The first atypical signs of pregnancy in the early stages

Stretch marks or stretch marks are characteristic, dense to the touch, small scars of a pinkish or whitish hue that appear on various parts of the body. A lack of the collagen protein that gives the skin its elasticity leads to the appearance of small tears where the skin is most susceptible to stretching. The body, trying to eliminate microtraumas on its own, replaces healthy tissue with scar tissue in places of damage. As a result, stretch marks form. One of the main places where stretch marks appear is the stomach. Striae, as a rule, appear in the lower abdomen with prolonged overstrain of the muscles of the anterior wall of the peritoneum. The stretch may be single, but more often the stomach suffers from stretch marks of multiple localization. Women are usually susceptible to the formation of stretch marks on the abdomen. However, men and children are also not spared from their appearance.

How long does it take for signs of pregnancy to appear?

The initial signs of pregnancy appear in the second or third week after the end of menstruation, that is, about a week before the calendar start of the next menstruation.

Mucus discharge during pregnancy

Before the onset of menstruation, most women experience thick and scanty discharge called “leucorrhoea.”

After fertilization, due to the high level of progesterone, the work of the cervical glands, which produces mucus, is activated. Therefore, from the first days of conception, mucous discharge becomes more abundant, transparent and has a liquid consistency. It is this secret that protects the pregnant woman and the fetus directly from pathogenic microorganisms.

Thrush during pregnancy

The secretion secreted by the uterus is rich in hydrogen ions, so yeast easily multiplies in it, causing thrush, accompanied by white curdled discharge, itching and burning in the vaginal area.

Candidiasis during pregnancy can also develop against the background of a disturbance in the vaginal microflora.

To avoid intrauterine infection of the fetus, if signs of thrush appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Frequent urination during pregnancy

Often, increased frequency of urination is observed in late pregnancy, which is caused by the growth of the fetus in the womb and its pressure on the bladder and ureter.

But even in the first weeks of bearing a child, the urge to urinate may become more frequent, both during the day and at night, which is associated with increased blood circulation in the pelvic organs.

The expectant mother feels as if her bladder is full, and a small amount of urine is released during urination.

If frequent urination does not cause any discomfort, there is no need to worry about it.

Cystitis during pregnancy

Increased urination during pregnancy, accompanied by pain in the groin, burning in the ureter and increased temperature, may be a symptom of cystitis - a disease that often develops in the early stages of pregnancy due to a sharp decrease in immunity, increased susceptibility to bacteria and exacerbation of inflammatory processes.

Temperature 37 as a sign of pregnancy

An increase in body temperature to subfebrile levels (37.2 - 37.4 ° C) in the early stages of pregnancy in the absence of symptoms of viral diseases is normal in 8 cases out of 10. And it is explained by the increased production of progesterone, which affects the thermoregulation center, as well as physiological immunosuppression, which protects the body of a pregnant woman from rejection of the fetus.

A rise in temperature to 37.5°C should be a reason to visit a doctor.

Increase in basal temperature during pregnancy

This sign of pregnancy is informative only in the first 2 weeks after conception, after which the basal body temperature stabilizes.

Pregnancy is indicated by an increase in basal temperature for several days in a row to 37.0 - 37.2 ° C.

It is important to measure basal temperature correctly: the thermometer is inserted into the rectum immediately after waking up in the morning, without getting out of bed. It is recommended to carry out this procedure every day at the same time for several days.

Bloating (flatulence) during pregnancy

Starting from the early stages of pregnancy, intestinal motility is disrupted, which leads to increased gas formation and bloating.

Thus, already in the first weeks of conception, pregnant women may experience a feeling of excessive fullness in the abdomen, accompanied by a tingling sensation radiating to the uterus.

Constipation and diarrhea during pregnancy

Sex hormones produced during pregnancy inhibit the functioning of the intestines, causing it to relax, which causes constipation or, on the contrary, diarrhea. At the same time, constipation most often torments pregnant women in the later stages of pregnancy, while diarrhea is more typical in the first month of pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy

Frequent constipation and blood flow to the pelvic organs can provoke the formation of hemorrhoids, which mainly form in late pregnancy.

