You are in the section: Home » Articles » WOMEN'S SECRETS: signs of pregnancy Diagnosing pregnancy, especially in the early stages, sometimes presents certain difficulties. Some endocrine diseases, stress, and the use of pharmacological drugs can imitate the state of pregnancy, misleading both the woman and the doctor. In connection with pregnancy, a restructuring of the functions of all organs and systems of a woman occurs, which affects her well-being (subjective) and is accompanied by objectively determined changes.
The most characteristic signs of pregnancy can be divided into three groups according to their significance for diagnosis: I. doubtful, II. probable, III. reliable.
Presumable (doubtful) signs of pregnancy
These signs include various kinds of subjective sensations.
1. Nausea, vomiting, especially in the morning, change in appetite (aversion to meat, fish, etc.).
Many women, precisely because of this sign of pregnancy, begin to suspect that they will soon become a mother. Indeed, toxicosis is commonplace for expectant mothers. Interestingly, the exact causes of toxicosis have not yet been clarified. There are three main theories. The first is that intoxication occurs in the body of the expectant mother. And in this simple way the body tries to get rid of harmful substances. The second theory is that the woman’s body thus reacts to a “foreign body,” that is, to the fetus. And the third theory of the occurrence of toxicosis is psychological. Some researchers believe that toxicosis occurs more often in women who are not psychologically ready to become a mother. But, be that as it may, toxicosis was and remains one of the main signs of pregnancy in the early stages.
But sometimes, unfortunately, women mistake poisoning and intestinal infection for toxicosis. There are also frequent cases of so-called psychological toxicosis. That is, a woman notices signs of a non-existent pregnancy. This often happens in women who do not become pregnant for a long time; or those who are afraid of pregnancy like hell. Noticing a delay in the onset of menstruation, they become so immersed in an imaginary “pregnant” state that they actually begin to feel the presence of signs of pregnancy. Although in reality there is no pregnancy.
2. Changes in olfactory sensations (aversion to perfume, tobacco smoke, etc.).
3. Dysfunction of the nervous system: malaise, irritability, drowsiness, mood instability, dizziness, etc.
The exact nature of this phenomenon is not clear. But we should assume that this is due to hormonal changes in the woman’s body. In addition, subconsciously, a woman who notices signs of pregnancy tries to protect herself and her baby as much as possible from possible negative, damaging factors. Thus, the female body tries to protect itself. During pregnancy, a lot of energy is spent on the pregnancy itself, and then there’s physical activity! So, the familiar signs of pregnancy protect the expectant mother and her baby.
4. Skin pigmentation on the face, along the white line of the abdomen, in the nipple area, the appearance of pregnancy stripes.
5. Increased urination. So, you are experiencing a delay in your menstruation. It's been 1-2 weeks now, but my period still hasn't arrived. But the urge to urinate became very frequent. If you do not have cystitis, then this is also a sign of pregnancy in the early stages. Every day, a woman’s uterus increases in volume more and more and begins to put pressure on the bladder, as a result of which the woman begins to want to go to the toilet more often. In addition, the hormonal levels in the body change, and this can also cause the urge to urinate more frequently. So, how to distinguish cystitis from frequent urination as a sign of pregnancy? Cystitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder. Cystitis mainly affects women of childbearing age. The reason for its occurrence is the entry of bacterial infection pathogens into the genitourinary system. And this is most often a consequence of hypothermia. Because when hypothermia occurs, it is much more difficult for the body, especially an unhardened one, to fight any infections. Cystitis has a main difference from physiologically caused increased frequency of urination, that is, a common sign of pregnancy. This is a pain during urination and aching pain in the lumbar region. An accurate diagnosis can be made by taking a general urine test. By the way, in pregnant women, exacerbations of cystitis occur twice as often as in women who are not expecting a child.
6. Increase in abdominal volume, engorgement of the mammary glands.
Possible signs of pregnancy
This group includes objective signs determined in the genitals, mammary glands, and positive biological immunological pregnancy tests.
