Countdown to Pregnancy Blog » Hormones

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.

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!)

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!)