Though many women experience some very early pregnancy symptoms in the week before their period is due, there are various early pregnancy symptoms and unless you know your body very well, you can not be too sure until you have a test.
The early symptoms include:
Nausea/ Vomiting, Enhanced Sense of Smell, Frequent Urination, Breast Tenderness, Tiredness, Missed Period, Light Bleeding, Dizziness/ Fainting, Constipation, Mood Swings/ Irritability, Heartburn/ Indigestion, Changes in Complexion, Increased Cervical Mucous/ Vaginal Discharge, Weight Loss, Cramping, Backache, Headaches, Enhanced Sense of Taste and sometimes Vaginal Changes.
If you do suspect that you may be pregnant, and are suffering from some or all of the symptoms mentioned, see your Doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnant
If you have had a test and have confirmed that you are pregnant, Congratulations!
Wether its your first time or you are adding to your family, there is alot to look forward to for the next nine months so its time to prepare for motherhood.-Its time to book your antenatal appointments
While your local clinic/health provider may not be quite as excited as you hoped, they will be able to arrange antenatal care for you and answer any questions you may have about what you should/shouldn't do during pregnancy. If you are currently on medication your doctor will also review its suitability for use in pregnancy.
-Its time to get rid of bad habits
You should give up alcohol for the duration of your pregnancy so while it's tempting to get a bottle of bubbly to celebrate you should just make do with orange juice! You should also try to cut down on the amount of caffeine you consume in teas, coffees and fizzy drinks. If you smoke, quit now for the sake of the baby.
- Its time to get healthy
Your body needs to be as healthy as possible to grow a baby so you need to make sure that you're eating a nutritious, balanced diet. Try to avoid junk food, start eating your lots of fruits and vegetables and include plenty of lean protein and wholegrains in your diet. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and start to take some gentle exercise too.
-Its time to boost your folic acid intake
If you're not already doing so, you will need to boost your folic acid intake so that you're getting the recommended 400 micrograms a day. Folic acid supplements are the best way to do this as it can be hard to get enough from your diet alone. It's important to take these supplements until at least the 12th week of your pregnancy as folic acid plays an essential role in the development of your baby's brain and spinal cord and can help to prevent neural
tube defects.
-Its time to Decide when to share the news
While some parents-to-be like to shout their exciting news from the roof tops right away, others like to keep it to themselves until they get to the end of the first trimester. There is no right or wrong time to tell family and friends, it's entirely up to you to decide. However, it is important to discuss this with your partner so one of you doesn't spill the news before the other. If you decide not to tell, you'll need to start thinking of excuses for explaining to friends and colleagues why you've stopped drinking/ given up coffee/ started eating healthily/ feel constantly nauseous etc!
-Its time to take it easy
Growing a baby is incredibly tiring and you'll have so many hormones dashing around your body that you might feel like sleeping 24/7.
Remember things will get easier as you move towards the end of the first trimester and it will all seem worthwhile when you finally have your baby in your arms. In the meantime, make sure you look after yourself, eat well, get plenty of rest and pamper yourself as much as possible - after all you deserve it!