What is the first sign of pregnancy?
A missed period is usually the first sign of pregnancy. You may also have some mild cramping and a little bleeding when the fertilized egg implants itself in your uterus.
If you’ve missed your period and think you may be pregnant, you can try a home pregnancy test. These tests are very accurate if you take them a few days after you expected to get your period.
Your doctor can confirm your pregnancy and talk to you about prenatal care.
If you’ve missed your period and think you may be pregnant, you can try a home pregnancy test. These tests are very accurate if you take them a few days after you expected to get your period.
Your doctor can confirm your pregnancy and talk to you about prenatal care.
Why do I feel so tired?
Feeling very tired is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy. Your body is working hard to adjust to being pregnant. This can cause extreme fatigue. You may need to sleep longer than usual at night and take short naps during the day, if possible. Your energy will most likely return in the second trimester of pregnancy.
What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting that many pregnant women experience during the first few months of pregnancy. Morning sickness is caused by pregnancy hormones and can strike anytime, not just morning. Certain foods or odors might make you feel sick and sometimes vomit. Some women seem to feel sicker when their stomachs are empty.
Morning sickness usually starts a few days after you miss your period or have a positive pregnancy test. It usually goes away by the second trimester.
Morning sickness usually starts a few days after you miss your period or have a positive pregnancy test. It usually goes away by the second trimester.
Other changes in the first trimester
Frequent urination. Towards the end of the first trimester, you'll feel like urinating more often as your growing uterus pushes on your bladder. You may leak a little urine when you cough or sneeze because of the extra pressure on your bladder.
A growing belly. Your waistline will begin to expand as your baby and your uterus grow larger. (Depending on your size before pregnancy, you may not notice this change until the second trimester.)
Emotional symptoms. You might feel moody, forgetful or unable to concentrate. These symptoms can be caused by fatigue, pregnancy hormones, and the emotions that can go along with being pregnant.
Lightheadedness. Your body is working overtime to make extra blood to support your growing baby. This can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Hunger, fatigue or stress can also cause these symptoms. If your dizziness is severe and you also have vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain, seek care immediately. You could have a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus.
Heartburn. Pregnancy hormones slow down the digestive process in order to give your body more time to absorb nutrients. Your digestive tract is relaxed and food stays in your stomach longer, which may cause heartburn.
Constipation. Slower digestion can also cause constipation, gas and bloating. You should be taking a prenatal vitamin that contains iron. The iron in the vitamin can also lead to constipation. Your doctor may suggest taking fiber supplements or a stool softener to help with constipation. If you have severe problems, tell your doctor. He or she may want you to take a different prenatal vitamin.
Visible veins. The blue veins in your belly, breasts and legs may become more noticeable as your body makes extra blood and your heart pumps faster to meet the needs of pregnancy. You may develop spider veins—tiny blood vessels radiating out from a central area, like the legs of a spider—on your face, neck or arms.
Skin changes. Other people may notice your "pregnancy glow," which is the rosy, shiny look your skin gets from increased blood circulation. Pregnancy hormones can cause some extra oil on your skin, which might spark a temporary flare-up of acne.
Breast changes. Many women notice changes in their breasts early in pregnancy. The hormones in your body are changing to prepare for breastfeeding. As these changes occur, your breasts may feel tender and swollen. You might also notice some small bumps forming in the area around your nipples. Your breasts will continue to grow and change throughout your pregnancy, and may feel even bigger and fuller later in pregnancy.
Vaginal changes. The lining of your vagina will become thicker and less sensitive. You may notice a thin, whitish discharge, which is normal during pregnancy. Mild vaginal bleeding (“spotting”) is also common and normal. However, you should call your doctor if you have any vaginal bleeding. If the bleeding is severe or painful, go to the emergency room.
A growing belly. Your waistline will begin to expand as your baby and your uterus grow larger. (Depending on your size before pregnancy, you may not notice this change until the second trimester.)
Emotional symptoms. You might feel moody, forgetful or unable to concentrate. These symptoms can be caused by fatigue, pregnancy hormones, and the emotions that can go along with being pregnant.
Lightheadedness. Your body is working overtime to make extra blood to support your growing baby. This can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Hunger, fatigue or stress can also cause these symptoms. If your dizziness is severe and you also have vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain, seek care immediately. You could have a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus.
Heartburn. Pregnancy hormones slow down the digestive process in order to give your body more time to absorb nutrients. Your digestive tract is relaxed and food stays in your stomach longer, which may cause heartburn.