1. Cessation of menstruation (amenorrhea) in a healthy woman of reproductive age. In order to notice this early sign of pregnancy as early as possible, you should always carefully monitor your menstrual cycle. Every woman who takes responsibility for her health has a special calendar in which she... But a delay in menstruation is not always a sign of pregnancy in the early stages. Irregular periods occur in many women. There can be a lot of reasons for this - starting from hypothermia and nervous work, and ending with serious hormonal imbalances. Let's try to briefly consider the physiology of this sign of pregnancy. Starting from puberty, from the age of 12-14, girls experience vaginal bleeding every month. Without such a “trouble,” pregnancy would have become impossible. Teens' first periods are often irregular. In the first year or two after menarche (first menstruation), this is normal, but later you should consult a doctor about this problem. The normal menstrual cycle consists of 28 - 35 days. Its shortening or lengthening should also not go unnoticed. Some absolutely healthy women experience menstrual irregularities. Without knowing the exact duration of your cycle, it will be difficult to notice signs of pregnancy.
2. Enlargement of the mammary glands, their tension, the appearance of colostrum from the milk ducts opening on the nipple and pressure on the mammary glands (in primigravidas). Breast engorgement is familiar to many women. This malaise occurs especially often in the last week of the menstrual cycle. The most common cause is mastopathy, a disease of the mammary glands that accompanies most young and middle-aged women. But engorgement of the mammary glands is also one of the signs of pregnancy. From the very beginning of pregnancy, a woman’s mammary glands begin to prepare for lactation (breastfeeding), and the woman feels this as breast tenderness. Often, unpleasant sensations in the mammary glands are accompanied by yellowish discharge from the nipples. This is colostrum. If a woman is pregnant, then this should be regarded as a sign of pregnancy; if not, then this condition may require consultation with a mammologist.
3. Blueness of the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix.
4. Changes in the size, shape, consistency of the uterus.
Reliable, or undoubted, signs of pregnancy are signs that appear in the second half of pregnancy and indicate the presence of a fetus in the uterine cavity.
Diagnostics and first aid
Eclampsia can be detected in a timely manner by its characteristic symptoms and previous signs. The best option for a pregnant woman is to diagnose the warning signs of the disease. This will avoid dangerous complications. Experienced doctors are able to promptly identify the development of gestosis and preeclampsia. The diagnostic search for precursors of the disease includes:
- Anamnesis collection. Doctors identify complaints indicating late toxicosis (pain, vision problems, changes in the functioning of the nervous system, vomiting, itching, hyperthermia).
- Review of collected data, including laboratory results. An increase in hemoglobin on a general blood test indicates blood thickening, which can lead to poor supply to the brain. A urine test for toxicosis will show protein in the amount of 1 or more grams per day.
- Determination of chronic diseases that can accelerate the development of eclampsia: diabetes mellitus, blood diseases, hypertension, pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, kidney disease.
- Pressure control.
- Checking the functioning of brain structures through neurosonography.
- Fetal ultrasound to determine the condition of the fetus and placenta.
Based on the collected data, the obstetrician-gynecologist obtains a sufficient clinical picture to diagnose the disease and prescribe timely therapy.
Third trimester
Starting from the seventh month, the baby enters the active growth phase. The baby begins to rapidly gain weight. As a result, the mother’s belly also grows. And with the stomach comes discomfort. A woman can no longer freely perform her usual physical actions.
In some individual cases, toxicosis of the second half begins (manifests in the form of severe swelling). However, from a psychological point of view, it is difficult for a woman to perceive herself as a sexual object and her emotional state often excludes intimate intimacy. At the same time, from a physiological point of view, there is no reason not to have sex.
So is it possible to have sex during pregnancy? If this is the third trimester, then definitely yes. Moreover, some gynecologists recommend this to the expectant mother as often as possible. After all, this kind of sex is natural stimulation2.
It turns out that sperm actually helps soften the uterine walls, which gently prepares the woman for labor. And orgasm stimulates the walls of the uterus. It is worth preparing in advance for the fact that any intimacy will easily end with a trip to the maternity ward.
You will have to refuse sex if you are planning a caesarean section2.
Popular questions
Hello, while having sex today, the labia minora became swollen and covered with pimples, tell me what it is?
This could be an allergic reaction, for example to a condom or intimate lubricant; genital herpes or inflammation. I recommend using Gynocomfort gel for intimate hygiene for 5-7 days. And also in the coming days, make an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist.
I am 26 years old. First pregnancy. At 12 weeks I had an ultrasound and donated blood for pathology. Blood is normal. According to ultrasound: CTE 67 mm, TVP 1.5 mm, nasal bone 1.8 mm. Are all indicators normal?
