The first signs of pregnancy after ovulation
When the egg is fertilized, it stays inside the fallopian tube for three days, and during this period, the pregnancy hormone begins to appear in the blood, which may not be noticeable in early pregnancy tests until after the menstrual period has passed. During this period, a woman may notice several physical and psychological changes and symptoms, including:
- Increased feeling of fatigue and desire to sleep, due to high levels of progesterone.
- Red or brown drops of blood appear before the expected date of the menstrual period, accompanied by mild pain.
- An increase in body temperature during ovulation and in the first weeks of pregnancy.
– Swelling and congestion of the breasts with a feeling of mild pain, as a result of hormonal changes.
- Increased and irregular heart rate, with a drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness.
- Feeling pain in the back, which indicates the nesting of the egg in the lining of the uterus.
– Nausea and vomiting, especially during the morning in the early stages of pregnancy.
– Mood changes and increased anxiety and stress due to high levels of estrogen and progesterone.
These symptoms clearly affect a woman's daily life and are indicators that indicate the beginning of the pregnancy journey.
Other symptoms of pregnancy
Here are some signs that may indicate pregnancy:
Menopause
When pregnancy occurs, a woman may notice that menstruation stops at the time when she expected it to occur, usually nine to twelve days after the egg was released.
This cessation comes as a result of the fertilization of the egg and its attachment to the uterine wall, where the body begins to secrete human chorionic gonadotropin, known as hCG for short, or the pregnancy hormone. This hormone works to stop the process of shedding of the uterine lining that occurs periodically as part of the menstrual cycle.
It is important to note that hCG is the same hormone that pregnancy tests look for to determine if a woman is pregnant.
Although the absence of a menstrual period can be an indicator of pregnancy, it cannot be relied upon alone to confirm pregnancy, especially if the woman has irregular menstrual periods.
Fatigue and exhaustion
It is very common for a woman to feel exhausted and extremely tired during the early stages of pregnancy, as this feeling can begin only a week after fertilization occurs.
There are many factors that contribute to this feeling, including increased blood flow to the uterus to ensure adequate nutrition for the fetus. The body also secretes large amounts of the hormone progesterone, which plays an important role in maintaining the stability of pregnancy and also enhances the growth of the glands needed to produce milk in the breast.
vaginal secretions
When the egg is released from the ovary and implants in the uterus, there is a change in vaginal secretions. During ovulation, these secretions are clear, sticky, and stretchy, but after implantation they become thicker and turn white or remain clear in color.
During the first weeks of pregnancy, the level of the hormones estrogen and progesterone rises, leading to an increase in the density of vaginal secretions, which may become heavier and change color to white or yellow.
There are multiple factors that may affect these changes, such as psychological stress, hormonal changes, sexual relations, and bleeding, whether as a result of implantation or the menstrual cycle. Therefore, a change in these secretions is not considered a conclusive indicator of pregnancy.
Other signs
In early pregnancy, women may experience a range of health phenomena, including headaches caused by changing hormone levels. They also develop strong desires to eat certain foods, which is known as cravings, and this may be accompanied by a dislike of specific foods or smells due to hormonal changes. It is also normal for a pregnant woman to experience mood swings that lead to crying easily and feeling strong emotions.
During this period, visits to the bathroom to urinate increase, due to the pressure exerted by the kidneys to process the increase in blood circulation. Progesterone can also slow down the digestive process, leading to constipation, which exercise, drinking plenty of water, and eating foods rich in fiber can help alleviate.
Some women may feel dizzy or even faint due to changes in blood sugar level or blood pressure, which is linked to the expansion of blood vessels during this period.
Pregnancy after ovulation days and the type of fetus
During the 1960s, biologist Landrum Shettle put forward the theory that the timing of intercourse could affect the sex of the fetus. This theory was based on the idea that the physiological features of the uterus differ based on the phases of the menstrual cycle.
Chettle was based on the hypothesis that sperm carrying male chromosomes can survive and be more active in an alkaline environment, while female chromosomes prefer an acidic environment.
According to this method, to increase the probability of conceiving a boy, it is recommended to avoid intercourse from the beginning of the menstrual cycle until the day of ovulation, and then have intercourse the day after ovulation.
It is also possible to use an alkaline vaginal douche before intercourse to enhance the chances of conceiving a boy. On the other hand, to increase the chance of conceiving a female, it is suggested that sexual intercourse occurs after menstruation until the third day before ovulation, then abstaining from it for two or three days before ovulation. It is also recommended to use an acidic vaginal douche before intercourse to promote pregnancy with a female.
Although this method has been popular for a while, recent studies have not conclusively supported Shettle's claims. Research has shown that sperm carrying female or male chromosomes do not show obvious differences in their external appearance, suggesting that sex is not directly affected by the timing of intercourse or the uterine environment as suggested by Chettle.
When do pregnancy symptoms appear after ovulation?
In the middle of the menstrual cycle, a woman usually releases an egg from one of her ovaries in preparation for fertilization, which happens approximately every 28 days.
At this stage, the egg is ready for fertilization after it leaves the ovary. Pregnancy-related symptoms can begin to appear after this stage, especially as the next menstrual period approaches. The context of this process is affected by the timing and conditions of the woman's body.
