What are the signs that notify you of your baby? Know earliest signs of pregnancy and the list of complications which you might feel & observe in that duration. Keep yourself prepare!

1. What are the signs that notify you of
your baby? Know earliest signs of
pregnancy and the list of complications
which you might feel & observe in that
duration. Keep yourself prepare!
Signs and
Symtoms of
Pregnancy

2. Index
After the First Signs of Pregnancy, What Should You Do? …………………………………………………………… 2
Can You Get Pregnant During Your Period? .............................................................................. 4
Bleeding During Pregnancy ........................................................................................................ 5
9 Reasons about Bleeding in Pregnancy .................................................................................. 7
Breast and Skin Changes in Pregnancy .......................................................................................... 9
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3. After the First Signs of Pregnancy, What Should You Do?
You think you might be pregnant. You’ve had some of the first signs of pregnancy. So what’s
next?
Well first of all you need to confirm your suspicions. You can do this easily at home with a home
pregnancy test kit available from the chemists.
If you are already showing some signs of pregnancy (sore breasts, tasting metal, nausea, missed
period etc.) then you are probably already at least a couple of weeks pregnant and the test will
be accurate.
Next you should make an appointment with your GP for your first antenatal check-up. This will
probably be arranged for around week eight of your pregnancy.
If you don’t know the date of conception (and few people can pin-point it) you can check on an
online calculator to see roughly how many weeks pregnant you are and when baby is due. Your
GP will discuss what signs of pregnancy you have been displaying and will confirm your due date.
For women with low-risk pregnancies most antenatal care is with a GP or midwife. If you are
having twins, develop complications or want to arrange an elective Caesarean you may have to
see an obstetrician (a hospital doctor who specialises in childbirth) at the beginning and end of
your pregnancy.
If it’s your first pregnancy, unless you develop some complications, you will probably have around
10 check-ups during your pregnancy. For subsequent babies it could be as few as six.
Pregnant women are entrusted with their own medical records to keep them safe at home and
take to appointments. It’s a good idea to keep these with you at all times in case you are taken ill
away from home and have to see a different doctor.
Your first antenatal appointment
Your GP will check the following:
• What signs of pregnancy you have been showing
• The date of your last period
• Your cervix and uterus with a quick examination
• A blood test will probably be done to determine blood type and check for anaemia
• A urine test to check for glucose (sugar), white blood cells, blood and bacteria.
• There could also be tests for STDs and depending on your particular situation you may
also have some genetic testing.
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4. This will be the longest of all your antenatal appointments as your GP midwife will want to collect
all the data they need for a complete pregnancy record. Yours and your partner’s lifestyles may
all be discussed at this early stage.
They will discuss any existing medical conditions, family ailments (to establish any genetic risks)
and will talk to you about your weight and nutrition.
They may also want to discuss birthing options early on so they are prepared (e.g. water birth,
home birth, Caesarean).
A full medical examination of your blood pressure, heart, lungs, breast and abdomen will also be
carried out.
This is your opportunity to ask all the questions you want answers to.
(Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/after-the-first-signs-of-pregnancy-
what-should-you-do-6136898.html)
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5. Can You Get Pregnant During Your Period?
The simple answer is yes, there is a possibility of getting pregnant when you are having your
period. However, the chances are pretty slim and it all depends on the regularity of your periods
and when you ovulate...
Ovulating:
Your menstrual cycle starts on the first day of your period and ovulation usually occurs around
days 12 to 16. As sperm can survive in the body for up to seven day after sex, it is possible to
conceive if you have intercourse while on your period and then ovulate very early in your cycle.
For example, if your cycle is shorter than the average 28 days, 22 days for example, then you can
ovulate just days after your period, if your period lasted seven days or more. In this case, it’s
more likely you could get pregnant just after you finish bleeding.
Irregular periods:
Menstrual cycles that vary more than a few days in length from month to month are considered
irregular. If a woman has irregular bleeding, it can be difficult to judge when ovulation takes
place, making the chances of pregnancy from unprotected sex possible even during a period.
Likewise, if she has very long periods, there is a chance of getting pregnant as the gap between
bleeding and ovulation is shortened.
