Pregnancy weeks start from the date of the last menstrual period, which is considered the beginning of the first week of pregnancy, even if the woman is not pregnant at the time. Studies have shown that 50% of pregnant women begin to notice early pregnancy symptoms in the fifth week, while 70% of them feel these symptoms in the sixth week, and symptoms appear in 90% of women in the eighth week. Early pregnancy symptoms before the menstrual period are a source of confusion for many women, due to the similarity between pregnancy symptoms and premenstrual symptoms. So, if you are wondering about the symptoms of early pregnancy before the menstrual period, you can follow this article on the Dalili Medical website, which confirms to you with a large percentage that you may be pregnant.

When do pregnancy symptoms begin?

Pregnancy weeks begin from the date of the last menstrual period, which means that the last period is considered the beginning of the first week of pregnancy, even if the woman is not pregnant yet. Research has shown that 50% of pregnant women begin to feel early pregnancy symptoms in the fifth week, while 70% of them feel these symptoms in the sixth week, and 90% show symptoms in the eighth week. The most accurate way to detect pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test in the lab or a home pregnancy test.

**When do pregnancy symptoms start to subside?**

It is not possible to determine exactly when pregnancy symptoms start to subside, as half of pregnant women may have symptoms disappear by the fifth week, while some continue to have symptoms until the eighth week, and others may continue throughout pregnancy.

**Is heartburn an early sign of pregnancy?**

Stomach disorders, such as heartburn, acidity, or stomach pain, can be a symptom of pregnancy. Pregnant women may suffer from heartburn during the third month or throughout pregnancy. Studies indicate that more than half of pregnant women experience symptoms of heartburn, due to hormonal changes, especially the increase in progesterone levels in the blood. Other symptoms associated with pregnancy include cramps and abdominal pain, where cramps are usually intermittent and moderate in severity, and often appear and disappear within a period ranging from one to three days. However, if the pain is severe, like a stabbing sensation in the abdomen, or spreads to other areas of the abdomen, or is accompanied by bleeding, this may be an indication of an ectopic pregnancy, which requires a visit to the doctor.

**Is constipation a symptom of pregnancy?**

Constipation is a common symptom during pregnancy, as defecation may become painful and the number of bowel movements may decrease to three times a week. Constipation occurs during this period as a result of hormonal changes and their effect on the digestive system.
**Is weight gain a sign of pregnancy?**

 

Weight gain is a symptom associated with pregnancy, as a pregnant woman's weight increases by an average of about 11 kg during pregnancy, for a woman of average weight. This increase usually begins after the eleventh week, and the distribution of weight gain in the pregnant woman's body is as follows:

- Breast: An increase ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 kg.
- Uterus: An increase of 1 kg.
- Placenta: An increase of 0.5 kg.
- Amniotic fluid: An increase of 1 kg.
- Blood and body fluids: an increase of 2 to 3 kg.
- Fat: an increase of 2.5 to 4 kg.

**Pregnancy symptoms according to the months of pregnancy**

 

**Pregnancy symptoms in the first month**

A woman may wonder about the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy, especially in the first month. Among these symptoms are:

**Physical symptoms:**
Signs of pregnancy in the first month include the following:

- Absence of menstruation.
- Feeling nauseous.
- Bloating.
- Increased urination.
- Swelling or tenderness in the breast.

It is important to note that the absence of pregnancy symptoms in the first month does not mean that there is a problem, as pregnancy symptoms vary from one woman to another, and not all of these symptoms may appear, but at least one of them is likely to appear.

**Psychological symptoms**

Pregnancy symptoms in the first month may be accompanied by a group of psychological changes, including:

- Feeling unstable.
- Mood swings.
- Lack of patience.
- Tension and confusion.
- Anxiety.
- Emotional disturbance, as the pregnant woman may feel fear sometimes, while she feels joy and high spirits at other times.

**Symptoms of pregnancy in the second month**

 

A pregnant woman usually begins to experience pregnancy symptoms during the first months, especially in the second month, where symptoms include the following:

**Physical symptoms**

Signs of pregnancy in the second month include the following:

- Nausea, with or without vomiting.
- Increased saliva secretion.
- Frequent urination.
- Feeling generally tired.
- Increased drowsiness.
- Constipation.
- Heartburn.
- Difficulty in digestion.
- Abdominal bloating, which causes a feeling of fullness.
- Aversion to some foods or a strong desire to eat a certain type of them.
- Dizziness, and sometimes fainting.
- Headaches resulting from hormonal changes.
- Increased waist and chest size.
- Feeling full, heavy or soft in the breast, with the nipple changing color to brown.
- Appearance of visible veins under the skin of the breast.

