First 72 Hours of Pregnancy Symptoms
Do you know the first 72 hours of pregnancy are very important for you? During this time, your body gives symptoms like nausea, mood swings, bloating, and tender or swollen breasts. Your periods may be delayed, or you may see a positive pregnancy test. Some women also have mild bleeding called implantation bleeding.
Not every woman experiences the same symptoms. It’s okay if you don’t see all the symptoms, like morning sickness and fatigue. Every pregnancy is different. If you think you might get pregnant, talk to your doctor. They can guide you to a healthy pregnancy. Early diagnosis can help you stay healthy. Now let’s find out possible symptoms in the first 72 hours of pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms: First 72 Hours Explained
If you are pregnant and it's just the first 72 hours of it, then you will find a unique combination of common and uncommon symptoms. Generally, rapid hormonal changes in the fetus cause these kinds of pregnancy symptoms. The most common ones are:
1.Implantation Cramping and Spotting: Early Pregnancy Indicator-
Implantation cramping and spotting are common early pregnancy signs, often felt as a mild pull or pinch in the lower abdomen. You might notice light bleeding or tiny pink/brown dots, caused when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall, usually 10–14 days after ovulation. Breast soreness may also occur. If you experience heavy bleeding or have concerns, consult a doctor. Internal bleeding and nausea can be normal as your body prepares for pregnancy.
2. Rise in Basal Body Temperature: Detecting Early Pregnancy-
Your body may display a basal body temperature (BBT) if you are pregnant. BBT is your resting body temperature. After ovulation, your BBT increases slightly due to a hormone called progesterone. If this increase lasts 18 days or longer, it may indicate pregnancy. You can follow your BBT daily to learn about your body.
-Before ovulation, your temperature is usually between 36.1 and 36.4° Celsius.
-After ovulation, the temperature ranges from 36.4°C to 37°C. When you get pregnant, it goes up. Otherwise, it falls at the beginning of your period.
Many women use this method because it is natural, safe, and cost-effective. Some even choose it for religious reasons. Following your BBT can help you determine your birth dates and early pregnancies.
3. Fatigue During Early Pregnancy: A Common Symptom-
Fatigue is common in early pregnancy, often starting even before your period. This tiredness is caused by the hormone progesterone, as your body works hard to nourish your baby. You're also producing new blood and forming a placenta, which requires energy. Many women feel sleepy, weak, and struggle to stay energized. While the second trimester often brings relief, fatigue may return later. Tracking your body temperature can help spot signs of pregnancy-related tiredness.
4. Breast Changes in Early Pregnancy: Tenderness and Swelling-
Breast tenderness and swelling in early pregnancy are common due to hormonal changes. Your breasts may be painful, tender, or burning, especially in the first trimester. Swelling often leaves you feeling full, heavy, and even sore as your skin stretches.
At 6 to 8 weeks of age, the breasts are more protruding and may be enlarged or saggy. The areola (the area around the nipple) can turn dark, which is an early sign of pregnancy. These changes are different from the menstrual cycle because they are more intense and last longer.
You may also notice large visible glands in the breast as well as signs of enlargement. Wearing a supportive bra or using cooling products can help with recovery. This breast transition prepares your body to produce milk as the baby grows.
5. Heightened Sense of Smell: Early Pregnancy Sensitivity-
If you are pregnant, you may notice that your smell is very strong. This is called hyperosmia and is caused by hormones such as estrogen and HCG. Smells that never bothered you before, like coffee, roasted food, or detergent, can suddenly seem too strong.
This strong smell makes you feel very nauseated. To deal with this, try to keep the house clean and odour-free. Eat plain foods, and chew ginger tea or peppermint gum to help you feel better. If the smell is too strong, it may help to wear a mask or go outside for fresh air. Don’t worry—your smell will usually calm down after the first trimester.
6. Frequent Urination: Early Hormonal Changes in Pregnancy-
If you are pregnant, you may find that you need to clean yourself more often. This can start very early, even in the first few weeks. One reason is hormonal changes in your body. Hormones like progesterone relax your vaginal muscles, making it harder to hold onto urine. HCG increases blood flow to your kidneys so your bladder fills faster.
