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What Are The Early Signs Of Pregnancy?

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Posted on Fri, 18 Sep 2015
Question: Hello Doctor, what are the exact symptoms of pregnancy? and when it wold be confirmed? when does the dizziness occur?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Symptoms are not specific.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
There are no specific signs of pregnancy.
The symptoms are non specific, and vary from person to person.
PRegnancy is confirmed when you miss your period and take a pregnancy test which is positive.
Also by an ultrasound scan around 6 weeks when the baby is seen.
Dizziness might or might not occur, it is not compulsory to have dizziness or any other symptom.
HOpe that helps you.
Would love to discuss in detail if you have other queries.
All the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (16 minutes later)
Mine is exactly a 28 days cycle and its delayed 3 days this time. In fact, its delayed many times and I was not taking care properly and I used to get my periods in 7-8 days after a missed periods.
When the test should be taken? and what are the important points to keep in mind to be careful. please suggest.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
As below

Detailed Answer:
As you said, it is delayed lots of times, so relax.
If you wish you can take a test tomorrow morning, and let me know the result.
Then I will guide you accordingly.
Are you trying to have a baby ?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (23 hours later)
Yes. we are trying for a baby. I do not have any symptoms as such regarding pregnancy / periods. if the pregnancy is confirmed after the test, what are the next steps to be taken? Is it advisable to continue the gym even during pregnancy?

please reply in detail. I need a detailed answer.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
As below.

Detailed Answer:
Why dont you confirm the pregnancy first ?
Please take a pregnancy test and let me know.
You can continue light exercise during pregnancy, heavy gym work is not advisable.
Next steps will be to consult an obstetrician and get the pregnancy confirmed again by an ultrasound scan.
Please take folic acid supplements if you are not already taking them.
NO other medication is needed in the first trimester.
Eat healthy, home made food and relax.
Stress is not good.
What other details do you wish to know ?
I think the first step is to confirm whether you are actually pregnant or not.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (6 days later)
Hello Doctor, I had taken pregnancy test, on the 10th day from my missed periods. and its positive. I had consulted Dr also, she prescribed folic and asked me to got for scan after 15 days.
- when is te ideal first scan?
- I am having a stomach pain, sometimes severe (I could feel the pain though I am sitting). suggest me is this is a normal in initial pregnancy or is it something serious?
- I am a working women. suggest me regarding transport, sitting continuously.
- Do I need t take a rest initially? if yes, how many days?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As below

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear.
Congratulations on your pregnancy !
Wish you a wonderful journey towards motherhood.
Let me elaborate on your questions now.
1. IDeally, the first scan is scheduled around 7 - 8 weeks, that is when the heartbeat would be seen in the baby. A scan may again be done around 12 weeks to assess the Double Marker test. Next scan is around 20 weeks if everything is normal, and then one or two more scans in the third trimester.
2. Are you having burning sensation in the stomach ?
Where exactly is the pain, and is it burning or dull aching type ?
Any relation with meals ?
3. You can work if you are in a comfortable atmosphere.
Take breaks every hour and walk around.
Try and put your feet up in a chair - can you take a brief nap in the afternoon ?
Keep temperature cool and comfortable ( preferably AC ).
Carry home made food or have a fresh tiffin for lunch delivered to you.
Carry snacks in the form of dahi, raita, sprouts, fruits etc.
Drink a lot of water.
Avoid any tension / stress.
Travelling should be in such a way that there are minimum jerks, and less exposure to crowds and pollution.
4. If everything is normal, and there are no dangers identified by your doctor, then there is no need to take rest.
Sleep well at night, atleast 8 - 10 hours of sleep.
Take care, and let me know if you want to know anything else.
YOu can contact me directly anytime, using the following link -
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-aarti-abraham/64623
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)
Thanks a lot for the wishes doctor.
I don't have burning sensation. I feel the pain is in upper abdomen. It is like sometimes more, sometimes dull and sometimes nill. I could not really find out the exact reason for the pain.
But somehow I am not comfortable in the stomach.
- Is there any remedy to find out what exactly is this pain?
- Is it a symptom of something serious?
- Doctor, is it safe to have dry fruits? if yes, please specify what all I can have including berries.
- One more thing is, I am not getting a proper sleep at night. I will be awake for each turn.
- Can I include chapati's to my meal? mine is little high-temperature body.

Thanks a lot for the care on me and the detailed answer for my queries.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
As below.

