Pregnancy Symptoms
What to Expect and When to Call Your OB/GYN
Pregnancy is an exciting, life-changing experience that brings with it a host of physical and emotional changes. Some subtle changes start very early on and can serve as your first clue that you might be expecting, while other symptoms can signal when you’re moving from one major pregnancy stage to the next.
Here's how to recognize those signs and know when it's time to book an appointment with RWJBarnabas Health’s expert OB/GYNs and prenatal care providers.
What Are the Most Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms?
Though some women begin feeling symptoms a few days before they miss their periods, the vast majority do not. Plus, some of the early signs of pregnancy can mimic premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or even an illness. Therefore, the first official pregnancy symptom is the absence of a period.
If your period appears early and seems much shorter or lighter than usual, you may still be pregnant. Some women experience a day or two of spotting when the egg implants into the uterus. This is known as implantation bleeding.
Once you've missed a period, you can begin evaluating your other symptoms.
You might experience:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
Though you may have heard pregnancy-related nausea referred to as "morning sickness," it can and does happen at any time of day. If your period is late and you're feeling queasy — even if it's not during the morning hours — it's time to take a pregnancy test.
How Do You Know If You're Pregnant?
For some women, pregnancy symptoms start very early and can feel like an impending period. For others, they may not set in until the 6- to 8-week mark. A few lucky women breeze through their entire pregnancies without many symptoms at all.
So while the above signs can give you a strong indication that you may be pregnant, it's a good idea to take a test for confirmation.
Pregnancy Test
The easiest way to confirm your pregnancy is to purchase a home pregnancy test that measures the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, also known as the "pregnancy hormone") level in your urine.
After a fertilized egg implants in your uterus, your body will start producing hCG almost immediately, but it will be a few days before a test can detect it. For the most accurate result, wait until at least the first day of your missed period to administer the test.
Blood Test
You may also receive a blood test from your doctor once you attend your first prenatal appointment. This test both confirms the pregnancy and determines whether your hCG levels are rising appropriately. Your doctor may also run a few other blood tests at this time to ensure all is well with you and your baby.
Pregnancy Symptoms by Trimester
The symptoms of pregnancy may change over the course of the next 9 months. What you feel early on is probably not what you'll feel through the duration of your prenatal journey.
Though symptoms vary from person to person, here's a rough idea of what you can expect over time:
First Trimester Symptoms
If you feel awful during the first trimester, don't worry; this phase will pass. Many pregnant women say "The first is the worst" when it comes to trimesters. You may experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Frequent urination
- Food aversions or cravings
- Intense fatigue
- Mood swings and other hormonal changes due to a sharp rise in the hormone progesterone
Second Trimester Symptoms
The second trimester usually (but not always) brings a reprieve from the exhaustion and illness of the first. You might experience:
- A reduction in nausea
- A growing belly and some weight gain
- Back pain
- Skin changes such as stretch marks or pigmentation
Third Trimester Symptoms
During the third trimester your body begins preparing for labor. You may have:
- Braxton Hicks ("practice") contractions
- A dramatically larger belly
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Difficulty sleeping
- An increase in fatigue
Tips for Managing Pregnancy Symptoms at Home
Though pregnant women are limited in the medications they can take to soothe symptoms, you do have options. Use ginger ale or tea to ease your nausea, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and focus on maintaining a balanced diet whenever you can.
Gentle exercises like yoga or walking can also help, and a good prenatal vitamin will ensure your body stays topped-up on crucial nutrients.
When to Be Concerned About Pregnancy Symptoms and When to Call Your OB/GYN
The truth is, pregnancy feels strange. Your body will go through massive changes from start to finish and your emotions are likely to follow suit. If at any point you feel scared or in pain, get in touch with your doctor.
Also call your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Vaginal bleeding, especially if it's heavy or contains clots
- Sudden or severe swelling in your hands, face or feet
- Persistent vomiting, which can lead to dehydration
- Severe headaches or vision changes
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Fluid leakage or your water breaking before 37 weeks
How RWJBarnabas Health Supports Expectant Mothers
Pregnancy is a time for big changes. At RWJBarnabas Health, we want to help you prepare mentally and physically for the amazing, life-changing journey ahead.
We offer:
- Comprehensive prenatal care including checkups, ultrasounds and routine screenings
- Education, support programs and classes and workshops on childbirth preparation and early motherhood
- Experienced OB/GYN teams
- Personalized care plans based on your individual needs
- Collaborative services with nutritionists, physical therapists and mental health professionals
- Maternity tours of RWJBarnabas Health hospitals
If you receive a referral to a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) team, your doctor has determined your pregnancy to be high risk. The MFM team at RWJBarnabas Health handles all high-risk cases such as twin pregnancies, expectant mothers with diabetes and anyone who has a history of pregnancy complications. Having a high-risk pregnancy can be nerve wracking, but rest assured you're in the best possible hands with our MFM care team.
Contact RWJBarnabas Health for Expert Pregnancy Care
Pregnancy symptoms are a natural part of the journey, but you don't have to deal with them on your own. RWJBarnabas Health's OB/GYN specialists are here to support you every step of the way.
Schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN now to start receiving expert prenatal care right away.