However, if before pregnancy a woman suffered from hemorrhoids, then this pathological condition often worsens in the first few weeks after conception.

Leg cramps during pregnancy

Cramps and pain in the legs often bother pregnant women at night. Cramps are manifested by involuntary sharp and painful contraction of the calf muscles.

To eliminate cramps, follow these recommendations:

• Stand on your flattened leg. If acute pain prevents you from moving your leg, you must, overcoming the pain, pull your foot towards you.
• Rub the cramped muscle using pinching and patting.
• Make a hot foot bath with salt.

Treatment for itchy stretch marks

It is important to keep the area hydrated as stretch marks develop. Moisturizing not only helps them fade, but also relieves itching by reducing dryness. Here are a few things you can try:

Cocoa

There is a lack of evidence to support the use of cocoa butter as an effective skin moisturizer. However, one small study suggests that cocoa butter may improve skin elasticity.

It is also widely used in cosmetic formulations, especially in moisturizing lotions, for its skin moisturizing abilities. You can try massaging the area with cocoa butter to keep the skin hydrated and prevent itching.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is widely used in traditional medicine for healing several skin issues. This is an excellent moisturizer that helps reduce inflammation by improving transepidermal water loss and skin barrier function. Coconut oil also helps keep skin hydrated and hydrated. This property can also help smooth out stretch marks.

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Vitamin E oil

Vitamin E oil (the liquid squeezed from softgels) is an extremely popular home remedy for maintaining hydrated skin. However, there is no scientific evidence of its moisturizing effect. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and can support healthy skin.

In addition to the above ingredients, you can also use almond and jojoba oils or moisturizers.

You can also consult a dermatologist. They may suggest anti-itch ointments and topical creams or lotions to relieve the itching. Here are some more tips that may help reduce the itchiness of your stretch marks.

External signs of pregnancy

A change in a woman’s appearance already in the early stages may indicate pregnancy.

Acne during pregnancy

A sharp hormonal change in the body of a pregnant woman and increased activity of the sebaceous glands can trigger the appearance of acne, even if the woman has not previously encountered this problem.

Most often, the rash goes away after the baby is born and does not require any treatment.

If a pregnant woman decides to deal with rashes before delivery, then she should remember that during this period it is forbidden to use drugs that contain retinoids and salicylic acid. In addition, removal of rashes using laser, deep peeling, or mechanical cleaning is contraindicated. Phytotherapeutic procedures should also be treated with caution.

Facial redness during pregnancy

Such an early sign of pregnancy as facial redness is associated not only with hormonal levels, but also with increased blood circulation during this period.

Many pregnant women experience the so-called “pregnant mask”, which is characterized by the appearance of age spots localized in the forehead, cheeks and nose. You should not be afraid of such spots, since after childbirth they will go away on their own over time.

Veins during pregnancy

The onset of pregnancy may be marked by the appearance of venous patterns (or spider veins) on the chest, neck, arms and legs. Such spider-like patterns of dark red or bluish color, like skin pigmentation, will disappear on their own with the birth of the child.

Edema during pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, slight puffiness of the face may be observed. In addition, your hands may swell, which is especially noticeable if you clench your hand into a fist.

It should be remembered that swelling in the first months of bearing a child is not normal and may indicate that the expectant mother has kidney disease or cardiovascular disease. Therefore, if this symptom appears, you should consult a doctor.

Breast enlargement during pregnancy

Many women, due to the absence of menstruation, may suspect pregnancy in the first weeks of conception due to breast enlargement by 1 - 2 sizes. Moreover, this sign can be observed even if a woman loses her appetite and loses weight.

Breast enlargement may be accompanied by pain and tingling in both mammary glands.

Important! During pregnancy, both breasts increase in size exactly the same. Enlargement of one mammary gland or any part of it should alert you, as it may signal the presence of serious diseases.

Nipple changes during pregnancy

Early signs of pregnancy are darkening and swelling of the nipples, as well as the appearance of Montgomery tubercles - small outgrowths localized in the nipple area. Outwardly, such formations resemble small warts that are filled with a sebaceous substance.

There is no need to worry about the appearance of such tubercles, since they in no way disrupt the functioning of the sebaceous glands and do not affect the health of the expectant mother, much less the fetus.

