Countdown to Pregnancy Blog » Symptoms

Pregnancy Symptoms or PMS?

Countdown to Pregnancy — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:26:27 +0000

Trying to decipher what are pregnancy symptoms and what are PMS symptoms is a predicament for any woman who is trying to conceive. This question can fluster and befuddle even the most levelheaded woman during the seemingly endless two week wait. The problem is that nearly every early pregnancy symptom is also a PMS symptom. The best thing to do is to get organized and take control. So how do you do this?

The key to this whole dilemma is tracking. Once you know what is normal for you each month you will be able to easily see when something is different. It is when you get to know yourself and your body that you can start to feel empowered. And this is just what you need to keep you from getting unhinged during your luteal phase!

The keys to figuring it all out:

Find changes in your symptoms
Find changes in number and frequency of your symptoms

Changes in Your Symptoms

Every month you need to pay attention to your body and keep track of every symptom that occurs. Track each symptom for each day past ovulation. Do this from ovulation day until your period arrives. The idea is to become familiar with what are normal PMS symptoms for you – (since every woman’s signs will be different). This way when you are actively trying to conceive you will be able to easily spot any unusual symptoms that may indicate a forthcoming positive pregnancy test!

Even if you are not actively trying to conceive it is a good idea to track what symptoms you have now so you have a good baseline to compare against when you do start trying.

PMS symptoms that are normal for you many indicate pregnancy in someone else. Again, the key is to find changes in symptoms.

Changes in the Number and Frequency of Your Symptoms

If you are in fact pregnant, you may notice an increase in the types of symptoms you experience or how long normal symptoms last. Many women find they experience a larger array of symptoms as well as having them occur more frequently (i.e.: more days than usual).

Let’s look at some data.

Based on all the data amalgamated from www.countdowntopregnancy.com (which includes well over a quarter of a million symptoms recorded) it shows that during a non-pregnant cycle on average women will experience 41 symptoms (these can be considered normal PMS symptoms). But during the cycles of women who were indeed pregnant the average is much higher at 66 symptoms. So not only are you looking for changes in what symptoms occur but also the number of symptoms and their frequency.

Don’t forget that sometimes things can swing the other way completely. The lack of a particular symptom can be a good sign, but so can a lack of symptoms all together. Sometimes when we are looking too hard for something we fail notice the “lack” of symptoms.

Case Study

Here is an excerpt from one woman’s tracking records. It illustrates how valuable it is to have multiple cycles tracked for comparison.

8 Days Past Ovulation

Symptom	Not Pregnant #1	Not Pregnant #2	Pregnant!
Nausea	-	-	x
Bloating	x	-	x
Dry Mouth/Increased Thirst	-	-	x
Tender Breasts	x	x	-
Fatigue	x	x	x

Notice how on this day past ovulation she experienced nausea and dry mouth during her pregnant cycle, but not in the others. Also notice that during her pregnant cycle she did not experience tender breasts which occurred during both of her non-pregnant cycles.

10 Days Past Ovulation

Symptom	Not Pregnant #1	Not Pregnant #2	Pregnant!
Nausea	-	-	x
Bloating	-	-	x
Dry Mouth/Increased Thirst	-	-	x
Tender Breasts	x	x	-
Fatigue	-	-	x
Vivid Dreams	-	-	x

Here we notice a few new symptoms, including vivid dreams, during her pregnant cycle. Her fatigue continues, when during her non-pregnant cycles this symptom would have disappeared by 10 days past ovulation.

Start Tracking

It’s quick and easy to do – a few minutes a day and you’ll start to understand your body’s signals and patterns.

Create a free symptom tracking account at Countdown to Pregnancy and start tracking your signs and symptoms. Remember, it’s never too early to speculate.

Strong Smelling Urine

Countdown to Pregnancy — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:52:54 +0000

During early pregnancy urine may become darker in colour and/or have a stronger or different smell than usual – be sure to drink plenty of water (at least 8 glasses a day). If you are experiencing any pain you should speak with your doctor as it could also be a sign of a urinary tract infection. This change in smell or strength may also be due, in part, to an increased sense of smell some women experience in very early pregnancy.

As of January 18, 2009 this symptom is most commonly reported by pregnant women on 11 days past ovulation with approximately 8.5% of women reporting it.

View the full chart for all days past ovulation

Runny Nose in Very Early Pregnancy

Countdown to Pregnancy — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:34:43 +0000

It may never occur to you that a runny or stuffy nose could be connected with being pregnant, but many women experience cold or flu-like symptoms in early pregnancy. This is due to higher levels of estrogen during pregnancy which can cause swelling in the mucous membranes throughout the body, including the nose.

In very early pregnancy (based on the data submitted to the VEP Symptom Tracker as of October 24, 2008) it is most common on 9 and 10 days past ovulation with 4.4% of pregnant women experiencing it.

Click to view the full graph of Runny Nose – from Ovulation Day to 21 Days Past Ovulation.

Headaches – Early Sign of Pregnancy

Countdown to Pregnancy — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:54:42 +0000

Headaches in pregnancy tend to occur most frequently in the first trimester. Hormone levels rise dramatically in early pregnancy, and can contribute to headaches. Changes in your blood circulation and blood volume during pregnancy can cause increased pressure on your blood vessels. This increase requires greater fluid intake to counteract dehydration, which can be another cause of headaches. Be sure to get at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Low blood sugar could also be the culprit, be sure to eat a healthy well balanced diet, with adequate protein and iron intakes. Avoid foods that can trigger a headache: like chocolate, MSG, cheese and spicy foods. Other possibilities are stress and anxiety or not getting enough rest. Try to take time each day to relax and make sure you get enough sleep.

