.

Can you slowly leak amniotic fluid?

I certainly tried but no luck, it will definitely gush out. And if you’re a new mom, you’ll definitely stare in wonder and ask, “When will it stop?” 😊

How do you tell if your water broke or you peed?

If it’s just pee, you’ll know because urine has its certain odor. On the other hand, if you’re water broke, you won’t smell anything at all. Some even confessed that they stared somewhere and wondered why it’s not stopping until they finally realized what’s really going on. 😁

How much time do I have after my water breaks?

Your baby (or babies) should be delivered within 24 hours after your water broke. That’s the recommended timeframe to avoid any complications which may harm both you and your baby. Although, some moms testified that they’ve given birth more than 24 hours after their water broke without any problems.

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