Constipation. Slower digestion can also cause constipation, gas and bloating. You should be taking a prenatal vitamin that contains iron. The iron in the vitamin can also lead to constipation. Your doctor may suggest taking fiber supplements or a stool softener to help with constipation. If you have severe problems, tell your doctor. He or she may want you to take a different prenatal vitamin.
Visible veins. The blue veins in your belly, breasts and legs may become more noticeable as your body makes extra blood and your heart pumps faster to meet the needs of pregnancy. You may develop spider veins—tiny blood vessels radiating out from a central area, like the legs of a spider—on your face, neck or arms.
Skin changes. Other people may notice your "pregnancy glow," which is the rosy, shiny look your skin gets from increased blood circulation. Pregnancy hormones can cause some extra oil on your skin, which might spark a temporary flare-up of acne.
Breast changes. Many women notice changes in their breasts early in pregnancy. The hormones in your body are changing to prepare for breastfeeding. As these changes occur, your breasts may feel tender and swollen. You might also notice some small bumps forming in the area around your nipples. Your breasts will continue to grow and change throughout your pregnancy, and may feel even bigger and fuller later in pregnancy.
Vaginal changes. The lining of your vagina will become thicker and less sensitive. You may notice a thin, whitish discharge, which is normal during pregnancy. Mild vaginal bleeding (“spotting”) is also common and normal. However, you should call your doctor if you have any vaginal bleeding. If the bleeding is severe or painful, go to the emergency room.
How will I feel in the second trimester, compared with the first?
Most women who didn’t feel so great in the first trimester of pregnancy usually start to feel much better in the second. The nausea and vomiting of morning sickness should taper off, mood swings may lessen, and you'll probably have more energy. This will be a good time to tackle many tasks necessary to get ready for your baby.
You'll gain weight more rapidly this trimester, adding as much as 4 pounds a month for the rest of your pregnancy. This means you may need to start wearing maternity clothes.
You'll gain weight more rapidly this trimester, adding as much as 4 pounds a month for the rest of your pregnancy. This means you may need to start wearing maternity clothes.
When will I feel my baby move?
You'll likely start to notice fluttering movements deep in your belly near the middle of the second trimester. Your baby was moving earlier, but you probably weren't aware of it. If you’ve been pregnant before, you might notice the movements earlier because you’re familiar with how they feel. Mark your calendar when you first feel movements so you can let your doctor know.
Will my breasts continue to get bigger?
Your breasts may not be as tender as they were in the first trimester, but they will continue to grow and prepare for breastfeeding. Enlarging milk glands and deposits of fat cause the growth.
You may also notice that the skin on and around your nipples will darken, and you might have small bumps around the nipples. The bumps are glands that make an oily substance to keep the nipples from drying out. A yellowish fluid called colostrum might begin to leak from your nipples.
You may also notice that the skin on and around your nipples will darken, and you might have small bumps around the nipples. The bumps are glands that make an oily substance to keep the nipples from drying out. A yellowish fluid called colostrum might begin to leak from your nipples.
What are stretch marks and can I prevent them?
As your skin stretches to fit your growing body, some areas of skin may become stretched tight. Elastic fibers right below the skin may tear, creating streaks of indented skin called stretch marks. Stretch marks are likely to occur on your belly and breasts.
Not every pregnant woman gets stretch marks, but they are very common. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a way to prevent them completely. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your weight and make sure you don’t gain more than your doctor recommends. Some manufacturers of lotions and oils claim these products can prevent stretch marks, but this hasn’t been proven. However, keeping your skin well moisturized can help cut down on itchiness.
Stretch marks should fade and become less noticeable after pregnancy.
Not every pregnant woman gets stretch marks, but they are very common. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a way to prevent them completely. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your weight and make sure you don’t gain more than your doctor recommends. Some manufacturers of lotions and oils claim these products can prevent stretch marks, but this hasn’t been proven. However, keeping your skin well moisturized can help cut down on itchiness.
Stretch marks should fade and become less noticeable after pregnancy.
What other skin changes can I expect?
Not all pregnant women experience skin changes, but some common changes are listed below.
- Dry, itchy skin, especially on the belly
- Increased sensitivity to the sun. This means you might burn more easily, and may need to wear more sunscreen than usual.
- A dark line (the “linea nigra”) down the middle of your belly from your navel to your pubic hair
- Patches of darkened skin on the face (sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy")
- Reddened, itching palms
Some of these skin changes may fade after pregnancy.
