Maybe you are searching for evidence that you're pregnant - or perhaps you already know you're expecting a baby, but want to be aware of every change your body is going through.
We tell you what physical signs to look for during the first 10 weeks of your pregnancy and explain why these changes are taking place. But remember: not all these changes happen to every woman - you may still be pregnant even if you don't experience a single one!
Early days
Your pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period so, technically, conception takes place in the third week of your pregnancy! At this stage it's unlikely you will know for sure that you're pregnant (there are no certain physical signs this early on) but there is plenty of action going on inside your body.
You've had your last period for a while - so heave a sigh of relief! The fertilised egg implants in the wall of your uterus (womb) by about the seventh day of your pregnancy, and around seven days after that, chemical signals will stop your menstrual cycle. You may notice some small spots of blood when the egg attaches itself to the wall of your uterus. This is called 'spotting' and is perfectly normal.
Things are getting going!
A pregnancy test will be able to detect your pregnancy around 12 days after one of your eggs is fertilised - thanks to the presence of pregnancy hormones in your urine. But whether you have done a pregnancy test or not, by week five of your pregnancy you will start to notice definite signals from your body that something amazing is happening.
- Feeling queasy
Pregnancy sickness is commonly called 'morning' sickness, although as anyone who has suffered from it will tell you, it can strike at any time of day! This can be one of the first signs you are pregnant. Although nobody knows exactly what causes these feelings of nausea, it may be something to do with the corpus luteum, which produces the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, and also forms the placenta (which provides your growing baby with food and oxygen). At around 12 weeks the placenta takes over from the corpus luteum, and this is when nauseous feelings usually wear off. What you can do Try to pinpoint what makes you feel sick - these can be items like dairy products, tea or coffee or an unpleasant smell like cigarette smoke - then avoid them all if possible. Eat little and often, and try drinking hot water with lemon in it, or eating a ginger biscuit. Both of these are said to help prevent nausea. - Skip to the loo
Increased levels of the hormone progesterone can cause water retention, which will make you feel bloated and uncomfortable. You might need to wee more often, too. What you can do Don't stop drinking plenty of water or fresh juices - you need to take in plenty of fluids. In fact, drinking water is the best thing to prevent water retention - if you stop drinking fluids, your body holds onto the water already in it, so it can function correctly. And if you need a wee, don't hold it in - this could cause a urine infection and leave you feeling even worse. - Tender breasts
Water retention can particularly affect your breasts, making them feel > tender and sore. Your nipples may start to tingle, too. What you can do Make sure you wear a comfortable bra at all times - maternity bras will keep your breasts comfy and give them the extra support they now need. And if you're used to sleeping on your front, try sleeping on your side instead... this is good practice for when your bump appears and gets bigger.
Week six and beyond
As your pregnancy progresses, your changing hormones are beginning to have an effect on your body and your emotions. - Total exhaustion
The hormonal changes in your body mean you often feel tired and sleepy all the time. You might feel like you don't have any energy whatsover.
What you can do Don't worry - this tiredness will lessen as the enormous hormonal upheaval of early pregnancy comes to an end at around week 10. In the meantime, try to take things easy and rest whenever possible. Gentle exercise, such as swimming or yoga, will give you more stamina, and eating carbohydrate-rich snacks, such as bananas and muesli bars, will give you an energy boost, too. - Dizziness
Your blood pressure tends to lower during the first six months of pregnancy, so you may feel faint at times - particularly if you stand up too quickly. What you can do Try not to stand up for too long - and if you get up from sitting or lying down, take it slowly. Roll your body into an upright position rather than jumping to your feet. If you do feel faint, sitting with your head down low between your knees can help you recover. - Taste and smell
Your pregnancy hormones can affect your sense of taste and smell. Many women go off things like tea and coffee completely - while some crave the smell of items like rubber gloves or mushrooms! What you can do If you can't bear the taste or smell of something, don't force yourself to eat it - but do keep to a healthy, balanced diet. As long as your cravings aren't dangerous or unhealthy, occasionally giving in to them can keep them under control. - Keeping abreast
As your breasts get ready to feed your baby they will begin to grow and this may make them uncomfortable. The veins across your breasts will become more noticeable, as will the glands around your nipples (known as Montgomery's follicles). What you can do Make sure you get properly fitted for maternity bras throughout your pregnancy. Your bra size will keep changing right up until you give birth - and sometimes afterwards too, as your breasts fill with milk after your baby is born. - Mood swings
The extra hormones that are causing all these changes to your body also affect your emotions. You may find yourself swinging from euphoria to floods of tears at hourly intervals. What you can do Don't worry, this is completely normal. It might be wise to explain to those who are around you on a daily basis that your hormones are affecting your moods - in case they think you're going potty!
The secret's out
By around 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, you will have gained one tenth of your total pregnancy weight gain. Twelve weeks is usually the time when the danger of miscarrying has passed so, if you haven't already, now you can tell friends and family your news. It may feel strange to have other people talking about what's been going on inside you without them noticing - but in a few weeks' time your bump will start to show, and then the whole world will be able to see you're pregnant!
Written By Rashmi Madan
Photos: istock, pa photos
First Published in Celebrity Mums and Babies, May 2008
