Early signs of pregnancy appear in women in different terms, since everyone's cycles are slightly different. For some it is 16 - 18 days, for others - 20 days. But the main signs of conception can be seen on days 21–22 of the cycle.
The very first signs - can you feel them?
The modern world offers a large number of means of determining pregnancy in the earliest stages. Most often they are reliable in the first weeks after a missed period. Emotional by nature, women can feel the slightest changes in their body and even before the end of the menstrual cycle, suspect signs of the birth of a small life.
They are unlikely to name the exact date of conception, and the beginning of each cycle is marked on the calendar. Obstetricians will use this day as a basis for calculating the duration of pregnancy and the upcoming birth. Women planning motherhood are more likely to determine their due date if they tracked ovulation, which often occurs in the middle of the cycle.
The frequency of the cycle is different for everyone, most often it is a 4-week period, but it can be shorter or longer. As soon as the fertilization of the egg has occurred, metamorphosis occurs in the woman’s body. For some, they do not immediately become noticeable, while others feel the slightest nuances of physiological transformation already on the 16th - 18th day of the cycle.
The first ones are the most responsible and wonderful transformations
The zygote is a one-celled embryo that travels through the fallopian tube for about 6 days. His goal is a warm and nourishing womb. At the same time, the ovary produces corpus luteum, it is responsible for the production of the necessary hormones that will support the onset of pregnancy.
Introduction into the uterine wall takes place on the 7th day (22 - 23 days from the beginning of the cycle). Small bleeding these 2 days are possible, but not required.
On the 24th - 25th day of the cycle or on the 9th day after the birth of a new life, the fertilized egg is arranged, its place is carefully guarded, and its outer layer signals pregnancy with the help of the hCG hormone.
The new hormone in the body works like a skillful and experienced leader. All systems work hard:
- heart;
- lungs;
- kidneys;
- endocrine glands.
This mechanism starts a miracle machine; it is no coincidence that women even before the delay assume about possible pregnancy.
What signs may indicate conception has taken place?
The onset of pregnancy is not asymptomatic, the first signs are considered insignificant, attentive women they will be felt:
- Bloody discharge on days 6-12 from the beginning of ovulation, if the couple had unprotected intercourse (similar to the beginning of menstruation, but the color is yellowish-brownish;
- Increased basalt temperature up to 37⁰ or slightly higher remains for a long time and does not change at the time of delay of a new cycle - speaks of a hormonal factor, when progesterone works to provide for the fetus and create better conditions for it;
- A sharp drop in t⁰, and then a restoration of elevated basal temperature. Symptoms of chills appear, the face turns red, but a feeling of heat may suddenly set in and it becomes stuffy. Changes in heat and cold are the first signs of pregnancy on days 20–21;
- The breast condition, usually painful before menstruation, may remain unchanged. In rare cases, on the contrary, the skin around the nipples swells;
- A woman may notice a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen due to the large flow of blood to the walls of the uterus on days 21–28 of the cycle.
- A change in libido from days 22 to 26 indicates hormonal changes; desires may not arise at all or flare up with strong cravings.
- Lack of sleep, agitation, weak shallow sleep, early awakening may indicate conception on the 18th -22nd day - this is relevant.
- Lack of attention during the daytime, drowsiness and depressed psyche will support the version of pregnancy already on the 22nd - 25th day.
- A change in the sense of smell and taste of familiar foods, even before the delay occurs, will confirm a possible conception.
- The surest sign may be early toxicosis; on the 11th - 14th day after conception, the expectant mother may experience nausea. On the 22nd there is often vomiting in the morning.
Dependence of pregnancy signs on fetal development
The most basic changes in fetal development begin on days 21–22 of the cycle, and the first signs of pregnancy most clearly appear from this time.
Formation nervous system the embryo affects the change in work taste buds future mother.
The spinal cord, brain and heart muscle, developing in the womb, bring headaches to the woman, the sense of smell becomes acute, and the woman begins to be irritated by pleasant odors.
The level of hormonal changes on days 22 - 23 increases salivation, a state of mild nausea in the morning is the first sign of successful conception. After this period, the pregnancy test for some girls may slightly color the second strip.
