Are Headaches An Early Sign Of Pregnancy

Changes In The Breasts

Breast changes are among the most common early signs of pregnancy. Because our hormones change rapidly after conception, this will cause breasts to feel full and become sore, swollen, tingly, and tender not long afterward. In addition to this symptom of pregnancy before period, your areolas, which is the area around the nipple, may get darker. Little bumps may appear on the areolas as well, signifying the glands that will lubricate your nipples for nursing. Many factors play into breast changes, but know that if these changes are caused by early pregnancy, it will take some time to adjust to the changes in your hormone levels.

Treat Your Body Like It’s Pregnant

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine , a healthy 30-year-old has about a 20% chance of becoming pregnant each month. Among other factors, your odds of pregnancy depend on your age: Your odds are greater when you are younger and decrease with age.

Even so, it’s still important to act like you’re pregnant until you know for sure. You don’t have to go overboard with restrictions, but you should treat yourself as if you’re pregnant because you could be, Dr. Kim says. Avoid alcohol, limit yourself to one to two cups of coffee per day, skip fish high in mercury, and avoid raw or undercooked seafood, meat, poultry, and eggs.

What Are The Different Types Of Headaches

The headaches youre suffering from while pregnant are just like the ones you can get at any other time, so its worth learning about some of the most common types. Heres a short primer to help you figure out what kind of headache you might have:

• Tension headaches: If youre under stress, hungry or feel pain in your neck or shoulders, you could have a tension headache, which feels like a mild to moderate dull ache. Its one of the most common types.
• Migraines: With a migraine headache, you can expect moderate to severe pain that throbs and lasts for hours or even days. Some women with migraines also experience blurred vision, light flashes, numbness and nausea.
• Sinus headaches: Pressure around your eyes, cheeks and forehead plus a stuffy nose may signal a sinus headache. These typically occur with a sinus infection, but theyre also commonly confused with migraines. In both cases, the pain can get worse when you bend forward or lie down.
• Cluster headaches: These head pains are what they sound like headaches upon headaches that start quickly and get worse, lasting for days or longer. The searing pain usually centers on one eye or affects one side of the head. The good news: Cluster headaches are rare, especially in women compared to men.
• Chronic headaches: If youre getting headaches on more than half of the days in any given month, they could be considered chronic. This includes migraines and other headache types chronic just refers to how frequently they happen.

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The Bottom Line On Twin Pregnancy Symptoms

It can be fun to guess whether you’re carrying multiples. But no matter how many twin pregnancy symptoms you’re experiencing, you really need an ultrasound to determine how many babies you’re carrying.

“You can guess as much as you want, but until you have the ultrasound examination, it’s all just speculation,” affirms Dr. Grünebaum. Luckily, most parents don’t have to wait long to know for sure. “Today, twins can usually be diagnosed as early as six to seven weeks into the pregnancy,” he says.

Tender Tingly Darker More ‘sticky Out’ Nipples

Your nipples may also change significantly during the early weeks of pregnancy. “Your nipples may begin to ache, tingle or protrude more than usual,” says midwife Ellie. “The areoles the dark circle around your nipple may also become even darker and larger.”

Tender nipples were the first sign for Tamarabell on our forum. “I started to get a feeling I was pregnant about 1.5 weeks before I was due on, so pretty early,” she says. “I had really tender nipples and sort of butterflies in my tummy for a few days. My test came up positive the week before I was due. The doctor didnt believe it and made me do another one. I just sort of knew that something was different!”

“Who’d have thought we’d ever get excited about sore/dark nipples!” adds lynz_81, who’s been pregnant before. “Be warned: they will only get bigger and darker now!”

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Cramping And Spotting During Early Pregnancy

From weeks 1 to4, everything is still happening on a cellular level. The fertilized egg creates a blastocyst that will develop into the fetuss organs and body parts.

About 10 to 14 days after conception, the blastocyst will implant in the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. This can cause implantation bleeding, which may be mistaken for a light period. It does not occur for everyone. If it does occur, it will usually happen around the time you expect your period.

Here are some signs of implantation bleeding:

• Color. The color of each episode may be pink, red, or brown.
• Bleeding. Implantation bleeding is usually much less than your usual period. Its often described as light bleeding that never turns into a flow or enough to need a tampon.
• Pain. Pain is usually milder than your usual menstrual pain. It may involve some cramping. It can be moderate or severe, but its most often mild.
• Episodes. Implantation bleeding is likely to last less than 3 days and does not require treatment. It can sometimes last only a few hours.

When Should I Be Worried About Headaches During Pregnancy

In the second or third trimester, a severe headache could be a sign of preeclampsia. Other symptoms of preeclampsia include an unusual amount of protein in the urine, vision changes, and liver and kidney abnormalities.