**Psychological symptoms**

The psychological symptoms of pregnancy in the second month do not differ much from those that appear in the first month, and the most prominent of these symptoms are:

- Feeling unstable.
- Rapid mood swings that reflect the general health of the pregnant woman and changes in hormone levels.
- Lack of patience.
- Feelings of confusion and anxiety.
- Emotional disturbance.
- Feeling full.

**Pregnancy symptoms in the third month**

 

Although pregnancy symptoms vary from month to month, the symptoms of the third month are similar to many of the symptoms of the second month, in addition to some other distinctive signs, including:

**Physical symptoms**

The distinctive physical symptoms at this stage include:

- Increased appetite.
- The beginning of the protrusion of the abdomen with the development of the fetus at the end of the third month.

**Psychological symptoms**

As for the psychological symptoms in the third month, they includeFrom:

- Feeling unstable.
- A new sense of calm that enhances the psychological health of the pregnant woman.
- Tension and crying sometimes.
- The pregnant woman may feel joy and high spirits.

**Pregnancy symptoms in the fourth month**

 

Pregnancy symptoms vary according to the months of pregnancy, and in the fourth month these symptoms take on a different character, as some of the previous symptoms disappear and new ones appear.

**Physical symptoms**

The physical symptoms of pregnancy in the fourth month include the following:

- Continued feeling of fatigue and exhaustion.
- Decreased number of times of urination compared to previous months.
- Decreased symptoms of nausea and vomiting, as they may disappear in some women.
- Continued constipation, in addition to heartburn and indigestion.
- Continued abdominal bloating and feeling of fullness.
- Increased breast size compared to previous months, with the disappearance of the feeling of swelling.
- Feeling dizzy and having a headache sometimes, especially when moving the head quickly.
- Increased appetite for food.
- Nasal congestion and ear blockage.
- Slight swelling in the hands and feet, and sometimes in the face.
- Feeling the movement of the fetus at the end of the fourth month.

**Psychological symptoms**

In the fourth month of pregnancy, a woman may experience a group of psychological symptoms, which include:

- Feeling anxious and tense.
- Feeling happy, especially when the woman is sure of her pregnancy.
- Frustration if she does not feel pregnant, or as a result of weight gain.
- Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating, in addition to absent-mindedness.

**Pregnancy symptoms in the fifth month**

 

With the entry of the fifth month, the mother notices changes in the symptoms of pregnancy, as these symptoms differ significantly from those that appeared in the first four months.

**Physical symptoms**

Among the physical symptoms that a pregnant woman may feel in the fifth month:

- Feeling the movement of the fetus.
- Pain in the lower abdomen due to the expansion of the uterus.
- Constipation.
- Heartburn and difficulty in digestion.
- Bloating and gas.
- Dizziness and headache sometimes.
- Nasal congestion and ear congestion.
- Increased appetite for food.
- Leg muscle cramps.
- Swelling and swelling in the hands, feet and face.
- Back pain.
- Increased heart rate.
- Skin pigmentation in the abdomen and face.

**Psychological symptoms**

In the fifth month of pregnancy, psychological symptoms include the following:

- Improved ability to accept pregnancy and adapt to it better than previous periods.
- Decreased stress levels.
- Improved general mood.
- Continued absent-mindedness.

**Pregnancy symptoms in the sixth month**

 

Although pregnancy symptoms may vary from month to month, symptoms in the sixth month may be similar to those that appeared in the fifth month, including:

**Physical symptoms**

In addition to the symptoms mentioned in the fifth month, signs of pregnancy in the sixth month include the following:

- Feeling clear movement of the fetus.
- Itching in the abdominal area.
- Breast enlargement.