Will my interest in sex come back?
If you had morning sickness, mood swings and low energy during the first trimester, you may not have felt like having sex very often. Many women find that their desire for sex returns during the second trimester. Having sex is OK anytime during pregnancy, unless your doctor says you shouldn’t.
Other second-trimester changes
Leg pain. You may have leg cramps, especially when you sleep. These may be related to the pressure your growing baby exerts on the nerves and blood vessels that go to your legs. It may help to sleep on your side instead of your back.
Another leg condition, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can be serious. DVT is a blood clot that forms in a vein, causing pain and swelling in one leg. Contact your doctor right away if you have these symptoms.
Puffiness. Your ankles, hands and face may swell during the second trimester. This is caused by fluid retention and slowed blood circulation.
Aching back, pelvis and hips. The job of supporting your growing belly may strain your back. Your hips and pelvic area may begin to ache as pregnancy hormones relax the ligaments (tough, ropelike bands of tissue) that hold bones together. The bones will begin moving in preparation for childbirth.
Abdominal pain. The muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus will stretch and may hurt as your baby grows.
Loose teeth. Pregnancy hormones also affect the ligaments and bones in your mouth, so teeth may loosen. This will go away after pregnancy.
However, if you have periodontitis, inflammation or low-grade infection of the gums and tissues around the teeth, seek treatment. Periodontal disease has been associated with preterm (early) birth and low birth weight. The second trimester is a good time to have dental work done.
Nasal congestion, nosebleeds and bleeding gums. These result from increased blood flow to the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth.
Heartburn. This burning feeling in the esophagus (the tube between the mouth and stomach) may begin or get worse in the second trimester. Your expanding uterus may press on your stomach and force food and acid up into your esophagus, causing the burn.
Urinary tract infections. You may develop an infection because hormonal changes slow the flow of urine and the growing uterus pushes on the bladder. Urinary tract infections can lead to preterm labor, so let your doctor know if you feel a burning sensation when you urinate, have to urinate more often, or notice blood or a strong odor in your urine.
Braxton Hicks contractions. Also called “false labor,” Braxton Hicks contractions are a tightening of your uterine muscles. It’s one of the ways the uterus prepares for labor and delivery. When you’re having a Braxton Hicks contraction, your belly will feel very tight and hard, and you may or may not have pain. The contraction should go away within a few minutes and should not come back in any regular pattern.
If contractions become regular and painful and don't go away when you change your position or walk around, call your doctor. It might be preterm labor.
Another leg condition, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can be serious. DVT is a blood clot that forms in a vein, causing pain and swelling in one leg. Contact your doctor right away if you have these symptoms.
Puffiness. Your ankles, hands and face may swell during the second trimester. This is caused by fluid retention and slowed blood circulation.
Aching back, pelvis and hips. The job of supporting your growing belly may strain your back. Your hips and pelvic area may begin to ache as pregnancy hormones relax the ligaments (tough, ropelike bands of tissue) that hold bones together. The bones will begin moving in preparation for childbirth.
Abdominal pain. The muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus will stretch and may hurt as your baby grows.
Loose teeth. Pregnancy hormones also affect the ligaments and bones in your mouth, so teeth may loosen. This will go away after pregnancy.
However, if you have periodontitis, inflammation or low-grade infection of the gums and tissues around the teeth, seek treatment. Periodontal disease has been associated with preterm (early) birth and low birth weight. The second trimester is a good time to have dental work done.
Nasal congestion, nosebleeds and bleeding gums. These result from increased blood flow to the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth.
Heartburn. This burning feeling in the esophagus (the tube between the mouth and stomach) may begin or get worse in the second trimester. Your expanding uterus may press on your stomach and force food and acid up into your esophagus, causing the burn.
Urinary tract infections. You may develop an infection because hormonal changes slow the flow of urine and the growing uterus pushes on the bladder. Urinary tract infections can lead to preterm labor, so let your doctor know if you feel a burning sensation when you urinate, have to urinate more often, or notice blood or a strong odor in your urine.
Braxton Hicks contractions. Also called “false labor,” Braxton Hicks contractions are a tightening of your uterine muscles. It’s one of the ways the uterus prepares for labor and delivery. When you’re having a Braxton Hicks contraction, your belly will feel very tight and hard, and you may or may not have pain. The contraction should go away within a few minutes and should not come back in any regular pattern.