• You’re in your second or third trimester and have a bad headache or a headache for the first time. It may or may not be accompanied by visual changes, sharp upper abdominal pain or nausea, or swelling in your hands or face. You’ll need to have your blood pressure and urine checked right away to be sure you don’t have preeclampsia.
• You have a headache and you’ve been having high blood pressure.
• You have a sudden “explosive” headache. This type of headache is a violent pain that wakes you up, doesn’t go away, or feels unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
• Your headache is accompanied by a fever or a stiff neck.
• Your headache gets worse and you have other problems, such as blurry vision or other visual disturbances, slurred speech, drowsiness, numbness, or a change in sensation or alertness.
• You have a headache after any kind of head injury.
• You have nose congestion, as well as pain and pressure underneath your eyes or other face or tooth pain.
• You notice any abnormal changes in vision, such as getting headaches after reading or looking at a computer screen.

Read More:

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Undated. Sinus headaches.

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Signs Of A Healthy Pregnancy

Congratulations! If youre reading this, that means youre likely pregnant and want to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. There are a few key things to look for when it comes to ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

One important thing to look out for is morning sickness. Morning sickness is a common symptom of early pregnancy, but it can also be a sign of a healthy pregnancy. If you experience morning sickness, its a good sign that your body is responding to the pregnancy hormone hCG.

Another sign of a healthy pregnancy is a growing belly. As your baby grows, your belly will also grow. You may also find that youre more tired than usual and need to urinate more often.

If youre looking for a more concrete sign that your pregnancy is going well, you can take a pregnancy test. A positive pregnancy test is a surefire sign that youre pregnant.

If youre experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, its likely that youre having a healthy pregnancy. However, if youre concerned about anything, be sure to speak to your doctor. They can help to put your mind at ease and answer any questions you may have.

Increased Basal Body Temperature

Basal body temperature is your temperature as soon as you wake up in the morning, before you get out of bed. It is influenced by hormones. An elevated BBT can be the first indication of pregnancy, even before your pregnancy test result is positive.

Some people continuously track BBT for fertility purposes. It is a good indicator of pregnancy if the temperature does not fall back down to or below the cover line temperatures on a BBT chart.

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When To Take A Pregnancy Test

If you suspect that you’re pregnant, take a pregnancy test. These urine tests measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, a hormone secreted when you’re pregnant. The amount of hormone detectable by each test can vary widely. Every person also secretes a little more or less of the hormone, so the tests are not completely accurate.

The better tests on the market will measure 25 to 50 mIU/mL of hCG. This is usually the amount found in urine between the fourth and fifth weeks of gestation. The levels of hCG in your urine will be different from those in your blood.

First-morning urine will always contain the highest concentration of hCG. However, most tests do not require that you use first-morning urine. You can increase your chances of having enough hCG in your urine by waiting four hours after you last urinated to take the test. This allows the hCG to build up.

A negative result that is later revealed to be wrong is usually because the test was performed too early. A false positive, on the other hand, may indicate a very early miscarriage.

Talk to your practitioner if you have questions about your pregnancy tests. You can also call the toll-free number provided by the test manufacturer.

Blood tests are the most accurate and can be performed seven to 10 days post-ovulation. They may also be used to help predict the health of a pregnancy at various points. You’ll need to visit your doctor to get one.

The Most Common Sign Of Early Pregnancy A Missed Period

Your menstrual cycle is your bodys way of preparing for a possible pregnancy each month. Part of that is the thickening of your uterine lining, which is where a fertilized egg would implant to begin a pregnancy.

If youre not pregnant, your period is how your uterus sheds that extra lining. If you are pregnant, that lining stays put and you dont get your normal flow. This is why a missed period is often the earliest sign of pregnancy.

Of course, a delayed or missed period doesnt always mean youre pregnant. If your body is under a lot of stress or you have a hormonal imbalance, you could be experiencing an irregular menstrual cycle.

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About Our Expert Obstetrician Dr Larisa Corda

Dr Corda is an obstetrician and gynaecologist who specialises in IVF. After working in Sydney at IVF Australia , she returned to the UK and was awarded membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She now works as a gynaecologist and IVF consultant and is also Fertility Expert for ITV’s This Morning show.

Can Brown Discharge Be A Sign Of Pregnancy

There are many different symptoms that can be associated with pregnancy, and one of the most common is brown discharge. So is brown discharge a sign of pregnancy?

The answer is: it can be. Brown discharge is often caused by implantation bleeding, which is when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. This can cause some spotting or light bleeding, which can often be brown in color.

