Symptome grossesse

When you start to suspect pregnancy, identifying a pregnancy symptom early can be as exciting as it is frightening. Many women wonder about the first signs of a possible pregnancy. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and some may be discreet while others are more obvious. This article explores the various signs of pregnancy in detail.

Physical pregnancy symptoms: what can you see in your body?

The body undergoes many changes at the start of pregnancy, and these changes can often indicate gestation. Here are some of the most common physical symptoms:

Lack of periods or amenorrhoea

One of the first noticeable signs is the absence of menstruation. When the fertilised egg implants in the uterus, it prevents the usual menstrual cycle from occurring, resulting in amenorrhoea. This absence of periods is often one of the first indicators for women.

Morning sickness

Known medically as pregnancy-related nausea, morning sickness affects around 70% of pregnant women. This nausea can occur at any time of the day, but is generally more frequent in the morning. It is often caused by rapid hormonal changes in the body.

Breast tenderness

Another early symptom of pregnancy is increased breast tenderness. This pain and heaviness is due to the increase in the hormones progesterone and oestrogen. The udder may also become larger and the areola darker.

Emotional symptoms: how do emotions change?

Hormonal changes are not limited to physical changes; they also affect a woman’s emotional state. Here are some common emotional symptoms:

Mood swings

Hormonal fluctuations are responsible for mood swings. It’s not unusual for a pregnant woman to experience intense moments of joy followed by sadness for no apparent reason. These mood swings can be compared to premenstrual syndrome, but they are more persistent during pregnancy.

Extreme fatigue

Many women report feeling intensely tired during the first weeks of pregnancy. The increased production of progesterone, as well as metabolic changes, are often responsible for this feeling of exhaustion. Additional rest may be necessary to compensate for this fatigue.

Digestive signs: common side-effects?

The hormonal changes of pregnancy also affect the digestive system, leading to a number of uncomfortable but common symptoms:

Bloating

The increase in progesterone slows down the gastrointestinal tract, causing bloating. This slows down the absorption of nutrients for the foetus, but also causes gas and abdominal pain.

Constipation

Constipation is another common digestive problem for pregnant women. Due to the same hormonal action that slows down digestion, intestinal movements become less frequent and more difficult. Drinking plenty of water and eating fibre can help reduce this symptom.

Food cravings or aversions

The desire to eat certain specific foods or, on the contrary, a strong aversion to others, are common symptoms. These food cravings and aversions are linked to hormonal changes and can vary greatly from one woman to another.

Urological signs: how does urinary frequency change?

An increase in urinary frequency is often one of the first physiological signs that some women notice:

Frequent urination

From the start of pregnancy, blood volume increases, causing the kidneys to process more fluid than usual, which increases urinary frequency. This sign can appear as early as the first week after conception.

• Drinking enough water helps to prevent urinary tract infections, even if it does increase the frequency of urination.
• Avoid drinks containing caffeine, as they can aggravate the urge to urinate.

Other signs: observe the body closely

In addition to the signs mentioned above, there are several other indicators that may signal pregnancy.

Skin changes

Hormonal changes can lead to skin changes such as acne or dark spots called cloasma. Changes in blood circulation can also give the skin a pinkish tinge, known as pregnancy glow.

Back pain

Back pain is frequently reported and is often linked to *progressive weight gain* and a change in the body’s centre of gravity. Gentle exercises, such as specific stretches, can relieve this troublesome *symptom*.

Since every woman’s experience of pregnancy is different, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you have any doubts about a pregnancy symptom.