From about 27 - 28 days the signs become increasingly brighter. Certain eating habits appear, the woman is disoriented, she is confused by smells or attracted to them, even by those that she had not noticed in the recent past. She often refuses to eat her usual food. Spicy and salty foods are attractive.
This is how the body reacts to a lack of vitamins, microelements, and minerals necessary for the development of the fetus. A planned pregnancy should aim to consume only high-quality and healthy products from the first days.
If your period is late, you need to check your assumptions about a successful conception using a test. After 2 days, repeat testing is simply necessary if the first attempt did not give a solid result.
Primary signs and positive test– almost 100% guarantee of maternity. A visit to the doctor will be necessary, and the sooner, the calmer the mother will be about the future life of the little man.
In this analysis, the “ideal” 28-day cycle is taken as an example.
Day 1
The day menstrual bleeding begins is the first day of the cycle. Bleeding occurs due to the rejection of the endometrium - the layer of the uterine mucosa, the “featherbed”. This happens against the background of a decrease in the concentration of the main “female” hormones - progesterone and estrogen. During this period, the number of prostaglandins (pain mediators) that stimulate uterine contractility increases. What is good for the body (the uterus contracts, getting rid of the old endometrium), becomes an extremely unpleasant moment for a woman Everyday life, because the first day of menstruation is in most cases accompanied by pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen. Painkillers often taken during this period have serious side effects- irritate the gastric mucosa, and, as a result, contribute to the development peptic ulcer. That is why the best approach to solving the problem of menstrual pain is taking natural medications.
Day 2
The most “important” follicle, which bears the egg, begins to develop in the body. Discomfort and soreness may persist, but sensitivity to pain is still high. We so want to be beautiful, but it is at this moment that hormones work against us. Due to low estrogen production, the activity of sweat and sebaceous glands becomes more intense. It is important to pay more attention to your skin, such as using soft makeup. It should be remembered that now hair changes its chemical structure and is less easy to style, and hair coloring done during menstruation lasts less. During this period, you should postpone a visit to the dentist, hair removal and other unpleasant manipulations for 4-5 days.
Day 3
In the uterus, after rejection of the mucous membrane, a wound surface is formed, in addition, the cervix these days is as open as possible. Due to these factors, there is a high probability of infection, which means it is advisable to abstain from sex, or at least protect yourself with barrier contraception methods.
Day 4
“Critical days” are coming to an end, and therefore the mood is significantly elevated, but you should not overestimate yourself. At this time, any activity related to large areas is contraindicated. physical activity However, light morning exercise helps reduce the duration of menstruation and the amount of blood loss.
Day 5
The healing process in the uterus is completed. On average, over time normal menstruation a woman loses about 100 ml of blood, which is not so much, but if menstruation lasts more than 5 days and the discharge is heavy, then the woman may develop iron deficiency anemia.
Days 6 and 7
In a renewed body, metabolism accelerates - excess calories are burned more intensely, protein for muscles is more actively synthesized, fat is broken down, the overall tone of the body, endurance and strength increase. The “important” follicle, which increases in size every day, produces more and more estrogen. At the same time, the level of testosterone begins to increase, which responds to female body for qualities usually attributed to men: a sharp mind, good performance, excellent memory and ability to concentrate. Estrogen and testosterone together drive away habitual drowsiness, giving vigor and freshness of thoughts better than any coffee.
Day 8
Nowadays, the concentration of estrogen in the blood, the main hormone of femininity, is increasing every day. Skin, hair and nails become most susceptible to various cosmetic procedures and just glow with health. After depilation carried out these days, the skin remains smooth and soft longer than usual.
Days 9 and 10
There is nothing left until ovulation. These days, the chances of getting pregnant increase significantly. If you are dreaming of having a girl, now is your time! There is a theory according to which sperm with an X chromosome (which determines the female gender of the unborn child) are able to “wait” longer for the release of the egg from the ovary in the woman’s genital tract, so you have about 4-5 days in reserve. On the day of ovulation and immediately after it, the possibility of conceiving a boy increases.
Days 11 and 12
By this day, thoughts about work become more and more distant, and thoughts about love truly absorb your entire consciousness. The main hormones responsible for female sexuality and libido occupy leading positions. A woman's excitability and sensitivity of erogenous zones increases, and a special smell appears that can attract male attention.
