In the science of medicine, a symptom is different from a sign. While a sign is objective, a symptom is a subjective evidence of a condition. It is a feeling that no other person can see, except for the patient. So when you say the symptoms of pregnancy, they refer to the changes and feelings that the mother, and only the mother, feels during pregnancy.

Most women do not experience any symptoms until the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. However, those who are extremely tuned-in to the rhythms of their bodies may begin to suspect pregnancy as soon as conception occurs. Others first notice symptoms only after they’ve missed their period.

Below is a list of pregnancy symptoms. You may experience none, some, or all of these indications of impending motherhood.

1. Food Cravings or Food Aversions

Although it may sound like a cliché, food cravings and aversions are a pregnancy symptom. Many women feel cravings for certain foods which can last throughout their entire pregnancy. Some women develop aversions early in pregnancy – to both tastes and smells. If the cravings are accompanied by any of the other symptoms below, it may be time to do a pregnancy test.

2. Fatigue

Are you feeling tired all the time? Feeling more tired than usual is one of the symptoms of pregnancy that may start as early as the first week after conception. It is caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone, making you feel like you’ve run a marathon when all you’ve done is sit on a couch.

3. Tender Breasts

If you are pregnant, your breasts may become increasingly tender to touch. This is similar to the way you feel before you have your period. Once your body is accustomed to the hormone surge, the tenderness will eventually disappear. This symptom can begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception.

4. Morning Sickness

If you are lucky, you won’t experience morning sickness until a few weeks after conception, if at all. However, there are women who experience morning sickness as early as a couple of days after conception. You may feel nauseated and queasy in the morning, noon or night. On the other hand, there are the lucky ones who do not experience morning sickness at all.

5. Missed or Different Period

If you have a regular period and it is late, you may want to try a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are fairly accurate at a very early date in pregnancy. A missed period is one of the sure symptoms of pregnancy. There are also women who still bleed while pregnant, but the bleed is usually lighter and shorter.

What symptoms led you to believe you were pregnant?

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Sciatica is the name given to pain caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the back of your pelvis, through your buttocks, and all the way down to your feet. When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, you may feel pain in your lower back radiating down to your calf. Some people experience mild discomfort, but others find sciatica to be very painful.

Sciatica during pregnancy
The sciatic nerve runs underneath your uterus. Towards the end of the pregnancy, the pressure of your growing uterus can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. In some cases, sciatica may appear earlier in the pregnancy, especially if you have a history of spinal disorders.

Symptoms of sciatica
Possible symptoms of sciatica include:

• pain radiating from the lower back, buttocks and legs – this pain may be worsened by coughing, sneezing and laughing
• pins and needles in the foot, leg or lower back
• numbness in the foot, leg or lower back
• muscle weakness in the foot, leg or lower back
• shooting pain in the lower back or buttocks

Sciatica treatment during pregnancy
In some cases, sciatica pain disappears by itself in a matter of hours, days or weeks. In some cases, the sciatica may last longer than 12 weeks, this is known as persistent sciatica. The following self-help tips may help you to relieve the discomfort caused by sciatica:

• apply an ice pack for 10 minutes
• apply a heat compress for 10 minutes
• wear flat, comfortable shoes
• avoid heavy lifting
• maintain good posture
• use a rolled up hand towel in the arch of your back to help you to maintain good posture when seated
• try not to stay in the same position for long periods
• drink plenty of water
• use extra pillows to support the weight of your bump in bed
• take regular light exercise, such as swimming
• have a massage from an experienced therapist to relieve some of the pressure on your sciatic nerve

It is important to inform your healthcare provider if you experience sciatica during pregnancy. If the pain is preventing you from going about your daily business, your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist physiotherapist for further advice.

Sciatica and childbirth
Most women who experience sciatica during pregnancy will find the condition has resolved itself before they go into labour. If you are suffering from sciatica during childbirth, you may need to adjust your birth plan accordingly. Water births can allow movement without putting pressure on the sciatic nerve, so this may be an option you wish to consider. Speak to your healthcare provider about how sciatica could affect your birth.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.