If the egg is fertilized by a sperm, the zygote will form, which will undergo numerous cell divisions until it becomes an embryo, which will develop in the mother's uterus. When this occurs, it means that the woman is pregnant and that in approximately 40 weeks she will give birth to a child.
In the first few weeks after conception, a woman experiences some classic signs that can confirm pregnancy. Below we'll list the most common signs a woman may experience early in pregnancy, remembering that these symptoms vary from woman to woman.
- delayed menstruation: delayed menstruation may be a clue that the woman is pregnant. But it's important to remember that it's not just pregnancy that causes missed periods.
- Headaches: In early pregnancy, increased blood circulation causes hormonal changes that can lead to headaches.
- Nausea and morning sickness: due to the elevation of hormones produced by the placenta, some women usually feel nausea in the first weeks of pregnancy, but in some women this discomfort lingers throughout the pregnancy. These nauseas occur most often in the morning, but can be felt at any time of day.
- darkening of the nipples: some hormones released during pregnancy act on the cells responsible for the color of the nipples, causing them to darken.
- Greater breast sensitivity: Breast enlargement is among the first symptoms of pregnancy. They get very sensitive and feel heavy.
- light bleeding: occurs when the embryo implants in the uterus, very early in pregnancy. It can be very light bleeding or even a brownish discharge that is considered normal. It is important to emphasize that if there is any type of bleeding after the first month of pregnancy, the woman should seek medical attention immediately.
- Tiredness: during pregnancy, the woman's body is producing too many hormones, which ends up depressing the nervous system, causing fatigue and even dizziness.
- Cramps: some women may experience cramping as a sign that the uterus is preparing for pregnancy.
- Too much sleep: due to excess hormones and slower metabolism, pregnant women may feel very sleepy.
- Increased urge to pee: during the first trimester of pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, compressing the bladder, giving the feeling that it is full, which leads women to go to the bathroom more often, especially during the period of night.
These signs are typical of early pregnancy, but when suspicions start, the woman should seek a gynecologist so that the exam that proves the pregnancy can be done and also to give start to prenatal, if applicable.
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By Paula Louredo
Graduated in Biology
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
MORAES, Paula Louredo. "Most common signs of pregnancy among women"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/biologia/sinais-de-gravidez.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