**Psychological symptoms**

As for the psychological symptoms in the sixth month, they include:

- Continued absent-mindedness.
- Feeling bored with pregnancy.
- Anxiety and fear, as concerns about childbirth and the future may increase
**Symptoms of pregnancy in the seventh month**

 

Symptoms of pregnancy in the seventh month may include the following:

**Physical symptoms:**
Symptoms of pregnancy in this month include all the symptoms that appeared in the previous month, in addition to the following symptoms:

- Increased strength and frequency of fetal movement.
- Feeling pain in the lower abdomen due to the expansion of the uterus.
- Heartburn and difficulty in digestion.
- Bloating and gas.
- Nasal congestion and ear blockage.
- Sometimes slight bleeding in the gums.
- Leg muscle cramps.
- Slight swelling in the heel, and sometimes in the hands and face.
- Mild uterine contractions.
- Back pain due to the pressure of the fetus on the internal organs.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- The release of colostrum from the breasts, which is a yellow substance that precedes the appearance of milk.

**Psychological symptoms:**
A woman may notice the appearance of a group of new psychological symptoms in the seventh month, such as:

- Increased agitation.
- Anxiety about motherhood and labor pains.
- Distraction.
- Dreams and fantasies related to the fetus and childbirth.
- Feeling bored and impatient with pregnancy.

**Symptoms of pregnancy in the eighth month**

 

Signs of pregnancy in the eighth month include the following:

**Physical symptoms:**
A pregnant woman may experience a group of symptoms in this month, including:

- Clear and strong movement of the fetus.
- Heartburn, indigestion, and gas.
- Nasal congestion and ear blockage.
- Bleeding gums.
- Tension and cramps in the leg muscles.
- Swelling and puffiness in the hands, feet, and face.
- Contractions in the uterus and cervix.
- Back pain.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Difficulty taking a deep breath.
- Itching in the abdominal area.
- Secretion of colostrum from the breast in preparation for childbirth and breastfeeding.

**Psychological symptoms:**
As for the psychological symptoms in the eighth month, they may include:

- Lack of patience and a desire for the remaining period of pregnancy to pass quickly.
- Distraction, lack of concentration, and forgetfulness.
- Dreams, fantasies, and obsessions related to the fetus and its health.
- A feeling of joy and happiness due to the approaching date of birth.

**Pregnancy symptoms in the ninth month**

The mother experiences changes in pregnancy symptoms during the months of pregnancy, and in the ninth month in particular, as she faces a group of new and distinctive symptoms, including:

**Physical symptoms:**
Signs of pregnancy in the ninth month include the following:

- A change in the activity and movement of the fetus, as its movements increase in rotation and kicking movements decrease.
- Leg muscle cramps during sleep.
- Increased back pain.
- Feeling pain in the pelvic and buttocks area.
- Noticeable swelling and puffiness in the hands, feet, and face.
- Increased abdominal itching.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Increased uterine contractions.
- Feeling less active and heavy in movement sometimes, with a feeling of activity at other times.
- Easy breathing as a result of the fetus descending downward, i.e. to the cervix, as the body prepares for childbirth.
- Loss ofN appetite.
- Colostrum coming out of the breast.

**Psychological symptoms:**
As for the psychological symptoms in the ninth month, they include:

- A feeling of confusion and anxiety accompanied by feelings of happiness and joy.
- Distraction, lack of concentration, and forgetfulness.
- Excessive sensitivity and quickness to anger.
- Mood swings and loss of endurance.
- Fantasies about childbirth and the expected child.

**Early pregnancy symptoms before the menstrual period:**

Here are a group of the most prominent pregnancy symptoms that may appear before the menstrual period, according to what specialist doctors have confirmed:

1. **Abdominal bloating:** It is one of the signs of early pregnancy, and occurs as a result of hormonal changes in the body.

2. **Lower abdominal pain:** You may feel muscle cramps and pain in this area.

3. **Breast pain:** You may notice pain in the breast with the nipple changing color to dark red.

4. **Low body temperature:** This occurs during rest when the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall, which usually occurs between 21 and 27 days after the end of the menstrual cycle.

5. **High temperature:** The temperature may rise by one degree on the Fahrenheit scale, if this rise continues for 18 days without a pathological cause.

6. **Digestive disorders:** Such as diarrhea or constipation.

7. **Nausea:** You may feel nauseous and want to vomit.

8. **Fatigue and exhaustion:** A general feeling of extreme fatigue and exhaustion.

