The morning sickness, fatigue, hormonal mood swings… you know, all the fun stuff! For all the first-time mums-to-be out there, the big decision to have a baby and grow your family comes with a side of questions that need to be answered… and fast!
Confirming Your Pregnancy
Home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy hormones, but they can occasionally give false results. For the most accurate confirmation, consult your GP who may recommend a blood test to measure hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels.
An early pregnancy scan from 6 weeks can visually confirm the pregnancy and check for a heartbeat.
First Trimester Symptoms (Weeks 1-12)
Six to twelve days after conception, once the egg has firmly attached to your uterine walls, you may start experiencing early pregnancy signs:
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness, though it can occur any time)
- Fatigue and need for extra sleep
- Tender, swollen breasts
- Food cravings or aversions
- Mood swings due to hormonal changes
- Bloating
- Frequent urination
- Spotting (light implantation bleeding)
Every woman experiences each pregnancy differently based on factors like diet, exercise, and overall health.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27)
The good news: many of those pesky first trimester symptoms will begin to fade! Many women call this the "honeymoon phase" of pregnancy as energy often returns.
However, you may experience new symptoms:
- Backaches as your belly grows
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Gum sensitivity
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Stretch marks beginning to appear
- Visible baby movements (from around 18-22 weeks)
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40)
The final stretch! Your body is working hard to prepare for delivery:
- Frequent urination (baby pressing on bladder)
- Back pain and pelvic discomfort
- Swelling in ankles, feet, and hands
- Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased fatigue
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most symptoms are normal, contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Severe or persistent headaches
- Intense dizziness
- Severe abdominal cramping
- Heavy bleeding (more than spotting)
- Sudden swelling of face or hands
- Reduced baby movements
- Fever or signs of infection
Managing Your Symptoms
- Track your symptoms in a journal
- Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals
- Get plenty of rest when your body needs it
- Maintain open communication with your healthcare provider
- Don't ignore warning signs - trust your instincts
Remember: extreme discomfort and continuous pain should always raise concerns if persistent.
Have questions about your pregnancy symptoms? Book an appointment at Ultrasound Ireland or call 01 210 0232.