If contractions become regular and painful and don't go away when you change your position or walk around, call your doctor. It might be preterm labor.
What changes can I expect in the third trimester?
The third trimester is the "home stretch" of your pregnancy! As your baby grows, your body will feel even more awkward and heavy. Everyday things—like getting out of bed or rising from a chair—will require extra effort.
The tiredness you felt early in pregnancy may return, making naps a good idea. You might also start to feel more emotional as you prepare for labor, delivery and parenthood.
But you'll enjoy feeling your baby move. The "nesting instinct" may kick in, and you may feel an urge to clean the house and make final preparations for bringing your baby home. Take it slowly so you don't wear yourself out.
The tiredness you felt early in pregnancy may return, making naps a good idea. You might also start to feel more emotional as you prepare for labor, delivery and parenthood.
But you'll enjoy feeling your baby move. The "nesting instinct" may kick in, and you may feel an urge to clean the house and make final preparations for bringing your baby home. Take it slowly so you don't wear yourself out.
Will sleeping be difficult?
As you get bigger, you might struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position and find it harder to change positions. Side sleeping will be best. Sleeping on your left side helps blood circulation.
Sleeping on your back will be uncomfortable because the weight of your baby presses on the veins in your lower back, slowing the return of blood from the lower body to the heart. You need to avoid sleeping on your stomach altogether. Just remember to try and fall asleep on your left side when you go to bed, and if you wake up, return to that position before going back to sleep. Putting a pillow between your knees or behind your back may make you feel more comfortable.
Sleeping on your back will be uncomfortable because the weight of your baby presses on the veins in your lower back, slowing the return of blood from the lower body to the heart. You need to avoid sleeping on your stomach altogether. Just remember to try and fall asleep on your left side when you go to bed, and if you wake up, return to that position before going back to sleep. Putting a pillow between your knees or behind your back may make you feel more comfortable.
Other things interfering with sleep may include:
- Leg cramps, which may be related to the pressure your uterus puts on the nerves and blood vessels that go to your legs
- Restless legs syndrome, in which you feel an urge to move your legs, often because of an unpleasant feeling in them
- Heartburn, the burning feeling in your lower chest, which may worsen as your uterus crowds your stomach out of its usual position. Ask your doctor if you can take a chewable antacid if needed.
- Nasal congestion, caused by increased blood flow to the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth
- Your baby's movements
- The need to urinate, which will increase as the baby grows and changes position
- Strange dreams, which some women have in the last weeks of pregnancy
Will I still want to have sex?
You might lose the desire for sex, partly because of your size and partly because you're preoccupied with getting ready for labor, delivery and parenthood. But it’s still OK to have sex, unless your doctor has told you not to.
What else might I notice in the third trimester?
Varicose veins. These are bluish, swollen, sometimes painful veins beneath the surface of the skin. They often show up on the backs of the calves or the inside of the legs.
Hemorrhoids. These are varicose veins in the rectum. They may stick out of the anus and cause itching, pain and sometimes bleeding. Ask your doctor about taking a stool softener (not a laxative) if you haven’t been doing so already.
Hemorrhoids. These are varicose veins in the rectum. They may stick out of the anus and cause itching, pain and sometimes bleeding. Ask your doctor about taking a stool softener (not a laxative) if you haven’t been doing so already.
Causes include:
- Pressure that your growing uterus puts on the large veins behind it, which slows blood circulation
- Pregnancy hormones, which cause the walls of veins to relax and possibly swell
- Constipation, which makes you strain to pass hard bowel movements
- Increased fluid retention
Puffiness. Fluid retention and slowed blood circulation are to blame for swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, hands and face.
If swelling in your hands and face becomes extreme—especially if it's accompanied by headache, blurred vision, dizziness and belly pain—call your doctor. These may be signs of a dangerous condition called pregnancy-induced hypertension (also called preeclampsia).
Tingling and numbness. The swelling in your body may press on nerves, resulting in tingling and numbness in the legs, arms and hands. The skin on your belly may feel numb, too, because it is so stretched out.
Tingling and numbness in the hands usually occurs because of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by pressure on a nerve within the wrist. An easy way to relieve some of these symptoms is to wear a “wrist splints” at night when you are sleeping. Fortunately, the problem usually ends after pregnancy.