Our data on September 4, 2008 shows that headaches are most common on 9 days past ovulation with 15.5% of pregnant women experiencing this symptom. Our data also shows that headaches is one of the top ten most common early signs of pregnancy. (View Top Ten Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms)

Click to view the full graph of Headaches – from Ovulation Day to 21 Days Past Ovulation.

Pronounced Veins

Countdown to Pregnancy — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:52:17 +0000

Some women report that they notice the sudden appearance of “road map” veins (more prominent blue veins) most often these are most apparent in the breasts. Because of an increased blood supply to your breasts during early pregnancy, these veins may become more visible. Some women also notice a change in the appearance of veins all over their bodies, including arms, stomach and legs.

Based on our data (as of August 28, 2008) this early pregnancy symptoms is most commonly reported on 9 days past ovulation with 8.6% of pregnant women experiencing it.

Click to view the full graph that outlines the reported instances of this symptom for all days past ovulation. (From Ovulation Day to 21 days past ovulation).

New or Strange Cravings – Mmmm Pickles!

Countdown to Pregnancy — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:42:14 +0000

The exact reason for pregnancy cravings is not known, but many speculate that the new or strange cravings pregnant women experience are actually the body’s way of asking for a particular nutrient it may be lacking. The actual food craved is not necessarily what the body needs but may need something in the food. The cliché of craving pickles may be an indication your body needs more sodium, or the desire for a burger and french fries may be a need for protein, sodium or potassium. Studies also show that the high levels of hormones present during pregnancy can alter a woman’s sense of taste and smell. This change can also lead to food aversion.

How many women experience this symptom during very early pregnancy?

Click to view a chart that breaks down the symptom by day past ovulation.

View a full list of Very Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy. (60+ listed!)

The Real-Life Most Common Very Early Signs of Pregnancy

Countdown to Pregnancy — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:45:11 +0000

If you wanted the standard list of symptoms, a quick search engine query would yield a ton of results. The problem is that it’s the same list repeated over and over. What you have come across here is a list based on symptoms recorded by real women using the VEP Symptom Tracker. When a positive pregnancy test result is recorded the symptoms experienced during that cycle are anonymously added to the overall statistics in real time!

So, what really are the most common early pregnancy symptoms? Well let’s have a look at the chart below and see! This is a dynamic chart, meaning it changes over time. It is based on the information provided by CTP members using the VEP Symptom Tracker. These are the most common symptoms as experienced by real pregnant women from around the world!

As women keep entering their symptoms the more the data grows and changes!

Click to view this chart with the full descriptions of each specific symptom.

If you are trying to conceive and want to be part of the largest database of very early pregnancy symptoms become a member and be a part of the answer!

Countdown to the beginning of your pregnancy one symptom at a time…

The Strange, Unusual and Uncommon Very Early Signs of Pregnancy

Countdown to Pregnancy — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:20:25 +0000

You can do a search in any search engine and find hundreds of websites with a list of the most common early signs of pregnancy… but how many of them list the lesser known or the strange? Well based on information provided by CTP members using the VEP Symptom Tracker, we have compiled the data of what symptoms are experienced and when, including the obscure and less talked about signs. These are statistics based on real women who tracked their very early signs and symptoms right from the day of conception!

Here is a list of symptoms that you may never have attributed to pregnancy! Now that it’s on a list (and supported by hundreds of women) you can! :)

Are you trying to conceive? Do you want to track your early signs and symptoms during the seemingly endless two week wait and find common symptoms with women who became pregnant? Then you absolutely must become a CTP member!

Strange or Metallic Taste in Mouth

Countdown to Pregnancy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:35:44 +0000

“Dysgeusia” is the medical term for a change in your sense of taste; usually you’ll get a sour or metallic taste that continues even when you’re not eating. Hormones, particularly estrogen, play a part in controlling the sense of taste. During pregnancy your hormone levels flutuate quite widely and thus your sense of taste may vary or change. Like nausea and morning sickness, it should diminish or disappear by the second trimester.

There are a few things you can do to combat this, acidic foods like citrus juice and lemonade and if your stomach can manage it, any food marinated in vinegar – like pickles! Also try brushing your tongue each time you brush your teeth and rinse with a weak salt or baking soda solution to neutralize the pH levels.

View the full list of Very Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy. (60+ listed!)

Fatigue/Exhaustion

Countdown to Pregnancy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:30:09 +0000

Most women experience increased fatigue during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Your body is producing higher levels of progesterone which can make you feel sleepy. Your body also produces extra blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus, this means your heart needs to work harder. Low blood sugar can also be to blame.

Listen to your body; it is working very hard to create your little one. This symptom has only one cure. If you are tired, then sleep – even if it means going to bed at 8pm or taking small naps during the day.

Avoid stimulants (like caffeine, these can be harmful in high doses), get lots of rest (cut back on extra responsibilities if needed, at least until the second trimester), eat a balanced healthy diet (be sure to get enough protein and iron) and get regular exercise (even just walking 30 minutes a day will help).

View the full list of Very Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy. (60+ listed!)