9. **Lateness:** You may feel like sleeping frequently.

10. **Light blood spots:** Blood spots may appear as a result of implantation.

11. **Increased urination:** Due to the pressure of the uterus on the bladder.

12. **Changes in appetite:** Either increased desire to eat or loss of appetite.

13. **Mood swings:** You may notice changes in your mood.

14. **Ultrasound pulse:** You can feel the pulsation of the navel when lying down.

The most reliable way to confirm pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test in a laboratory, or use a home pregnancy test that relies on a urine sample, or perform an ultrasound examination. The pregnancy test detects the presence of the pregnancy hormone that is secreted in the urine and blood 10 days after pregnancy occurs and the fertilized egg appears.

**What are the early symptoms of pregnancy?**

 

There are other early symptoms of pregnancy, including:

**Bleeding and increased secretions**
Blood spots are considered an early symptom that may appear in some women. Some believe that this blood is menstrual blood, but in fact it may be pregnancy blood, which occurs as a result of the implantation of the egg in the uterus 10-14 days after intercourse and fertilization. There are several differences between menstrual blood and pregnancy blood, including:

- The color of pregnancy blood may be pink, red or brown.
- Pregnancy blood usually appears when wiping the vaginal area.
- Pregnancy blood is often accompanied by some pain.
- Pregnancy blood lasts for up to 3 days maximum.

In addition, increased secretions are considered another symptom of pregnancy, due to the effect of pregnancy hormones. In the first week after the last menstrual period, a woman may feel mild pain.

**Early Pregnancy Symptoms: 10 Uncommon Signs**

 

There are some signs that may indicate pregnancy, but they are not very common. You may be surprised that some of these symptoms seem normal, but they may indicate pregnancy. Here are some strange symptoms:

1. **Constipation**
Hormonal changes can affect the digestive system, causing constipation in some women.

2. **Nasal Congestion**
Runny and congested noses are rare signs that may indicate pregnancy.

3. **Vaginal Discharge**
While vaginal discharge is considered normal, clear discharge may be a sign of pregnancy.

4. **Strange taste in the mouth**
Some women experience an unusual feeling, such as a metallic taste in the mouth, which may be a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy.

5. **Increased sense of smell**
Hormonal changes can enhance the sense of smell in some women in the early stages of pregnancy.

6. **Acne**
The unusual appearance of acne is considered one of the annoying symptoms that may appear at the beginning of pregnancy.

7. **Headache**
Some women may suffer from headaches at the beginning of pregnancy due to high levels of estrogen.

8. **Mood swings**
Hormonal changes can affect mood, leading to fluctuations in feelings.

**What are the sure signs of pregnancy?**

Signs of pregnancy vary from one woman to another, and may also change in the same woman every time she becomes pregnant. Therefore, the only means to confirm pregnancy are tests, which are divided into two types:

**Home pregnancy test**

 

There are many types and brands of this test, and it can be done at home using a urine sample. The result of this test appears within a few minutes.

**Laboratory pregnancy test**

This test is done in the analysis laboratory, where a blood sample is taken to check the levels of pregnancy hormones. The result of this test appears after about two hours.

**The difference between pregnancy signs and menstrual symptoms**

At the beginning of pregnancy, a woman may feel an increase in hardening of the chest area, as a result of the increase in the hormone progesterone, which rises significantly before the start of the menstrual cycle. When the cycle begins, the levels of this hormone in the blood decrease. However, in the event of pregnancy, progesterone levels remain high, which leads to a continued noticeable effect on the breasts, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy.

A woman may also notice frequent urination without feeling any pain or burning, which is another symptom of pregnancy associated with hormonal changes.

**Symptoms of Pregnancy on the Body**

Pregnancy affects the body in many ways, and the most prominent symptoms that appear on the skin and body are the following:

**The appearance of stretch marks:** Stretch marks begin to appear during pregnancy in the form of small cracks in areas such as the abdomen, breasts and thighs, starting from the fourth month and beyond. This happens as a result ofHormonal changes associated with pregnancy and the expansion resulting from the increase in the size of the uterus and the fetus's organs, which leads to tears in the layers of the skin and the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks.