As your baby grows, your uterus gets bigger and presses on your bladder. Thus, you feel like you have to pee all the time. Later in the pregnancy, when the baby’s head drops to your feet, the pressure increases.
It’s important to drink enough water, but try to limit your bedtime drinks. If you experience pain during urination or other symptoms, talk to your doctor. It can be a symptom of a UTI.
7. Nausea or Queasiness: First Signs of Morning Sickness-
Nausea, also known as morning sickness, is a nausea that occurs during early pregnancy. Mild nausea without vomiting is normal in early pregnancy. These rashes begin around six weeks, peak between 8 and 11 weeks, and usually disappear by the end of the first trimester.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 70% of pregnant women experience morning sickness during early pregnancy (ACOG).
Triggers such as strong smells, certain foods, overeating, or hunger can make you feel sick. Sometimes a burning sensation or even nausea can occur after consuming a particular medicine. If your nausea is mild and does not interfere with eating or drinking, it is normal. Severe morning sickness can cause dehydration and need hospitalisation.
8. Changes in Appetite: Pregnancy Cravings and Aversions-
When you’re pregnant, your appetite might change in ways you don’t expect. These are called pregnancy cravings and food aversions. Cravings often start in the first trimester and get stronger during the second. They usually go away after your baby is born.
You might start craving certain foods, like pickles or ice cream, even if you didn’t like them before. You might also dislike certain foods, like meat, eggs, or spicy dishes. These are food aversions, and they can happen because of nausea (morning sickness), which is common between weeks 6 and 14. Sometimes, even the smell of food can bother you.
These changes are normal and are caused by pregnancy hormones, like HCG, which affect your sense of taste and smell. Try to eat healthy foods, even if your cravings or aversions make it hard. Your baby needs good nutrition!
9. Mood Swings: Emotional Changes in Early Pregnancy-
Mood changes are common in early pregnancy. You may be happy one moment and sad the next. These changes are due to hormonal changes in the mood that change during pregnancy. Your body produces many hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which can affect your mood. Fatigue and stress can make your mood go up and down.
Try talking to someone you trust, such as a spouse or a friend, about dealing with mood swings. Sharing your feelings can help you feel better. You can also try breathing by taking deep breaths, stretching, or taking short walks. Get enough sleep to stay energized and eat healthy foods.
If something upsets you, try to avoid it. Joining a support group with other pregnant women can help. If you feel more concerned, tell your doctor. You’re not alone—these feelings are normal!
10. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Early Pregnancy Symptom-
Confusion or lightheadedness is common in early pregnancy. You may feel that way because your body is changing. Your hormones relax your blood vessels, and your blood pressure can drop. Your body gives even more blood to the baby, which can cause fainting. When you stop eating, your blood sugar can drop, causing nausea. Low levels of iron can also make it harder for your brain to get enough oxygen.
As your uterus grows, it can compress blood vessels, which in turn can cause dizziness. To stay healthy, you need to drink plenty of water and eat small meals throughout the day. If you feel nauseous, sit back and relax until it goes away. If you experience bleeding, pain, blurred vision, or a rapid heartbeat, you should call your doctor. Now, let’s find out how to differentiate your early pregnancy symptoms from PMS.
How to Differentiate Early Pregnancy Symptoms from PMS?
PMS and early pregnancy can feel the same way. You may feel tired, have soreness in your breasts, mood swings, or even feel a little sick. But there are some key differences you can look out for.
Time is a huge determinant. PMS symptoms appear a few days before your period and initially go away. If you are pregnant, the symptoms stick, and you miss your period. Missed periods are one of the most obvious symptoms of pregnancy.
It can also help you to understand how you feel. If you have breast pain, PMS often causes it. During pregnancy, they are very sensitive and painful to the touch. Compared to PMS, you can also feel more tired during pregnancy.
Another great symptom is nausea. Nausea is rare with PMS. But if you are not pregnant, you may feel sick and may even throw up.
If you don’t know the difference between pregnancy and PMS symptoms, get tested or talk to a doctor. They can help you figure it out! Now, we will look at the right time to take a pregnancy test for accurate results.
When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test for Accurate Results?