Days 13 and 14
Under the influence of estrogen, the wall of the mature follicle bursts, and the egg is released into the abdominal cavity. This releases a small amount of blood into the abdominal cavity, and some women may even feel tenderness in the lower abdomen on the right or left (depending on which ovary ovulated in). When it enters the abdominal cavity, the egg is captured by the fallopian tube and sent towards " masculine" On the day of ovulation, a woman has the highest libido and is able to experience the most vivid sensations from intimacy with a man. Sexologists say that if a woman regularly abstains from sex during the days of ovulation (for fear of an unwanted pregnancy) and does not experience orgasm, then her libido can steadily decrease over time. In order for sperm to reach the egg as quickly as possible, the mucus that protects the entrance to the uterus is liquefied, and casual sex these days is fraught with sexually transmitted diseases.
Day 15
At the site of the burst follicle, a corpus luteum begins to form. This is a special formation, and, regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not, it will prepare the body for pregnancy within 7-8 days. The corpus luteum begins to produce the hormone progesterone - the main hormone of pregnancy, its goal is to turn an active and carefree girl into expectant mother.
Day 16
Progesterone begins to prepare the uterine lining for egg implantation. Be especially careful with carbohydrates, as in this phase of the cycle your appetite increases and weight gain occurs most quickly.
Day 17 and 18
The body is actively storing nutrients for future use, as a result of which fat metabolism changes. Excess fat significantly spoils the figure and creates increased stress on the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, during this phase of the cycle, try to increase the proportion of vegetable fats in your diet. daily nutrition, add garlic and red fish to your diet, enrich your diet fermented milk products and fiber.
Day 19
Although ovulation is already behind us, during the second phase of the cycle the body maintains a fairly high level of testosterone, which increases libido. Testosterone production is higher in the morning - fill the dawn hours with passion and tenderness.
Day 20
The blossoming of the corpus luteum and the concentration of progesterone in the blood reaches its maximum value. At this time, the egg, moving through the fallopian tube, approaches the uterus. It is believed that from this day on, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced.
Days 21 and 22
Against the background of increased levels of progesterone, which acts as an antidepressant, we become “impenetrable” to troubles and other stressful situations.
Day 23
There are changes in the structure connective tissue: hypermobility appears in the joints, ligaments become more stretchable. Women receive the greatest number of injuries, especially those related to sports, on these days.
Day 24
These days, due to the difference in hormone levels, there may be problems with intestinal function. The activity of the sebaceous glands increases, pores expand, and acne may appear. Try to pay more attention to your diet these days.
Day 25
A woman develops a special smell that allows a man to feel that a forced period of abstinence is approaching. There is a possibility that this fact is the reason for the synchronization of cycles in several women living together for a long time.
Days 26 to 28
A woman becomes sensitive and vulnerable, at this time she needs support. The mammary glands become engorged and painful, daytime sleepiness, headache, anxiety, apathy and irritability - is this enough to ruin your mood? Experts believe that wonderful medicine these days can be chocolate and sex.
Reproductive system responsible for human reproduction. The main links of this system are the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries and uterus. Outside of pregnancy reproductive system women work cyclically. The most striking manifestation of its cyclic function is regular menstruation.
Menses- these are regular monthly bloody issues from a woman's vagina. Menstruation is one of the most striking features inherent only to the female body.
All processes in the reproductive system of a mature woman occur cyclically, i.e. with a certain periodicity, repeatability, and the most striking manifestation of the end of one cycle and the beginning of another is menstruation.
Menstrual cycle- this is the period from one menstruation to another and is considered from the first day of the previous menstruation to the first day of the next.
The normal duration of the menstrual cycle is 21-35 days. In addition to duration, regularity is very important here. Ideally, the duration of the individual cycle does not change from month to month. Fluctuations within 3 days are acceptable. Consider a standard 28-day cycle. Normal for a healthy woman menstrual cycle has 2 phases. With a 28-day cycle, the first and second phases take 14 days each. In the first 14 days, a woman’s body prepares for a possible pregnancy. In the brain, the pituitary gland produces two main hormones that influence a woman’s menstrual cycle: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Under the influence of FSH, an egg matures in one of the ovaries, and the inner lining thickens in the uterus in order to receive a fertilized egg. The main hormone secreted into the blood is estrogen. It helps a woman look good, active and cheerful.