**Melasma and pigmentation:** One of the common symptoms of pregnancy is increased skin pigmentation due to the increased level of pigments in the body, which leads to the appearance of what is known as pregnancy melasma. The line that runs in the middle of the abdomen between the navel and the lower abdomen also becomes more visible. In addition, pregnancy hormones affect the activity of the skin glands, such as sweat glands and sebaceous glands, which may lead to the appearance of acne after the eleventh week.

**Increased body temperature:** The volume of blood in the body increases by about 50%, and this increase begins from the second month of pregnancy. There is also an expansion of the blood vessels, which causes the pregnant woman to feel constantly hot and high temperature, even in cold weather.

**Craking sensations and increased sense of smell:** There is not much scientific evidence that explains the causes of cravings as a sign of pregnancy, except for hormonal changes. However, the increased sense of smell in pregnant women may lead to their aversion to some foods or their desire to eat them, which may increase their feeling of nausea during pregnancy.

**Itching, especially in the abdominal area:** About 20% of pregnant women suffer from itching during pregnancy, especially in the abdominal area. Itching may also appear in other areas such as the feet and soles of the feet, and may be accompanied by redness. The causes of itching in pregnant women are due to hormonal changes and skin stretching during pregnancy, and this itching may continue throughout pregnancy and disappear after childbirth.

When do pregnancy symptoms begin to appear on the breast?

 

Changes in the breast usually appear between the fourth and sixth week of pregnancy, as a result of the effect of pregnancy hormones, and these changes may begin before the menstrual cycle stops. Symptoms that may appear before the menstrual cycle are breast pain, a feeling of discomfort when touched, in addition to numbness and swelling. Pregnant women feel these symptoms and signs after the eleventh week, including:

Nipple ulcers and a change in color to a darker color in some cases are signs of pregnancy.

The breasts also swell and increase in size during the months of pregnancy, as the increase in breast weight can reach about 450 grams.

After the eighth week, small granules may appear in the colored circle surrounding the nipple.

The woman may feel numbness in the nipple with itching, heaviness, and pain in the breast.

Blue lines may also appear on the surface of the breast, and the color of the nipple and the circle surrounding it increases.

During pregnancy, a clear fluid may come out of the nipple, especially when pressed near the date of birth.

Is there a difference between the signs of pregnancy with a boy and pregnancy with a girl?

 

Many women seek to know the gender of the fetus from the moment they discover their pregnancy. Although there is some research exploring the possible differences between the symptoms of pregnancy with a boy and the symptoms of pregnancy with a girl, the most reliable way to determine the gender of the fetus is an ultrasound examination in the twentieth week of pregnancy. Women pregnant with a girl are more likely to suffer from morning sickness. Another study in 2021 indicated that women who experienced severe stress and high levels of cortisol before pregnancy had higher rates of conceiving a girl. However, more research is still needed to confirm whether there are real differences or not.

**Tips for pregnant women to relieve pregnancy symptoms**

 

There are some guidelines that can help pregnant women relieve pregnancy symptoms, including:

**Hair and skin care to reduce stretch marks**
It is necessary to avoid fatigue and constant stress, while making sure to get enough sleep.

It is recommended to use a comfortable bra and use tissues designated for pregnant women to relieve the changes and secretions that occur in the breast during pregnancy.

In the event of increased urination, it is preferable for pregnant women to:

- Drink sufficient amounts of water.
- Go to the bathroom when needed to avoid urinary incontinence.
- Monitor blood sugar levels to detect any gestational diabetes early.
The doctor should monitor the pregnant woman's blood pressure to detect and treat preeclampsia early. It is also recommended to avoid foods that may lead to high blood pressure, while making sure to drink enough water.

It is better to eat small, multiple meals instead of one large meal to relieve pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, and you can take medications designed to relieve heartburn after consulting a doctor. You can eat salty biscuits in the morning to help reduce nausea and vomiting, and it is necessary to drink enough fluids.

Consult a doctor about appropriate medications to deal with nausea.

To relieve pregnancy itching, it is recommended to:

- Use gentle soap and moisturizing creams.
- Avoid bathing with hot water.
- Stay away from clothes made of fabrics that may cause itching.

If symptoms do not improve within a week of following self-care procedures, you should see a doctor immediately to take the necessary steps.

Constipation during pregnancy can be relieved by:

- Drinking 8 to 10 cups of water daily.
- Eating foods rich in fiber.