Whether you or a loved one is pregnant, you probably have a basic understanding of the process of childbirth and what it entails. But there are a lot of things that you may not know about pregnancy: here are a few things to keep in mind.
As of 2018, there were almost four million births in the United States alone.
Sometimes, it's easy for women to know they're pregnant. That said, there are signs that go unnoticed. So while nausea and a missed period are important to look out for, it’s also good to know the other signs of pregnancy.
If you think you may be pregnant and want to receive quality care for this life-changing event, Dr. Staci McHale and New Beginnings OB-GYN have years of experience. We'll help you through the entire process and address even your most unique needs.
Here are some examples of lesser-known pregnancy symptoms:
If you’re feeling overheated for at least two weeks or longer, it could be an early sign of pregnancy. Overheating, or hyperthermia can be caused by a rise in body temperature after ovulation. As the baby develops, it will need more energy, so overheating may happen later in the pregnancy as well. This can cause warm skin, dizziness, and headaches.
During the early stages of pregnancy, your body’s hormones alter to help the baby develop. This includes increased blood flow which can cause your blood pressure to change. As a result, you can experience lower blood pressure, or hypotension, which leads to lightheadedness and dizziness.
Implantation bleeding can be mistaken for light menstrual bleeding. When you’re pregnant, light bleeding can happen when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. If it happens during the time of your normal menstrual cycle it’s easy to dismiss and may be missed in doctor visits and throw off the expected due date.
Pregnancy lowers your immunity system so you're more prone to catching common illnesses, like a cold. This can also be easily dismissed in the early stages. That said, your cold may last longer than usual during early pregnancy. Don't worry, it's not generally dangerous to the child.
Digestive issues are pretty common during pregnancy, like constipation and morning sickness. That said, changes in your hormones can speed up digestion and lead to diarrhea. Diet can also play a role. Spicy, high fiber and high-fat foods can cause diarrhea during the early stages of pregnancy.
As unusual as these signs may seem, any of them could be symptoms of pregnancy.
Are you experiencing one of these symptoms? Do you think you might be pregnant or have questions about getting pregnant? Visit our website to make an appointment with Dr. McHale and our team at New Beginnings OB-GYN today.
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Whether you or a loved one is pregnant, you probably have a basic understanding of the process of childbirth and what it entails. But there are a lot of things that you may not know about pregnancy: here are a few things to keep in mind.
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