The best time for an accurate pregnancy test is the first day of your missed period. If you are not sure when your period is supposed to start, wait at least 21 days after unprotected sex. For exact results, use your morning shower first. This is because your morning urine contains the highest concentration of pregnancy hormones.
Some Things To keep in mind-
1.If you want to test it sooner, some tests may work before you lose sleep. But these may not be so true. It is best to wait at least a week after losing your period. If your periods are irregular, test after three weeks of unprotected sleep.
2. When taking the test, read the instructions carefully. Either throw up first thing in the morning or wait until your bladder is full.
3. Do not drink too much water before taking a test, as this can lead to inaccuracies in the test. Set a timer, and you will only see the results after the timer is off. Early testing can give positive results even if you are pregnant.
Always consult a doctor if you find your pregnancy test positive. Also, if you see some unusual symptoms, you must go for a medical check-up. Let’s see which symptoms during early pregnancy need a doctor consultation.
When to Consult a Doctor During Early Pregnancy: Symptoms to Watch For
If you want to see a doctor early in your pregnancy, there are some pregnancy complications to look out for.
1. If you have severe bleeding or severe pain, you should consult your doctor. Minor bleeding can be normal, but anything excessively heavy or painful is a warning sign. Call your doctor if you have severe abdominal pain or more vomiting than usual.
2. If you notice a fever above 101°F that isn’t going away with medication, it’s time to see a doctor. Headaches that won’t go away and blurred vision can be serious symptoms. If your hands, feet, or face suddenly swell, seek medical help immediately. Do not ignore decreased infant movement or uterine leakage.
3. Changes in urinary frequency, pain, or burning sensation during urination are things you should talk to your doctor about. Initial prenatal care is very important for you and your baby.
After taking a pregnancy test, see your doctor to review the risks and make sure everything is going well. The sooner you see a doctor, the better for you and your baby. Now, let’s find out what dietary and lifestyle changes we should follow for our early pregnancy health.
Take charge of your pregnancy journey with Gynoveda! From detecting early signs to ensuring a healthy first trimester, we’re here to support you with Ayurveda-backed solutions and expert guidance.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations for Early Pregnancy Health
When you are pregnant, it is important to take care of your health and the health of your baby. Here are some few Tips:
Start the day with a healthy breakfast to recharge. Eating fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables helps to prevent constipation.
It’s also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Avoid foods such as alcohol, raw fish, and soft cheeses that can be harmful to you or your baby.
Eating iron-rich foods like lean meat or tofu really helps.
Each day, you should eat 3½ pieces of meat or another protein-rich meal.
Drinking milk and cheese and eating yogurt will help keep your bones strong because they contain calcium.
You should also try to exercise 150 minutes a week. Walking, swimming, or dancing are good options.
These are simple pregnancy diets and lifestyle tips to follow. Remember, what you eat affects you and your baby, so try to make healthy choices. By doing this, you can stay healthy and help your child grow stronger.
FAQs answered by Gynoveda’s Experts-
What is the earliest sign of pregnancy?
Early signs of pregnancy include bloating, fatigue, headaches, or mild nausea. These symptoms usually occur 1 to 2 weeks after conception, when pregnancy hormones begin to rise.
Can implantation bleeding occur after 72 hours?
No. Implant bleeding usually occurs 10 to 14 days after conception, not within 72 hours. It occurs when a stuffed egg sticks to the contents of the uterus.
Is it possible to have no symptoms in the first 72 hours of pregnancy?
Yes, it can happen. You may have no symptoms for the first 72 hours. The embryonic stem cells are still dividing and multiplying and have yet to be identified.
Can you have cramps without being pregnant?
Yes, even if you are not pregnant, you can still have acne. It can be caused by ovulation or other factors such as hormonal changes or stress.
How accurate are early pregnancy tests in the first 72 hours?
Early pregnancy tests are generally inaccurate within the first 72 hours. When pregnancy hormone is high, it works best after the miscarriage.
What if I experience spotting but no other pregnancy symptoms?
Spotting can cause many things without other pregnancy symptoms. Anemia, mutations, uterine abnormalities, or a condition such as PCOS can also occur. Always consult a doctor for advice.