Aching back, pelvis and hips. This may have started in the second trimester. The strain on your back will increase as your belly grows larger. Your hips and pelvic area may hurt as pregnancy hormones relax the joints between the pelvic bones in preparation for childbirth. Sleeping with a pillow behind your back may help with the pain.
Abdominal pain. The muscles and ligaments (tough, ropelike bands of tissue) that support the uterus will continue to stretch as your baby grows, and they may be painful.
Shortness of breath. As your uterus grows upward, your lungs will have less room to expand. You may find yourself huffing and puffing more.
More breast growth. Your nipples may leak colostrum. If you breastfeed, this fluid will be your baby's first food.
Vaginal discharge. Discharge may increase toward the end of your pregnancy. If you have any fluid leaking or see any blood, call your doctor immediately.
Less fetal movement. As your baby continues to grow, he or she starts running out of room to move around in your uterus, so you might notice fewer movements throughout the day. If you don’t feel your baby move 10 times over an hour or if you’re concerned about the lack of movement, call your doctor right away.
If swelling in your hands and face becomes extreme—especially if it's accompanied by headache, blurred vision, dizziness and belly pain—call your doctor. These may be signs of a dangerous condition called pregnancy-induced hypertension (also called preeclampsia).
Tingling and numbness. The swelling in your body may press on nerves, resulting in tingling and numbness in the legs, arms and hands. The skin on your belly may feel numb, too, because it is so stretched out.
Tingling and numbness in the hands usually occurs because of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by pressure on a nerve within the wrist. An easy way to relieve some of these symptoms is to wear a “wrist splints” at night when you are sleeping. Fortunately, the problem usually ends after pregnancy.
Aching back, pelvis and hips. This may have started in the second trimester. The strain on your back will increase as your belly grows larger. Your hips and pelvic area may hurt as pregnancy hormones relax the joints between the pelvic bones in preparation for childbirth. Sleeping with a pillow behind your back may help with the pain.
Abdominal pain. The muscles and ligaments (tough, ropelike bands of tissue) that support the uterus will continue to stretch as your baby grows, and they may be painful.
Shortness of breath. As your uterus grows upward, your lungs will have less room to expand. You may find yourself huffing and puffing more.
More breast growth. Your nipples may leak colostrum. If you breastfeed, this fluid will be your baby's first food.
Vaginal discharge. Discharge may increase toward the end of your pregnancy. If you have any fluid leaking or see any blood, call your doctor immediately.
Less fetal movement. As your baby continues to grow, he or she starts running out of room to move around in your uterus, so you might notice fewer movements throughout the day. If you don’t feel your baby move 10 times over an hour or if you’re concerned about the lack of movement, call your doctor right away.
What are signs that labor might start soon?
Your baby will probably change position, with his or her head moving down in your pelvis. People might notice your belly is lower and say that you’ve “dropped.”
Your cervix (the lower end of your uterus) will begin to thin (doctors call this “effacement”) and open (“dilation”). Your doctor will check for this in the last weeks of pregnancy. He or she may tell you you’re a certain percent effaced and that you’re dilated a certain number of centimeters.
Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor) may happen more often and become stronger.
You may have a constant backache and cramping, diarrhea and gas before labor begins.
Your cervix (the lower end of your uterus) will begin to thin (doctors call this “effacement”) and open (“dilation”). Your doctor will check for this in the last weeks of pregnancy. He or she may tell you you’re a certain percent effaced and that you’re dilated a certain number of centimeters.
Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor) may happen more often and become stronger.
You may have a constant backache and cramping, diarrhea and gas before labor begins.
How will I know if I’m in labor?
If your contractions seem to be happening in a regular pattern, and if the time between contractions starts getting shorter and shorter, you’re probably in labor. True labor contractions are usually more painful than Braxton Hicks contractions. If your contractions are so painful that you can’t talk, call your doctor.
Your "water" breaking is another sign of the beginning of labor. This is caused by a tear in the sac that encloses your baby and the amniotic fluid, releasing some of the fluid. Call your doctor or go to the hospital if you think this has happened. However, for many women, the water doesn't break until labor has begun.
Talk to your doctor about the signs of labor. He or she will tell you what to expect and when to call or go to the hospital.
Your "water" breaking is another sign of the beginning of labor. This is caused by a tear in the sac that encloses your baby and the amniotic fluid, releasing some of the fluid. Call your doctor or go to the hospital if you think this has happened. However, for many women, the water doesn't break until labor has begun.
Talk to your doctor about the signs of labor. He or she will tell you what to expect and when to call or go to the hospital.