Detailed Answer:
I think it is gastritis.
No, it is not a symptom of anything serious.
It is commonly known as heartburn, and is a common problem during early pregnancy, due to hormonal effects.
There are simple remedies to treat it.
When you sleep at night, sleep with your head propped by 2 pillows.
Have dinner atleast 2 - 3 hours before going to bed.
Have a glass of chilled milk at night before going to bed.
Instead of 2 - 3 major meals, eat small amounts of food at intervals of 2 - 3 hours throughout the day.
Never get up on an empty stomach, have some toast / crackers as soon as you wake up.
Avoid chillies, spices, excessive oil or salt and avoid eating outside at all.
Just have simple, hot, home made food.
Have a lot of liquids - soup, broth, coconut water, kanji, nimbu pani, buttermilk etc.
If none of this works, try taking Tablet Nexium once a day for a week, that should help.
It is quite safe to eat anything in moderation, including dry fruits.
They are good for you, and you can consume any dry fruits you want in safe portions everyday.
I understand that sleeping is problematic at night, as pregnancy makes you uncomfortable.
Dress in cool , comfortable clothes.
Eat dinner early.
Listen to some nice soothing music or just meditate / read some relaxing books while you sleep.
Have a glass of milk before going to bed.
Soon your hormones will stabilize and your body will adjust to being pregnant, and you will be able to sleep.
Do not watch television, use the internet or your phone for an hour before going to bed.
Have a nice shower before going to bed.
You can use lavender essential oil dispensed in your room for better sleep.
Yes, you can have chapatis, there are no hot or cold foods, anything within limits is fine.
Please feel free to ask away.
You already have the direct link to my profile.
Thank you for the appreciation, and I wish you a great life ahead !
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 days later)
Hello Doctor,
Please help me to understand how many weeks pregnant I am. My last periods was on XXXXXXX 28 and my missed period was supposed to happen on July 26. - -And when will be the first scan and is it Ultrs sound scan?
I have a light white vaginal discharge. What us the reason for it?
I feel very sleepy now a days throughout the day. :( what should be done for this?
Can I have lays and ice creams? Which I am feeling to have.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Explained.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
It is good to hear from you.
If your cycles are regular, then based on your LMP ( last menstrual period ), you are now 6 weeks and 3 days pregnant.
The first scan should be done within the next week.
Yes it is a vaginal ultrasound scan.
Vaginal secretion is increased during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, so it is normal.
Yes, you will feel sleepy, tired and exhausted, that is also normal.
That will improve once the second trimester starts.
Just sleep when you feel like, that is the only solution.
Drink lots of water, that will help to combat the exhaustion.
I can understand your craving for these foods, that is also natural in pregnancy.
You can have them in moderation, not too much.
Make sure ice cream is from a reliable source, otherwise you may have stomach infection / food poisoning.
You can try making ice creams and popsicles at home too.
Take care.
Please feel free to discuss further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (6 days later)
Hello Doctor,
Last Monday had gone through vaginal scan and Dr told heart beats has come for baby and she told me no problem in terms of anything. Doctor pls help me to understand how many weeks pregnant I am. Which periods date I should consider? Missed period or the last period I got?
- my tummy is suddenly growing. It's visible already.
- from few days I am not feeling like having any sort of meals except snacks & juices.
- when should I reveal about my pregnancy to my boss?
- doctor told me to go for scan after a month. But is it OK to change the doctor now? I was going to a small clinic, doctor us good but clinic us not hygienic.
- please suggest and educate me if I have missed to ask something.

Thanks in Advance Doctor..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
Weeks of pregnancy are calculated from date of last menstrual period that you had.
Ultrasound scan also will have dated your pregnancy.
The pregnancy will not be visible now, it will show only after 3 months are over.
The uterus is growing and stretching, so you will feel fullness and bloating there.
It is alright to have a feeling of bloating in early pregnancy, so yes please eat whatever you feel like.
When you tell your boss depends on your terms with him and working conditions.
Yes, you can change the doctor, it is quite early right now.
No, you are alright, continue folic acid supplements as I said.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 days later)
Hello Doctor,
I have uploaded the two different thyroid reports please have a glance.
- one of the report says, I have hypothyroid and Dr suggested Thyronorm for a month.
- but one of report says, I don't have thyroid and I am normal.
- what are the symptoms that indicates thyroid?
- having thyroid does really affects the growth of a baby?
- from yestareday evening I have a severe back lower pain. Can't even sleep, walk or sit.
- sitting for a long time causes back pain? Please suggest.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
As below

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
It is indeed surprising, I have seen both the reports, and the values are so different.
One of the labs is obviously wrong here.
Please repeat the test at a reputed lab , suggested by your local doctor, before starting treatment.
Thyroid disease has following symptoms - lethargy, unexplained weight gain, constipation, feeling of fatigue and tiredness , etc.
YEs , underactive thyroid in pregnancy can affect the growing baby, if not treated.
Low back pain is common during pregnancy, the joints and ligaments and muscles of the pelvis are stretching, leading to pain and discomfort.
Avoid sitting or sleeping or standing for prolonged periods.
Keep changing your position frequently.
Please get your calcium and vitamin D levels checked.
ALso, you can try a gentle low back massage with Moov.
Apply a hot water bottle there and sleep, you can even take 1 tablet of Combiflam for the pain.
Take care, and keep me posted.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 days later)
Hello Doctor!
I have uploaded the new report (named R0000). please have a glance and which is also indicates the negative results for Thyroid.
- But as it was positive in the first report, as prescribed by doctor i had already taken 3 tabs of thyronorm. does this harm me in anyway?
- Thyroid test should be repeated again after sometime (or few months?)
- kindly suggest any other tests if required.
- Apart from work and taking rest, suggest me some useful activities to spend and which is good during this time.
- MY hands and feet are very hot throughout the day. any remedy for this?
- when is the first abdominal scan?
- when i am tensed at work, i get severe stomach ache :(. and its slow down as i get into normal.


