Early Pregnancy Symptoms

This time, I'll be introducing early pregnancy symptoms.

During the early stages of pregnancy, significant changes might not occur, making it challenging to identify symptoms. Being aware of common early pregnancy symptoms can prevent actions that could affect the fetus, such as taking medications.

 

The typical gestation period is 40 weeks.

When calculating weeks of pregnancy, since the exact conception moment is often unknown, the last menstrual period's start date is used as a reference.

For instance,

if someone had their period on January 5th and expected it around February 10th but didn’t have it and took a test that confirmed pregnancy, the week would be counted from January 5th, the day their last period began.

 

Downloading a pregnancy due date app and viewing the changing fetal characters week by week can be helpful.

 

< Overview >
Symptoms by Week
Is it safe to drink, take medication, or undergo X-rays before confirming pregnancy?

 

Symptoms by Week

Since the last menstrual period is measured as the first week of pregnancy, determining the accurate week count can be challenging.

The symptoms mentioned below by week count are based on the actual moment of conception.

Since ovulation typically occurs around two weeks after menstruation, adding two weeks might help in understanding the pregnancy's progression.

 

Week 1 post-conception (3 weeks pregnant)

No fertilization or implantation of sperm and egg has occurred.

 

Weeks 2-3 post-conception (4-5 weeks pregnant)

The corpus luteum hormone secretion prepares the uterine lining for easier fetal implantation. Mothers might feel cold or a rise in body temperature, which might be mistaken for a cold. Amniotic fluid production begins within the uterus.

 

Weeks 4-5 post-conception (6-7 weeks pregnant)

Breasts might become sensitive and swollen. Low-grade fever might occur, accompanied by the onset of nausea.

 

Weeks 6-7 post-conception (8-9 weeks pregnant)

A sticky, odorless white discharge might start to appear from the vagina.

 

Weeks 8-9 post-conception (10-11 weeks pregnant)

Increased sleep and uterine expansion might lead to indigestion, abdominal pain, frequent urination, and constipation.

 

If you're planning for pregnancy and feel like you might be catching a cold, I recommend using a pregnancy test kit rather than taking medication.

 

Is it safe to drink, take medication, or undergo X-rays before confirming pregnancy?

 

Medications or alcohol consumed affect cells dividing before the formation of the fetus's organs. There's a significant chance that if a miscarriage hasn't occurred, it's less likely that it affected the fetus negatively.

 

The umbilical cord starts forming around week 5 post-conception (week 7 of pregnancy). Before that, the fetus develops using the nutrients within the egg itself. After the umbilical cord forms, it's through it that nutrients are supplied. Medication components are transmitted to the fetus through the umbilical cord.

 

During the very early stages of pregnancy from week 3 to week 8 post-conception (weeks 5 to 10 of pregnancy), when the fetus's organs and systems are forming, tests are generally taken around 2-3 weeks post-conception (weeks 4-5 of pregnancy). So, you need to be cautious after knowing about your pregnancy.

That's why it's usually considered fine if someone didn't know they were pregnant and took something.

 

A single X-ray doesn't heavily impact the fetus. However, multiple exposures can affect the fetus, so caution is advised.

 

That sums up the early pregnancy symptoms. In the next session, I'll post about information regarding procedures involving assisted reproductive technology.