Pain and burning sensations that occur when touching the nipples may also indicate pregnancy.

Discharge from the breast during pregnancy

An early (albeit rare) sign of conception may be clear fluid released from the nipple when pressure is applied to it.

Sometimes, in early pregnancy, colostrum may begin to be released, which indicates galactorrhea, a condition in which there is increased production of the hormone prolactin.

In general, the appearance of colostrum is more typical in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Stripe on the stomach during pregnancy

Many people believe that a brown line on the abdomen, running from the navel down, appears in late pregnancy. In fact, this line can be seen already in the first weeks of pregnancy, it will simply be white, whereas from the 12th week it will begin to acquire a brown tint.

Why do stretch marks appear on the thighs?

Stretch marks appear in places where the skin is chronically overstretched. When the skin produces insufficient collagen and elastin, and the body lacks amino acids necessary for restoration, the damage is filled with fast-growing connective tissue. As a result, oblong scars and stretch marks are formed.

There can be quite a few reasons for the appearance of stretch marks on the hips and legs, but a few main ones can be named:

• sharp fluctuations in body weight;
• growth spurt in teenagers;
• endocrine disorders;
• pregnancy;
• intense sports activities;
• genetic predisposition.

Apart from the last point, stretch marks occur during certain disruptions in the body. Extremely rapid weight changes, muscle growth—anything that is stressful for the body and directly affects the skin can cause stretch marks to appear. It is important to understand why you have stretch marks on your thighs in order to not only effectively deal with them, but also to eliminate related problems in the body.

While stretch marks are common during pregnancy or adolescence, in other cases they can indicate serious problems in the body. If you see no reason for the appearance of stretch marks, we recommend that you consult a doctor.

Find out which method of correcting scars and stretch marks is optimal for you!

doctor Svetlana Viktorovna Ogorodnikova.

doctor

Signs of the first and second pregnancy

Are the early signs of the first and second pregnancy different? We answer: everything is purely individual. There are many cases where the same woman’s first pregnancy occurred against the background of severe toxicosis, while bearing a second child did not cause any problems.

In general, gynecologists identify the same early signs of pregnancy, regardless of whether it is the first, second or third. However, pathologies such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins during the second and subsequent pregnancies become aggravated already in the first weeks of gestation.

Signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding

Many women mistakenly believe that it is impossible to get pregnant while breastfeeding. This is wrong.

Let's look at the signs that may indicate that a nursing mother is pregnant again.

If your baby refuses to breastfeed for no apparent reason, consider purchasing a pregnancy test. The fact is that a new pregnancy provokes a change in the taste of breast milk, which acquires a bitter taste and becomes less sweet.

The consistency of the milk itself may change, as well as its quantity (up to its complete disappearance).

You should also pay attention to persistent hypersensitivity, as well as soreness of the nipples, especially if such signs were not previously observed during breastfeeding.

Darkening of the skin around the nipples may also indicate pregnancy.

The absence of menstruation, provided that it has already occurred after childbirth, can also be a sign of pregnancy.

Types of stretch marks

Stretch marks are usually divided into fresh and old. You can determine which type of stretch marks you have developed by their appearance.

Laboratory and instrumental diagnosis of pregnancy

Regardless of whether you have subjective or external signs of pregnancy, the fact of conception can only be reliably confirmed using laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods: transvaginal ultrasound and a blood test for hCG.

Thus, an ultrasound examination can determine pregnancy starting from the fourth week from the moment of conception. But in the first week of pregnancy, an ultrasound will only show the presence of a corpus luteum, which cannot be a reliable sign of the birth of a new life.

In the first 7 to 9 days after conception, in 98% of cases, pregnancy can be determined by a blood test for hCG , in which the human chorionic gonadotropin level exceeds 25 mU/ml. An increase in hCG levels during pregnancy is observed up to 12 weeks, after which it begins to gradually decrease.

At home, women use rapid tests .

Pregnancy test

An express pregnancy test, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, is recommended to be carried out no earlier than 2 to 3 days before the expected start date of menstruation. At the same time, manufacturers recommend using tests to determine pregnancy after 5 days of delay in order to avoid obtaining unreliable results.