After 2 weeks it happens ovulation- release of a mature egg from the ovary.
This process occurs due to sharp increase LH levels in the blood reach their peak. At this point, some women experience slight pulling sensations in the lower abdomen. Very rarely there may be spotting bloody discharge from the genital tract. After the egg is released into the abdominal cavity, it is captured in the ampulla fallopian tube and very slowly begins to move along it. If at this moment sperm meet on her way, fertilization will occur and pregnancy will occur.
From the moment of ovulation, the second phase of the cycle begins, its main hormone is progesterone. At this time, at the site of release of the egg in the ovary, under the influence of LH, the corpus luteum matures, which, in the event of pregnancy, will initially ensure its safety. In the uterus, the inner lining loosens to accept the fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized, hormone levels drop sharply and the lining of the uterus is gradually shed along with a small amount of blood - menstruation begins. This is where one menstrual cycle ends and the next one begins.
The “ideal” menstrual cycle is considered to be an ovulatory, fully hormonally provided menstrual cycle lasting 28-30 days.
Many gynecological and serious therapeutic diseases can cause a “breakdown” of the reproductive system, which will be reflected in all kinds of menstrual irregularities (bleeding, irregular menstruation, absence thereof) and infertility.
Types of violations menstrual function
Lack of independent menstruation in a woman’s life
Secondary amenorrhea- absence of independent menstruation for 6 months or more
Polymenorrhea- frequent menstruation (cycle less than 21 days)
Oligomenorrhea- rare menstruation (cycle more than 35 days)
Dysmenorrhea- painful menstruation
Metrorrhagia- irregular uterine bleeding
Menometrorrhagia- heavy, frequent, prolonged menstruation
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding- abnormal uterine bleeding caused by hormonal imbalances in the reproductive system.
Among menstrual dysfunctions, the most common are irregular menstruation, luteal insufficiency (LLF) and anovulation (lack of ovulation).
Why is ovulation necessary?
Ovulation- is the release of a mature egg capable of fertilization from the ovarian follicle.
Ovulation - the most important condition for pregnancy. In women of childbearing age, it occurs in almost every cycle. Its frequency is regulated by hormones of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovaries.
Signs of ovulation can be short-term pain in the lower abdomen, an increase in mucous discharge from the vagina in the middle of the cycle, a decrease in basal temperature on the day of ovulation with its subsequent increase.
Objective diagnosis of ovulation is possible based on ultrasound data, ovulation tests, and the level of progesterone in the blood plasma on days 21-23 of the cycle.
Anovulation- a condition in which a woman does not ovulate. Among the causes of infertility, ovulation disorders account for 27%.
Disruption of ovulation processes (late ovulation, its absence) leads not only to disruption reproductive function- infertility, but also to NLF, and, consequently, menstrual irregularities - rare irregular menstruation, dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
Causes of brown vaginal discharge
Brown vaginal discharge is almost always a symptom of some pathology. Based on their appearance, an examination may be prescribed. Let's consider several possible reasons for this phenomenon in different phases menstrual cycle, as well as during pregnancy.
Girls become familiar with menstruation at the age of 11-16, and brown discharge- what is it, and what is the nature of its appearance? In fact, this is the same blood, but only released in small quantities, mixed with vaginal secretions, which is why the color is dim. Blood may appear from the uterus (endometrium) or cervix (if the integrity of its mucous membrane is damaged). That is why the doctor first of all conducts a gynecological examination, during which he assesses the condition of the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix, and then prescribes an ultrasound, which can examine the condition of the endometrium.
And now about the possible causes of the smudge. But, as you understand, this is only an assumption. To make a diagnosis, symptoms alone will not be enough.
At the beginning of the cycle
Brown discharge after menstruation, more precisely after its rapid completion, usually occurs due to trauma to the cervix or vagina (for example, as a result of sexual intercourse), or when taking hormonal contraceptives. In the first case, the diagnosis can be made by a doctor after examination. As a rule, this does not require treatment, only anti-inflammatory and sexual rest is possible.