Ovulation spotting:
This is when bleeding occurs close to ovulation. Typically this can be brown or red in colour and
be mistaken for a period when it is actually extremely fertile cervical fluid, an ideal environment
for sperm to live in. If a woman has unprotected sex during this spotting, the likelihood of getting
pregnant is high.
Bleeding in pregnancy:
Sometimes a woman can think she is having a period because she is bleeding, but she is actually
pregnant. This can be an implantation bleed, caused when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine
lining. This often happens around the time that your first period after conception would have
been due so can easily be mistaken for a menstrual period. Some women can bleed after sex
when pregnant as the cervix is tender and can be irritated easily.
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6. An ectopic pregnancy, when the foetus starts to grow inside your fallopian tubes instead of your
womb, can lead to bleeding, but is usually accompanied by a severe pain down one side of your
abdomen.
An infection in the vagina and cervix can also result in bleeding in pregnancy.
If you are unsure when you are ovulating, it can be a good idea to use an ovulation kit to work out
the best time for getting pregnant or avoid getting pregnant.
(Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/can-you-get-pregnant-during-your-
period-6045704.html)
Bleeding During Pregnancy
No matter how many people tell you not to worry, or how many articles and books you read on
the subject, you are bound to feel concerned if you find you are bleeding during pregnancy.
But bleeding, or spotting (as small amounts of blood are called) can be due to many reasons and
does not necessarily mean you are having a miscarriage.
It’s actually quite common with around 30% of all pregnant women experiencing some blood
loss, most often during the first trimester.
Some women bleed just once, others can bleed throughout the whole pregnancy on and off and
still go on to have a perfectly healthy baby.
However, all incidents of bleeding should be reported to your doctor or midwife.
Here are some of the more common reasons for bleeding during pregnancy:
Implantation Bleeding
When a fertilised egg buries itself into the lining of the uterus it can cause light spotting or
streaking of blood. This can be mistaken for a period, but usually only goes on for a couple of
days and is brighter in colour than menstrual bleeding.
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7. Breakthrough Bleeding
Breakthrough bleeding coincides with the times when your period would normally be due at
weeks 4, 8 and 12 of pregnancy. It can be accompanied by back ache, cramps, feeling bloated or
having a heavy sensation in the pelvic region. This usually happens when a woman’s hormone
levels are not yet high enough to stop their periods despite being pregnant.
It is unusual for it to occur beyond the three month mark as from that time onwards the placenta
controls a woman’s hormone production rather than the ovaries.
Threatened or Actual Miscarriage
It has been calculated that one in three pregnancies ends in miscarriage with most happening in
the very early days, before a woman even realises she is pregnant.
Bleeding is a common sign of miscarriage along with cramping, backache and stomach pains.
Bleeding After Sex
Bleeding after sexual intercourse is a common cause of bleeding. It is caused by increased blood
supply and softening of the cervix and is harmless.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilised egg implants itself outside of the uterus) may cause
bleeding, but there will usually be other symptoms too such as strong cramps down one side of
the abdomen, or a generalised pain and feeling faint and nauseous.
An ectopic pregnancy can rupture the fallopian tube resulting in internal bleeding and an
emergency operation will be needed.
Placental bleeding
An abnormally placed placenta can cause bleeding. This is called placenta praevia and it occurs in
about two percent of women.
One in approximately 200 pregnant women can suffer from placental abruption when the
placenta partially or completely separates from the uterus wall.
If you experience any bleeding while pregnant check with your doctor or midwife.
(Source: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/bleeding-during-pregnancy )
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8. 9 Reasons about Bleeding in Pregnancy
Bleeding in pregnancy can be a scary experience, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you are having a
miscarriage. In fact, one in ten women experience some “spotting” and more often than not the
cause isn’t serious. But contact your midwife or GP immediately if you do experience bleeding in
pregnancy.
Some women looking anxiously for pregnancy signs think they have not conceived if they see
blood, but here are some reasons why you might be bleeding in pregnancy...
Implantation bleed
An implantation bleed is caused when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining, resulting in
light spotting often around the time that your first period after conception would have been due.