The test is positive, but there are no signs of pregnancy

Some women are faced with a situation where an express pregnancy test gives a positive result in the absence of any signs of pregnancy, confirmed by a gynecologist and ultrasound.

The reasons for a false positive pregnancy test may be the following:

• Incorrect test: biomaterial (urine) is collected in the morning, and the last part is used.
• Using expired or defective test.
• Taking medications containing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
• Hormonal imbalance due to the presence of tumor diseases and cysts.
• Early pregnancy failure.
• Abortion with incomplete removal of embryonic tissue.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Taking alkaloids, tranquilizers, and phenothiazane derivatives.

Test negative for early signs of pregnancy

Can a rapid test show a negative result if there are early signs of pregnancy? Maybe. And here are the reasons.

• Premature testing (remember that the most reliable results will be those obtained during the test on the fifth day of a missed period or more).
• Presence of tumors.
• Malfunction of the thyroid gland.
• Taking hormonal drugs.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Threat of spontaneous abortion.
• Violation of the rules for using and storing the test.
• Low quality or defective test system.

And remember that if you suspect pregnancy, no matter what the test result is - false positive or false negative, only visiting a gynecologist and carrying out all the necessary examinations will reliably determine whether you are pregnant or not.

How to get rid of stretch marks on thighs?

Depending on the age of stretch marks on the legs and hips, the method of dealing with them is also selected. We suggest considering the main options and finding out the pros and cons of each approach.

Salon treatments

There are quite a lot of salon procedures to combat stretch marks, and new ones appear every day. Today there are several common services:

• Wraps . The procedure helps speed up blood circulation and metabolism, which is very effective for fresh stretch marks, but is unlikely to help in the case of old ones.
• Invasive procedures . Substances are injected into the areas where stretch marks appear to help destroy connective tissue and speed up skin regeneration. As in the previous case, they are effective for fresh stretch marks. For older people, it can only be used in combination with other procedures.
• Peels . The essence of peeling is to polish the skin - using a laser or a special composition, the connective tissue is destroyed, in its place healthy skin is formed. A very effective procedure if you choose the right drugs and number of sessions. However, it is also very painful, which can interfere with the elimination of stretch marks on the inner thighs and other sensitive areas. In addition, after peeling, a rehabilitation period is required, and the cost of all procedures can be quite hefty.
• Microdermabrasion . Mechanical damage to the skin to obtain a result similar to the effect of peeling. An effective, but rather traumatic method. During the recovery period, careful skin care is necessary.
• ELOS-rejuvenation (Electro-Optical Synergy). This procedure combines pulsed light and electric current. Atrophied areas warm up and decrease in size. Suitable for eliminating old stretch marks.

Pros: Most salon treatments have an overall healing effect on the skin. Along with getting rid of stretch marks, you can get increased elasticity, even out color and eliminate other imperfections.

Cons: Many options are quite traumatic and require a recovery period and careful care. In addition, salon treatments are the most expensive way to combat stretch marks . Especially if we are talking about old stretch marks, which may require several courses.

Massage

As with other procedures, massage is selected depending on the type of stretch marks and the presence of contraindications. Today they most often offer:

• Hydromassage . A pleasant procedure consisting of a massage using water jets and adding beneficial ingredients to the water. Unfortunately, it cannot be called effective, because... it can only help with fresh stretch marks.
• Hardware massage . It is performed with a special device with attachments for vacuum and vibration massage. The patient is put on an endormological suit, which helps reduce pain. Effective for fresh stretch marks; for old ones, a long course or combination with other methods of struggle may be required.
• Honey massage . One of the most pleasant types of massage. It is done manually, using natural honey or compositions based on it. The procedure only helps with fresh stretch marks, but it has a very beneficial effect on the skin as a whole and helps get rid of cellulite.

Pros : A well-executed massage will be useful not only as a fight against stretch marks, but also for tightening the skin, eliminating cellulite and as a relaxant.

Cons : Like salon treatments, massage is an expensive pleasure. At the same time, it is designed more to combat fresh stretch marks ; for old ones, you will have to combine procedures with other options.