Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 3/11/2019
Doctor's Notes on 13 Early Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of early pregnancy can begin within the first weeks of pregnancy and occur due to the hormonal changes taking place in the body. Not all women experience the same symptoms of early pregnancy, and symptoms vary in severity. Early signs like absence of menstrual periods and weight gain occur in all pregnancies. Other associated symptoms may vary, but common signs and symptoms are fatigue, tiredness, mood changes, and nausea, which is often referred to as “morning sickness.”
Other symptoms and signs of early pregnancy can include headache, breast soreness or tenderness, increased urination, low back pain, and darkening of the areolas. Some women experience mild vaginal bleeding around the time of implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. This bleeding or spotting usually occurs around the time of the expected menstrual period.
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IUDs (Intrauterine Devices) for Birth Control
IUDs (intrauterine devices) are small T-shaped plastic devices that is placed in the uterus for birth control. Currently in the United States, two types of IUDs are available, copper (ParaGard) and hormonal (Skyla or Mirena). Side effects include heavier periods and worsening menstrual cramps and irregular periods. -
Amenorrhea (Absence of Menstrual Bleeding)
Amenorrhea, the absence of menstrual bleeding, can be either primary or secondary. Causes of amenorrhea include problems with the hypothalamic organs, problems with the pituitary organs, problems with the ovarian glands and organs, or functional causes (bulimia, anorexia, depression, etc.) Treatment for amenorrhea is generally directed toward the condition that is causing amenorrhea. -
Asthma during Pregnancy
Experiencing an asthma attack during pregnancy may deprive the fetus of oxygen, so it's important to continue taking the asthma medication that you took before becoming pregnant, especially if your asthma was well controlled. Though it's impossible to predict how pregnancy may affect your asthma, it's important to note that your asthma can still be controlled during pregnancy. -
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which a pregnancy develops inside of a Fallopian tube or outside of a woman's uterus. Causes and risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include previous Fallopian tube infections (pelvic inflammatory disease, Chlamydia, gonorrhea), previous surgery to the abdomen, use of fertility medications, prior tubal pregnancy, and use of an IUD. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. If you suspect you have an ectopic pregnancy, medical care should be sought urgently. -
Heartburn (GERD)
Heartburn FAQ including information about the causes of heartburn, lifestyle changes to reduce heartburn, OTC and prescription medications to decrease heartburn, surgery options for heartburn, and ways to prevent heartburn. -
Home Pregnancy Test
Home pregnancy tests are kits that contain a test to determine if a female is pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter (OTC) and do not need a prescription. There are a variety of home pregnancy tests available. The accuracy of home pregnancy tests depend upon how well instructions are followed, and how the test kit was used. A pregnancy test performed in a doctor's office is the most accurate test to determine if you are pregnant. -
Insomnia
Insomnia affects most people at some point in their lifetime. Insomnia is actually a symptom of a condition, disease, or situation. Non-medical treatment of insomnia includes: sleep hygiene, relaxation therapy, stimulus control, and sleep restriction. There are many medications that can be prescribed to a person with insomnia. -
Morning Sickness (Vomiting During Pregnancy)
Morning sickness, or vomiting during pregnancy, is very common during the first three months of pregnancy. "Morning sickness" does not mean that nausea and vomiting only occur in the morning; symptoms can occur at any time of day. Talk with your doctor if you have persistent vomiting and/or nausea during pregnancy. -
Pregnancy Week by Week
Pregnancy occurs when an egg is fertilized by a sperm, grows inside a woman's uterus (womb), and develops into a baby. In humans, this process takes about 280 days. -
Pregnancy, Bleeding
Bleeding during all phases of pregnancy may be dangerous, even though it can be caused by a large variety of factors. You should call your health care professional if you have any signs of vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy. -
Vaginal Bleeding (Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods)
In women, abnormal vaginal bleeding when is when they are not on their period (menstruation). Symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding outside of your period include red blood on the underwear or pajamas, pelvic or abdominal pain, and excessive pain from menstruating, or if you are pregnant. Causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding include unbalanced hormones, during pregnancy, after trauma, uterine fibroids, menopause, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Treatment for abnormal bleeding depends on the cause of the bleeding. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional if you have any abnormal vaginal bleeding. -
What Causes HELLP Syndrome?
HELLP is an acronym that describes the features of a potentially deadly emergency complication of pregnancy: hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.