The first few weeks of pregnancy

The only way to be absolutely certain that you’re pregnant (at least very early on) is to produce a positive pregnancy test. Today, testing is quick and easy and can provide you with a reliable answer as soon as you have missed a period. Most women opt for a urine test, which measures the rising levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). This is produced by the blastocyst about a week after fertilisation has taken place.

The pregnancy test

It’s as easy as 1-2-pee! To use a home pregnancy kit all you have to do is sit on the loo and pass some fresh urine over the strip. The concentration of hCG is always highest in your early morning urine, but newer tests are sensitive enough to be used later in the day. When the hCG in your urine comes into contact with the test strip it will produce a colour change. Depending on which at home test you use, some will also advise how many weeks along you are in your pregnancy.

Testing Tip!

Midstream urine will provide the most accurate result, so once you start peeing, stop for a second or two, hold your urine flow, and then place the stick under the stream and release. 

If you receive a negative result but you have experienced some of the early pregnancy symptoms outlined below, we recommend that you wait a few days prior to testing again. We know that this can be absolute agony but it really is for the best!

We do encourage you to read the instructions on the packaging carefully (even if you have taken tests prior) as different brands have different instructions.

However, prior to getting the confirmation from your doctor, your motherly instincts may already be kicking in and your body may begin offering up some clues! 

Early pregnancy signs

Tender, sore or swollen breasts

As women, we are accustomed to that tender, sore or aching feeling we get in our breast area just before our period arrives. However, the tenderness you may experience post conception will be more intense. Tingling, swollen, sore – your breasts offer some of the first signs of pregnancy and can offer indications as early as a few days post conception.

Darkening and bumpy nipple

Your areolas (the circles that surround your nipples) can become darker and the little bumps around the nipples (Montgomery’s tubercles) may start to enlarge. This is due to the increase in hormones surging through your body.

Fatigue

Suddenly falling asleep at your desk or unable to stay awake past 6pm? Extreme fatigue, or rather, extreme exhaustion can set in early during pregnancy! During early pregnancy, soaring levels of the hormone progesterone can cause you to feel like you have a complete lack of energy.

Slight spotting or cramping

When the embryo implants in your uterus you may notice some spotting of blood, this is known as implantation bleeding. Up to 30 percent of brand new mamas-to-be experience this. Implantation bleeding usually appears around 10 to 14 days after fertilisation and will most likely be light to medium pink in colour. It will very rarely be a dark red like your period. Some women may also experience slight cramping.

Urinary frequency

Has finding a loo when you’re out and about become your primary concern of late? Making its grand debut early on the pregnancy scene may be the need to pee with surprising (and mostly inconvenient) frequency. Roughly 2 to 3 weeks after conception your blood volume increases which results in extra fluid flowing through your kidneys and into your bladder.

Nausea (with or without vomiting)

Another reason why you may want to keep a map handy of nearby loo’s (at least until the first trimester is finished) is that a flare of nausea or even vomiting can strike new-to-be mammas fairly early on. While commonly referred to as morning sickness, this pregnancy symptom can strike at any time of the day or night. Pregnant women will also develop a heightened sense of smell, and various odors can contribute to the constant waves of nausea.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is an extreme form of morning sickness which affects up to 1 in 50 women in the United Kingdom . Women who are affected by this condition experience severe nausea and persistent vomiting during some, most or all of their pregnancy.

If you experience extreme vomiting make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible so they can advise on the best care for you and your little one.

Food aversions or cravings

Sometimes women will have food cravings, and other times may experience a food aversion (a strong dislike of certain foods). From craving ice and chocolate cake to despising strawberries and your once favourite meal... be ready to visit the shops a lot as these cravings may even change on a daily basis. While the cause of food aversions during pregnancy isn't clear, hormonal changes could affect the food you find appealing, particularly early in your pregnancy.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. It is known for causing feelings of nausea, appetite changes and food aversions. A few women may experience sudden cravings for substances such as chalk that can be dangerous to both mum and the baby if consumed. If you have adverse cravings ensure that you speak to your healthcare provider.

Bloating and gas

Wait a minute… am I a few weeks pregnant or three months already? That bloated feeling can creep up very early on in pregnancy – though it may be difficult to differentiate between a period bloat and a pregnancy bloat.

Unfortunately, this symptom is not attributed to your little one growing at super speed but instead it can be blamed on those pesky hormones again!

Other symptoms experienced early on in pregnancy may include:

• Heartburn
• Weight gain
• Increased libido (sex drive)
• Excessive drool during sleep
• Nasal congestion
• Insomnia
• Dizziness

When to call the doctor

Whilst most of the symptoms listed above are quite normal during pregnancy, there are a few symptoms that may be cause for concern.

Please contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the below mentioned:

• Severe abdominal pain or cramps
• Significant bleeding
• Severe dizziness, blurred vision or fainting
• Rapid weight gain or loss