The signs of pregnancy are diverse and vary from one woman to another in terms of intensity, duration, and frequency.
The most reliable signs directly related to the onset of pregnancy should be confirmed by a pregnancy test and then a medical diagnosis.
Signs of Pregnancy:
1. Missed Periods:* One of the most obvious signs. However, factors like intense emotional stress, long-term weight loss diets, prolonged illness, or certain medications can affect hormonal balance and cause missed periods without pregnancy. If periods are significantly delayed (more than a week), a pregnancy test is necessary. A blood test prescribed by a doctor is the only way to officially confirm the start of a pregnancy.
2. Swollen and Sensitive Breasts* In early pregnancy and throughout, breasts undergo significant changes. From the first days of pregnancy, breasts may become swollen and sometimes sensitive or painful. During pregnancy, breasts automatically prepare to produce milk to nourish the unborn child: the areolas may darken, and overall breast volume increases.
3. Nausea: More than signs, these are pregnancy symptoms that can be early. Nausea and vomiting can occur as early as the 2nd week of pregnancy. These often-morning nausea can last all day and are exacerbated by having an empty stomach. They are generally alleviated by splitting food intake and, depending on the case, by choosing salty foods, dairy products, or ginger. 74% of women who have had a full-term pregnancy report experiencing nausea. Nausea usually appears after the first month of pregnancy and disappears after the 3rd month.
4. Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances: A state of extreme fatigue can be an early sign of pregnancy. The body undergoes profound hormonal and physiological changes that require energy. In early pregnancy, this general fatigue manifests as difficulty getting up in the morning, uncontrollable urges to take naps, and early bedtimes. Sometimes, from the beginning of pregnancy, nocturnal insomnia - more common in late pregnancy - exacerbates the general state of fatigue.
Symptoms of Pregnancy:
1. Cravings: Sudden cravings for a particular type of food are presumably cravings of pregnant women. Cravings for chocolate, citrus fruits, red meat, strawberries, etc... seem to correspond to specific nutritional needs. A craving and high consumption of chocolate would correspond to a need or deficiency in magnesium. Our bodies know what they need to properly carry out pregnancy. Resorting to appropriate supplementation during pregnancy would reduce cravings and unnecessary calorie intake that comes with it. Eating chocolate for magnesium is good, but at 500 kcal per 100 g, it can become problematic. The phenomenon of food aversion during pregnancy is less well known and less well analyzed. It would prevent food risks during pregnancy. For example, an aversion to runny cheese would limit the risk of salmonellosis. These explanations remain hypotheses for reflection and study.
2. Sensitivity to Smells: During pregnancy, the sense of smell develops. The development of this sense can become bothersome; all smells seem amplified: perfumes and home fragrances, food smells, cigarette smoke. The discomfort caused by these smells often leads to food aversion (if it is food) or nausea. This olfactory sensitivity would be a side effect of the influx of estrogen into the body.
3. Mood Swings: A significant amount of hormones is circulating and active in a pregnant woman's body. They cause mood swings, withdrawal, and irritability. These symptoms will fade from the second trimester onwards. Supplementation with magnesium and B vitamins is indicated and effective. Omega-3s are also beneficial and help regulate emotional balance. These three nutrients are recommended for pregnant women in supplementation to achieve effective nutritional doses.
4. Frequent Urination: It is due to the pressure exerted by the uterus on the bladder. Pregnancy can also cause the elimination of additional fluids from the kidneys. In any case, this frequent urge to urinate will persist throughout the duration of the pregnancy.