Chances are you've missed your period or are expecting to miss it any day. Once the fertilized egg implants in your uterus the pregnancy hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) starts to increase, it is this hormone the at-home pregnancy test looks for. If you've missed your period and have fatigue, tender breast, or nausea, your big moment has arrived, and it is time to take the test. You might experience spotting or cramping around this time as well, which could be a sign of implantation and is somewhat common. If you see more than light spotting or have severe cramping, you'll want to check in with your doctor. The cramping could be your uterus expanding in preparation for the growing fetus, but anything severe or painful should result in a call to your caregiver.
This pregnancy ride includes an influx of hormones designed to keep your baby firmly where they need to be developing as they should. Progesterone will help the placenta function, stimulate breast tissue growth, and stop the smooth muscles in your body from contracting and disrupting the growing embryo. The hCG hormone supports the corpus luteum, which nourishes your baby until the placenta finishes growing around ten weeks.
Because of the hormonal roller coaster, many pregnant women feel the first trimester is the toughest. The shift in hormones can cause nausea, tender breasts, vomiting, dizziness, acne, and bloating. Some women report it feels somewhat like the flu. You'll want to focus on yourself and ensure you get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and are eating right as you wait to feel better.
Hormones can also cause mood swings as the reality of pregnancy, and impending parenthood can be affected by the changes in your hormones, leaving you feeling anxiety, stress, and even fear. Changes in your levels of estrogen and progesterone can affect the neurotransmitters in your brain that regulate mood. Combine these changes with physical and metabolism changes, and you have a perfect storm for uncontrollable emotions. Mood swings are most common in the first 6-10 weeks and the third trimester.
Reference Source
- American Pregnancy Association - Mood Swings During Pregnancy
- Mayo Clinic - Is Pregnancy Glow Real?
- WebMD - Early Pregnancy Symptoms