When conducting level 1 screening at this time, a non-isolated assessment of indicators is carried out, comprehensively taking into account age, medical history, results of β-hCG and PAPP values. As a result, your personal risk of having a child with possible chromosomal abnormalities will be calculated.
While having sex, a condom got stuck in the vagina. What pills can you take to avoid getting pregnant and the consequences after them?
Hello! In this case, you can take emergency contraception no later than 72 hours. But from the line of these products, only an obstetrician-gynecologist can choose the one that is suitable for you, taking into account: age, weight, concomitant diseases, contraindications.
Hello, while having sex today, the labia minora became swollen and covered with pimples, tell me what it is?
Hello!
This could be an allergic reaction, for example to a condom or intimate lubricant; genital herpes or inflammation. I recommend using Gynocomfort gel for intimate hygiene for 5-7 days. And also in the coming days, make an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist. For an accurate diagnosis, contact a specialist
Recommendation 5: Do not wear tight clothes and shoes
In the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman's silhouette changes slightly. Because of this, many pregnant women continue to wear tight-fitting clothes to highlight their figure. However, even in the early stages of pregnancy, it is better to choose loose clothing that does not compress soft tissues, the abdominal area, and mammary glands. Wearing tight clothes can impair blood circulation, lead to lymph stagnation, cause fatigue, and increase the unpleasant symptoms of toxicosis.
What kind of shoes should pregnant women wear? Choose comfortable shoes with solid soles. During pregnancy, the center of gravity gradually changes, and when wearing shoes with heels, the load on the lumbosacral region increases.
If we talk about the cold season, it is better to replace shoes and boots that are very tight on the calf muscles or feet with looser shoes. As with clothing, this will help avoid poor circulation and lymph stagnation.
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Oral sex
The answer to the question of whether it is possible to have oral sex during pregnancy depends on what type of oral sex is meant. If we are talking about blowjob, then there are no restrictions, except for those cases when it is unpleasant for a woman and does not bring pleasure.
As for cunnilingus, firstly, when expecting a baby, the vagina increases in volume and changes taste and smell, as a result of which men themselves do not strive to engage in this type of love games. Secondly, due to air blowing into the vagina, blood vessels can become clogged, which is harmful for both mother and child. Cunnilingus is especially contraindicated if there is a risk of miscarriage.
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Somnologist.
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Recommendation 2: Avoid strenuous physical activity
Is it possible to play sports in the first trimester? Not only is it possible, but it is necessary! Exercising during pregnancy is the key to excellent mood, good physical shape, normal weight, absence of constipation and swelling. In addition, sports allows you to prepare your body for the upcoming birth.
If before pregnancy you did Pilates, yoga, or swimming, then in the first trimester of gestation you don’t have to give up your favorite activities. But it’s not worth learning new sports. Unusual exercises and loads for the body can negatively affect the course of pregnancy.
Heavy physical activity is prohibited in both early and late stages of pregnancy. For example, you cannot jump into water from a tower, ride horses, or go rock climbing. If you were previously into running, then during pregnancy it is better to replace running with brisk walking.
Blood after sex during pregnancy
Blood during sex during pregnancy, as well as after sex, can occur due to a lack of hormones, mechanical damage caused by increased sensitivity of the cervix, embryo implantation in the cervix and for many other reasons, the installation of which requires the help of a specialist.
If bleeding occurs, you should pay attention to the color of the blood and the amount of discharge:
- Dark red blood and heavy discharge may indicate a miscarriage or the onset of placental abruption. With such symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by pain, you should urgently seek medical help.
- If blood is released in small quantities (spotting red discharge) for a short period of time (2-3 days) and has a light red color, this is quite normal and there is no need to worry. However, if you are worried about this discharge, it is better to consult a doctor.
Second trimester
Gynecologists call the second trimester the “golden time of a pregnant woman” and there are several reasons for this:
- toxicosis, which torments a woman in the first three months, finally recedes;
- irritability and constant drowsiness have gone away, which indicates that the body has completely rebuilt itself at the hormonal level;
- the size of the abdomen does not cause discomfort during movement;
- the placenta has fully formed, the expectant mother is allowed adequate physical activity, including sex.
From the fourth to the sixth months, parents can enjoy this wonderful state, communicate with each other and have gentle sex2.