Thanks a lot in advance for your detailed answers.
i feel satisfied by reading your answers. :)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As below

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
Thank you so much for your appreciation.
It means a lot to me also, that you can trust me with your questions and doubts.
Yes, your thyroid report is normal, there is no need to take any medications.
3 tablets of Thyronorm will not harm you at all, do not worry.
You can repeat the test after 4 weeks, just to confirm.
A few tests which I can think of, which should be done - FBS, PPBS, Thalassemia testing, HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
Well, work and rest will be taking up your whole day, isnt it ?
It is great that you have time and stamina for more activities.
Some things that you can do - walking, knitting for your baby, listening to relaxational music or soothing cassettes, reading appropriate literature, joining antenatal exercise groups.
Try taking B complex multivitamin ( Cobazinc ) - it will reduce the sensation of heat in your palms and feet.
First abdominal scan is done in the second trimester.
Stress does lead to gastritis and stomach pain.
Try and relax / meditate - it is important during pregnancy.
Am giving you the direct link to my profile, you can write in to me directly anytime -
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-aarti-abraham/64623
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (18 hours later)
Hello Doctor,
I have showed all 3 reports (which were attached here) to doctor. by seeing them she told, out of 3 reports 2 reports indicates little high TSH value. so its better to take 12.5 mg of Thyronorm everyday before breakfast. also she told if i don't take it harms the baby growth.
- i am confused by her statement. what to do now?
- do i need to repeat the test once again and consult other doctor to take the second opinion?
- is it ok to take Thyronorm though if i don't have TSH?
- i don't feel like having water. i don't feel comfortable having water :(
- i used to get small clots on my thighs. once i consulted a doctor, she told its called as devil pinch and it comes because of some deficiency. but now i am getting it on my hands also. it pains if i touch it.
- doctor told me to go back again after the scan and she gave me a date also. but since it is a small clinic, she asked me to go to some other diagnostics to get the scan done. please suggest me is it ok? or in big hospitals doctor himself / herself involves in scanning or there also some other dept does scanning and doctor gets to verify the report. if in big hospitals, doctor also involves in scanning, i will change the doctor.
- now a days, i don't fell like eating anything. i get tears easily as soon as i see food in a plate. but i feel hungry :(
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As below

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
I feel 2 out of 3 reports are normal, so there is no need to take Thyronorm.
You can repeat the test once more and consult somebody else for a second opinion.
There is no harm in taking Thyronorm as such, but there should be a reason for taking it.
It is alright not to drink water, you can substitute with other fluids - nimbu pani, buttermilk, kanji, thin soups, juices etc.
Can you upload photos of the clots that you are getting on the hands ? I want to take a look before confirming the diagnosis.
It is not about big or small hospitals, but it is better, if the doctor is involved in scanning or verifies report that is done by Radiology.
If your doctor is having nothing to do with the scanning, then you should think of changing the doctor.
It is normal to feel aversion to food.
Try taking tablet Sinate - OD once a day, that might help in overcoming aversion to food.
Also, eat whatever you like, forget nutrition for the first 3 months, that approach will help.
Try some herbs, lemon, chilli, pepper with your food to improve taste and palatibility.
Take care.
Keep me posted.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 days later)
Hello Doctor,
I have uploaded the hand clot picture. Please have a look at it. Usually it retains only for 2-3 days. But this time it's been more than a week. It's becoming darker day by day.
- and my skin color is becoming darker day by day. Is it because of pregnancy?
- I feel very much tired. And don't feel like having any type of food.
- as Dr suggested, till next scan I am taking thyronorm. The next scan happens exactly at the week of 12?
- if I miss to ask something about anything. Please suggest.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Consult a dermatologist please.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
Well, the hand clot seems to be some kind of a skin condition, I will strongly advice you to consult a dermatologist for it, because with just one picture, I cannot give you a definitive comment on it.
Yes, skin pigmentation towards a a darker side is common during pregnancy , due to hormonal changes.
Fatigue and aversion to food are normal, as I said.
Try taking tablet Sinate - OD daily and see the difference for a week.
Yes, next scan happens around week 12.
You can discuss anything else that you remember anytime.
Take care.
GOod luck !
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Aarti Abraham

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What Are The Early Signs Of Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: Symptoms are not specific. Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. There are no specific signs of pregnancy. The symptoms are non specific, and vary from person to person. PRegnancy is confirmed when you miss your period and take a pregnancy test which is positive. Also by an ultrasound scan around 6 weeks when the baby is seen. Dizziness might or might not occur, it is not compulsory to have dizziness or any other symptom. HOpe that helps you. Would love to discuss in detail if you have other queries. All the best.