Many women don’t realise this could be pregnancy sign and mistake it for their menstrual period,
but it is usually pink or brownish in colour and lasts only a day or two.
Bleeding after sex
One of the typical pregnancy signs is for a woman’s cervix to become tender and engorged with
blood vessels. Occasionally this can become irritated during sexual intercourse and cause some
spotting. There is no need to give up sex while you are pregnant.
Infection
An infection of the vagina or cervix causing inflammation can result in bleeding in pregnancy.
Consult your GP if you suspect you have an infection.
Ectopic pregnancy
This is when foetus starts to grow inside your fallopian tubes instead of your womb and occurs in
around one in 100 pregnancies. As well as bleeding, other symptoms are a severe pain down one
side of your abdomen, a general pain which leaves you doubled up and feeling faint and
nauseous.
Subchorionic bleeding
This is when there is an accumulation of blood under the outer fetal membrane, next to the
placenta. It is very rare for this to cause complications.
Cervical ectropion
Bleeding can occur due to harmless changes in the neck of the womb (cervix). It’s the most
common cause of bleeding during the later stages of pregnancy.
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9. Placental abruption
This is a serious condition when the placenta starts to come away from the inside of the womb
wall. Stomach pain can be a symptom, even if there is no bleeding. If it’s close to your baby’s due
date, you may be induced early.
Placenta praevia
This occurs when the placenta is lying low in the womb and partially or completely blocking the
baby’s path to the cervix. The placenta usually moves gradually upwards during pregnancy, but if
it is still low when the baby is due to be born, you may need a caesarean section. Bleeding in
pregnancy can be a sign of placenta praevia.
Miscarriage
The most common symptom of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding. This can vary from light spotting
or brownish discharge, to heavy bleeding and bright red blood and may come and go over several
days. Other symptoms include cramping and backache. Light vaginal bleeding is common during
the first trimester of pregnancy and doesn’t necessarily mean that you have had a miscarriage.
(Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/9-reasons-about-bleeding-in-
pregnancy-6014953.html)
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10. Breast and Skin Changes in Pregnancy
Your body can change a great deal when you’re pregnant so it is a good idea to know what to
expect and be prepared for what’s coming. Besides your growing bump, here are some
pregnancy symptoms you might experience...
Changes in your breasts:
For some women, having tender breasts is one of the first early pregnancy symptoms. Their
breasts can also feel swollen and fuller, and some women can experience a tingling sensation.
By the end of the first trimester, the nipple and areola can start to darken, although this can be
more noticeable for those with darker hair and complexions. The nipples can also become more
prominent and feel sensitive and sore. When this happens, it helps to swap to a more
comfortable, supportive bra such as a sports bra. It is advisable to avoid bras with underwire as
this can constrict the changing shape of the breast.
All these changes are a sign that the body is getting ready to breastfeed. The milk ducts are
starting to grow and there will be an increased blood supply to the breast, often making the veins
more noticeable but don’t worry, it is perfectly normal.
Skin changes
For some women, being pregnant gives them glowing skin and a wonderful healthy complexion.
This is due to the increased volume of blood pumping round the body, as well as the increased
secretions of oil from the glands giving the skin a waxy sheen. However, for others, pregnancy
symptoms can mean an outbreak of spots or the skin becoming dry and itchy. If this is the case,
avoid perfumed shower gels and bubble bath as these can be drying and moisturise daily.
Some can develop a condition called chloasma or the mask of pregnancy, when a butterfly-
shaped mask of darker skin appears on the face. This is nothing to worry about as it can be
concealed with make-up and disappears after the birth.
Pregnant women are often more sensitive to the sun so it is important to use UVA protection.
Stretch marks
One of the most dreaded pregnancy symptoms is stretch marks where reddish lines appear, often
on the breasts, stomach, breasts and thighs, when the elasticity of the skin becomes over-
stretched. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to prevent them – some women get them and
some don’t – but it can help not to put on too much weight, wear a supportive bra and use
intensive moisturisers specially formulated to lessen stretch marks. The lines will gradually begin
to fade and become a lot less noticeable after the birth.
(Source: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/breast-and-skin-changes-in-pregnancy)
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