Other causes of brown discharge include:

-Hormonal changes-Miscarriage-Infection

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause. Pregnancy is a time of many changes, and sometimes it can be difficult to know what is normal and what is not. So if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, it is always best to check with your doctor.

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So I’ve Got Some Of These Symptoms Am I Definitely Pregnant

Frustratingly, as we’ve already explained, many of the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy we’ve details above are the same as, or can be easily confused with, the signs and symptoms of PMS or the signs and symptoms that your period’s on its way.

Some of the signs nausea, breast tenderness, mood swings, and a frequent need to wee are, anecdotally, more common signs of pregnancy than others. But you could be pregnant without experiencing any of them. And you may not be pregnant even if you experience them all.

“We will all experience the first signs of pregnancy in completely different ways,” says Dr Amin Gorgy. There is no specific way that you should feel. We are all individuals.”

As wise forum mum gazsgirl says, “Everyone is different and most symptoms are so like period ones, its always hard to know until you see the line.”

Time to take a test if you havent already…

Is Feeling Cold A Sign Of Early Pregnancy

There is no one definitive answer to this question. Some women report feeling cold during early pregnancy, while others do not. The reason for feeling cold during early pregnancy is not entirely clear, but may be due to changes in the bodys metabolism. These changes may make it harder for the body to generate heat, leading to feelings of coldness. Other possible explanations include increased blood flow to the extremities and a higher basal metabolic rate. While there is no clear evidence that feeling cold is a sign of early pregnancy, it is certainly a possibility. If you are experiencing coldness along with other symptoms of early pregnancy, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor.

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Feeling Cold Early Pregnancy Symptom

Most pregnant women will experience at least one symptom during early pregnancy. One of the most common early pregnancy symptoms is feeling cold all the time. This symptom can begin as early as the first week of pregnancy and last throughout the entire pregnancy.

There is no definitive answer as to why pregnant women feel cold all the time, but there are a few theories. One theory is that the pregnant womans body is working harder to keep the baby warm, so the bodys natural heat production is increased. Another theory is that the pregnant womans hormone levels are changing, which can affect the bodys temperature control.

There are a few things that pregnant women can do to help manage the feeling of being cold all the time. One is to dress in layers, so that you can add or remove clothing as needed. Another is to keep a warm drink or snack with you, so you can warm up if you start to feel cold. And finally, make sure to get plenty of exercise, as this will help to keep your body warm.

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What Can I Do About Headaches

Steps to manage headaches include the following:

• Avoid any known headache triggers, including allergens and certain foods, like monosodium glutamate, cured meats, and strong cheeses.

• Smoking is never a good idea in pregnancy. You should also avoid secondhand smoke.

• Try to eat well and drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are prone to morning sickness.

• Reduce your stress level. Try a massage or cold pack to help with tension headaches.

• If your headache is a migraine, rest in a cool, dark room with no noise, and try using warm or cold compresses or an ice pack.

There is good news, however. Most women have fewer headaches during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester. And those with a history of migraines often find there is improvement during pregnancy.

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Symptoms Of Twin Pregnancy At 7 Weeks

At seven weeks pregnant with twins, you may be experiencing some of the following symptoms:

Increased fatigue

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. Cholestasis can cause serious health problems for both you and your baby, so its important to get treatment right away.

What Causes Cholestasis In Pregnancy?

Cholestasis of pregnancy is caused by a problem with the flow of bile from the liver. Bile is a fluid that helps the body digest food. When the flow of bile is blocked, it can cause the liver to become swollen and the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow.

Who Is At Risk For Cholestasis In Pregnancy?

Cholestasis of pregnancy can occur in any pregnant woman, but it is more common in women who are pregnant for the first time, are over 35 years old, or have a history of liver problems.

How Is Cholestasis In Pregnancy Treated?

Cholestasis of pregnancy is treated with medications that help to unblock the bile ducts. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the blockage.

Your doctor will also monitor your babys health closely during treatment. Cholestasis can cause problems for the baby, such as low birth weight and preterm birth.

Can Cholestasis In Pregnancy Be Prevented?

There is no known way to prevent cholestasis of pregnancy. However, if you have any of the risk factors for the condition, be sure to see your doctor regularly for checkups.

After Having Sex What Are The Signs Of Pregnancy

So you just had sex. Congratulations! Now, the million dollar question is, are you pregnant? Here are some signs of pregnancy to look for after having sex.

missed period

cravings

changes in mood

If you are experiencing any of these signs of pregnancy, it is best to take a pregnancy test to confirm. If you are pregnant, congratulations! If you are not pregnant, dont worry, there are plenty of other ways to have fun.

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