If the culprit is hormonal contraception, brown discharge in women can be quite long-lasting, albeit scanty. This reaction to a drug is simply called addiction. And this addiction can take up to three months, and discharge can appear at any phase of the cycle.
You should not worry if spotting appears as if at the end of your period - this is normal.
In the middle of the cycle
The reason is ovulation. In some cases this natural process can cause pain in a woman in the ovary area and even spotting. This applies to days 12-14 of the cycle. Later, after 5-8 days, spotting brown discharge may occur due to the implantation of a fertilized egg into the endometrium if conception has occurred. Therefore, if you are healthy, sexually active, and suddenly notice brown discharge on days 17-20 of your cycle, it is quite possible that this is pregnancy. Wait another 2-3 days and you can donate blood for hCG to confirm or refute this version.
But brown discharge in the middle of the cycle can also be associated with diseases. For example, adenomyosis, tumors of the uterine body, etc. often manifest themselves this way. Often the cause of bleeding is large uterine fibroids.
At the end of the cycle
If you notice brown discharge before your period, then it is quite possible that this is menstruation, which for some reason came a little earlier. Over the course of a woman’s life, the cycle can either shorten or lengthen, the volume of blood lost and the duration of menstruation can also change - all this is normal.
But brown discharge at the end of the cycle can also occur due to a disease (see above).
During pregnancy
The appearance of spotting, contrary to popular belief, does not always predict pregnancy loss. There are cases, although rare, when this kind of discharge is not harmful the body of the mother and child, the woman appeared in the first half of pregnancy on the usual days for menstruation (that is, in accordance with the cycle, every 4 weeks). It is worth noting that this brown discharge in the early stages of pregnancy is very scanty.
Another possible reason could be gynecological examination. This is why many expectant mothers are afraid to undergo it, supposedly because of the risk of miscarriage. However, the examination will not provoke a miscarriage. But sometimes taking smears and inserting a gynecological speculum into the vagina leads to minute lesions of the mucous membrane, which becomes especially vulnerable during the period of bearing a child. This is why brown discharge occurs during pregnancy after examination.
However, there are more serious reasons. These include ectopic. This pathology very difficult to identify early stages. And often it is the spotting that is the only warning symptom.
Another possible reason is a frozen pregnancy. That is, the cessation of development of the embryo, its death. The membranes and endometrium begin to be slowly rejected - that’s why brown discharge appears.
A miscarriage sometimes begins with the same symptom. This state is called threat. If the embryo is alive, its heartbeats are diagnosed by ultrasound, and they try to save the pregnancy if the woman wants it. Treatment is usually carried out in a hospital. If the bleeding intensifies, clots begin to appear - we are already talking about a miscarriage, when the pregnancy cannot be saved.
If brown discharge is noticed in the second trimester of pregnancy, we may be talking about placental abruption. Over long periods of time, this condition can threaten a woman’s life due to the risk of heavy bleeding.
Before childbirth, spotting often appears simultaneously with the release of the mucous plug from the cervix.
In addition, untimely bleeding may occur due to hormonal disorders, which are not uncommon in teenage girls, breastfeeding women, as well as women who are approaching menopause.
These are possible reasons this trouble. Don’t diagnose yourself, go to antenatal clinic, and the doctor will figure everything out and prescribe treatment if necessary.
Every month, a woman’s reproductive system undergoes certain changes that leave an imprint on both her physiological and psychological state. They are necessary so that the female body can prepare for conception - and then for pregnancy. Such changes are regular and are called the menstrual cycle - which, in turn, consists of several phases.
Let's take a closer look at how they pass, how long they last, and what signs indicate the onset of each phase.
The first phase of the menstrual cycle is called menstruation
What should you know about menstruation?
Its duration is approximately 3-7 days.
It is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Bloody vaginal discharge.
- Breast augmentation.
- Pain in the abdomen.
- Irritability.
- Pain in the lumbar region.
- Changeability of mood.
- Nausea and sometimes vomiting.
- Headache.
Not all of the above signs will necessarily accompany “critical” days. For many girls, they pass quietly, and the only thing that indicates menstruation is the presence of uterine bleeding.
