In the early stages of pregnancy you will question every symptom you are feeling. The symptoms are sometimes the fodder for comedy routines and one day you might look back on them and find them funny but when you are in the midst of early pregnancy symptoms, it is rubbish. This podcast will talk about the common symptoms and which ones you need to seek help for.

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In this podcast we cover the following:

• What is early pregnancy.
• How early do women start feeling symptoms.
• What some of the earliest symptoms women experience.
• Whether symptoms an indication of how pregnant you are.
• Why there is a variation from woman to woman in the symptoms they experience.
• What you could be doing right now to keep healthy.
  • Hydration – small sips to add up to 2 litres
  • Sleep/Rest
  • Exercise – at least 20-25 minutes brisk walk

We then cover the common symptoms women report, these are generally the ones as an obstetrician I will note the symptom, offer support and monitor.

• Tiredness
• Itching
• Nipple sensitivity
• Aversion to smell
• Needing to pee constantly
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Dry mouth
• Food/drink aversions 
• Food/drink cravings 
• Bloating
• Crazy dreams 
• Excessive thirst
• Sneezing, alot 
• Lightheaded
• Insomnia
• Aching muscles, similar to coming down with a cold
• Being out of breath
• Nose bleeds
• Headaches
• Excessive Gas
• Gag reflux particularly when cleaning teeth!
• Unable to stand hot showers
• Excessive saliva

What symptoms are red flags?

The following symptoms are ones to watch for and I recommend you seek help and treatment for if you experience any of the following.

• Bleeding 
• Severe pelvic pain 
• Severe nausea and vomiting 

We also covered a condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This is where the nausea and vomiting is unrelenting and the woman becomes dehydrated. Treatment is intravenous rehydration in a hospital, which may have to happen at intervals throughout the whole pregnancy. If you feel your nausea or vomiting is unrelenting, please seek some help.