It is normal to have some, all, or none of these symptoms. Although some of the signs can be annoying, keep in mind that these symptoms are also an indication that your hormones are flowing as they should, and that your body is responding to its greatest change of all.
SLIGHT BLEEDING OR A BROWNISH VAGINAL DISCHARGE ABOUT TWO WEEKS AFTER CONCEPTION
This is usually caused by the implantation of the fertilized egg (the
blastocyst) in the uterus. Sometimes, a woman may mistake this im-
plantation bleeding for her menstrual period. Even if you have what seems like a light period, you may still be pregnant.
NAUSEA, WITH OR WITHOUT VOMITING
“Morning sickness,” which can occur at any time of day, is thought to be caused by the increase in the hormone hCG, which is pro- duced by the placenta. Nausea is the most common early sign of pregnancy. It generally starts at about six weeks, when the level of hCG rises most significantly. If you have not been closely tracking your menstrual cycle, nausea may be your first clue that you are pregnant. We’ll talk more about coping with morning sickness later in this chapter.
MORE FREQUENT URINATION
Your uterus is beginning to grow. Even though the change is small, the growth causes pressure against your bladder. Some women no- tice this more than others do.
SLEEPINESS
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard moms say, “I slept my way through my pregnancy.” Sleepiness is a very common sign of pregnancy. Before you were pregnant, you may have often felt
sleepy at some point during the day but pressed on with your work anyhow. Now you may find that however you try, you cannot deny your body the rest it needs. Hormones are largely responsible, especially the rise in your body’s production of progesterone. Your body is using more energy, too, for the hard work of growing a baby. Extra sleep is not a luxury now; it is a necessity. The good news is that sleepiness declines after the first trimester.
DIZZINESS OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS
During pregnancy, all your organs and systems undergo dramatic changes. The most significant changes occur within your cardio- vascular system. To meet the increased metabolic needs of your baby, several things happen. The amount of blood circulating in your body increases by 40 to 50 percent, reaching a maximum vol- ume at approximately 32 to 34 weeks. Your circulatory system sup- plies your uterus and your baby with the nutrients needed for growth. Most of the added blood volume is in your uterine, pla- cental, and breast tissue.
Your heart begins to beat faster to pump more blood per minute throughout your body. In the early weeks, your blood pres- sure gradually decreases, reaching its lowest point in the middle of your pregnancy. It then begins to rise, and by the end of pregnan- cy, it returns to its normal level.
Low blood pressure can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. This is most noticeable when you get up quickly from a lying or sit- ting position. Standing too quickly moves blood away from your brain, which makes you feel lightheaded. This is quite normal and nothing to worry about. The feeling is most common during the early months.
When you feel lightheaded, be careful to move a little more slowly and to hold on to a chair, the wall, or another stable object for support and balance. This is especially important when you are getting out of the shower or bath. In warm water or a hot room, your blood vessels dilate, lowering your blood pressure.
Try not to sit or stand in one place for too long. When you sit or stand for more than a few minutes, blood pools in your feet and lower legs. If you stand up suddenly, your blood may not return to your heart from your legs fast enough. As a result, your blood pressure may drop quickly and you may feel faint.
Exercising your calves will increase the circulation in your legs. Occasionally stretching your legs, marching in place, rolling your ankles in a circular motion, or walking (even short distances) throughout the day will help keep your blood circulating well.
Another good habit to start now is to roll onto your side be- fore rising out of bed. Besides helping to prevent lightheadedness, this practice will protect your abdominal muscles from strain as your belly becomes larger.
When you feel lightheaded, sit down or squat and put your head between your knees. This will help move blood up into your head and make you feel better.
Lightheadedness from low blood pressure usually passes in the second trimester. Be aware, though, that low blood sugar, or hypo- glycemia, can also cause dizziness. Your nutritional needs are greater now that you are pregnant, and you need to eat plenty of healthy food. Having frequent small daily meals rather than three large ones will help keep your blood sugar stable. Carry healthy snacks with you when you’re away from home so that you can eat whenever you get hungry.
Dizziness can also be caused by anemia, or a deficiency of iron in the blood. The increase in blood volume can cause a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin (red blood cells) circulating through your body. If you are anemic, you have fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen to your brain and other organs, and you may feel weak, tired, and dizzy. For this reason, it is important to main- tain an iron-rich diet and to take a prenatal multivitamin that in- cludes iron (see page 65). Your practitioner will check your hemoglobin level through an initial set of blood tests. If you are anemic, he or she may suggest adding an iron supplement to your
prenatal multivitamin. Don’t take extra iron unless you truly are anemic, because iron can be constipating and upsetting to the stomach.