The cause of painful and heavy periods, nausea, chills, headaches may be increased level in the blood of prostaglandins in this phase. These chemical substances produced by the tissue of the uterus and cause its contraction.
The menstrual cycle begins from the day on which the spotting began from the genitals. During it, the old endometrium is rejected.
Uterine bleeding indicates that pregnancy did not occur in the previous cycle.
At the same time, the ovaries begin to develop follicles. This is the name given to bubbles filled with liquid. Each of them contains one egg. Under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, they begin to mature.
How thick should the uterine mucosa be during menstruation?
|
Day |
Meaning |
| 5-7 |
What happens during the second, follicular (proliferative) phase of the cycle?
After the end of menstruation, the female body begins to prepare for the possible conception of a baby. All processes occurring during this period are caused by follicle-stimulating hormone - which, in turn, is produced by the pituitary gland.
Thus, FSH has a huge impact on the level of estrogen in the blood. Starting from the 1st day of menstruation, it rapidly grows upward. Thanks to this, the endometrium, which has grown in the new cycle, is saturated with blood and various nutrients. This is necessary so that, in the event of a successful conception, the fertilized egg can receive in the uterus everything it needs for further growth and development.
Immediately after the end of menstruation, one follicle “overtakes” its comrades in its development, as a result of which the latter stop growing and return to their previous state. The “winning” vial of liquid continues to grow the egg.
Size of liquid bubble in diameter
|
Day |
Meaning |
| 14 |
About a woman’s well-being during this period
During the second phase the girl:
- Efficiency increases.
- Your mood improves.
- Sexual desire increases.
Endometrial thickness in the proliferative phase
|
Day |
Meaning |
| 11-14 |
Third, ovulatory phase of the cycle
The ovulatory phase, unlike the others, lasts very little - approximately 24-36 hours. It is during this phase that women have a chance to get pregnant.
The level of the hormone estrogen in the third phase is at its highest high level. During ovulation, the level of luteinizing hormone in the blood increases, but the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone decreases.
What happens to the mature egg during this phase?
First, it destroys the wall of the follicle - and, with the help of epithelial villi, begins to move into the fallopian tube.
Then, if she meets a sperm, she is fertilized.
Otherwise, the egg dies just a day after leaving the ovary, after which it dissolves in the uterine mucosa.
In addition, you can determine the presence or absence of ovulation using home tests.
The beginning of the ovulatory phase can also be detected on ultrasound examination , during which the doctor will have to find out what the size of the ovaries and cervix is, and in what condition they are now.
The thickness of the endometrium during the ovulatory phase should be within 1-1.3 cm.
The fourth phase of the menstrual cycle is the corpus luteum phase, or luteal phase.
Its duration is fourteen days.
After the egg leaves the vial of liquid, a yellow body begins to grow at the site of its rupture. It produces estrogens, androgens, and the “pregnancy hormone” progesterone.
If the corpus luteum produces progesterone in small quantities, then fertilization of the egg may not occur for a long time.
In order for a woman to become pregnant and then give birth to a child on time, doctors may prescribe her to take special hormonal drugs.
What other function does progesterone perform?
Thanks to it, the endometrium softens, becomes loose, and increases in thickness. This is necessary so that the fertilized egg can penetrate into it.
Whether pregnancy has occurred or not can only be determined at the end of the luteal phase. Menstruation, if conception has occurred, will not begin. Basal temperature will remain at 37.3.
You can use home test , which can be bought at any pharmacy, or by donating blood in a clinic at hCG level.
Nausea, dizziness and other signs of conception that have occurred appear much later.
Signs and symptoms of the luteal phase
If the egg was not fertilized by a sperm, then in the first days of the luteal phase the girl will feel great. A “pregnant” woman will feel the same way.
The only sign that can indicate to her that conception has occurred is the appearance of a few drops of blood on her underwear - 7-10 days after intimacy.
If pregnancy does not occur, then a few days before menstruation the woman’s condition may change. She may have PMS syndrome, which is often associated with a woman’s irritability and anxiety. Her mammary glands may swell and she may experience minor abdominal pain.
How thick should the endometrium be during the luteal phase?
|
Day |
Meaning |
