Pregnancy is an exciting time for women as they eagerly await the arrival of their little ones. However, it can also be a time of concern, especially when unexpected symptoms arise. One common concern that many women experience during pregnancy is bleeding. One of the most common causes of bleeding during pregnancy is implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. This usually happens around the time when a woman’s period is due. Implantation bleeding is generally light and lasts for a few days, but pregnancy bleeding and menstruation are both associated with vaginal bleeding, making it difficult to distinguish between them. However, some key differences between the two that can help you determine what’s going on with your body. While some amount of bleeding can be normal during pregnancy, it’s important to understand what constitutes normal bleeding and what may be a cause for concern.

What is implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is not experienced by all women and not all vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is implantation bleeding. It is a common symptom of pregnancy and is not a cause for concern. However, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Not all women will experience implantation bleeding, and some may experience different symptoms or no symptoms at all.

When does implantation bleeding happen?

Implantation bleeding usually occurs when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus lining, which typically happens 6-12 days after ovulation. This timing can vary slightly, but implantation bleeding typically occurs around the time when a woman would be expecting her period. This bleeding is often light and brief and may be mistaken for a very light period or spotting. It is important to note that not all women experience implantation bleeding and it is not a reliable indicator of pregnancy. It is best to take a pregnancy test or consult with your doctor if you think you may be pregnant.

Difference between implantation bleeding and my period!

While there may be some similarities, they are fundamentally different in their causes, timing, and characteristics. 

While we have discussed about implantation bleeding at large, it is important to note that some women may mistake it for an early period.

On the other hand, period bleeding is the shedding of the lining of the uterus that occurs every month when a woman is not pregnant. Periods can last from 3 to 7 days and can range from light to heavy bleeding. The colour of menstrual blood can vary from bright red to dark brown and can have a thicker consistency than implantation bleeding.

Implantation bleeding and period bleeding can be difficult to distinguish, but there are some key differences that can help you tell them apart.

• Timing: Implantation bleeding typically occurs a few days before your expected period, while period bleeding occurs at the start of your period.
• Duration: Implantation bleeding usually lasts for a shorter time than a period.
• Flow: Implantation bleeding is usually light and may only require a panty liner, while period bleeding is usually heavier and requires a pad or tampon.
• Colour: Implantation bleeding is typically light pink or brownish in colour, while period bleeding is usually bright red.

Understanding the differences between these two types of vaginal bleeding can help women better understand their bodies and make informed decisions about their health.

Key Takeaway

It’s essential to keep track of the timing, flow, colour, and associated symptoms to determine the cause of vaginal bleeding. Being able to differentiate between implantation bleeding and period bleeding can be helpful for women who are trying to conceive or are simply keeping track of their menstrual cycle. If you have any concerns about vaginal bleeding or suspect you may be pregnant, it’s always best to consult with your doctor. By understanding the key differences between implantation bleeding and period bleeding, women can take control of their reproductive health and make informed decisions.

FAQs

Is implantation bleeding a concern?

Implantation bleeding is usually not a cause for concern, as it is a normal and natural process that occurs when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. The bleeding is typically light and short and may be accompanied by mild cramping. However, if you experience any unusual bleeding or symptoms during pregnancy, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for advice and guidance.

How much bleeding is normal for implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding is usually very light and only lasts for a short time, typically just a few hours to a couple of days. The amount of bleeding can vary from woman to woman, but it is usually much lighter than in a typical period. Some women may only experience a few drops of blood or light spotting, while others may have a small amount of blood mixed with cervical mucus

Is implantation bleeding red and watery?

Implantation bleeding can vary in colour and consistency, but it is typically light and not as heavy as a normal menstrual period. The bleeding may be pink, brown, or red in colour, and it may have a watery or sticky consistency.

Morning sickness is a common symptom that half of women experience during their pregnancy. It makes you nauseous and you feel like throwing up all the time. It is due to hormonal fluctuation wherein the body is trying to adapt to new changes. Usually, women experience morning sickness at an early stage of their pregnancy but in rare cases, they might suffer from it in the later stages as well. Let’s know more about morning sickness before we dive deep into the tips to overcome this issue.

What is morning sickness?

Morning sickness is basically nausea and vomiting that happens during pregnancy wherein you feel like throwing up all the time. It begins in the first trimester and goes away in the later stages of pregnancy. In rare cases, women experience morning sickness throughout their pregnancy as the baby starts pushing the organs to make space for himself. About 70% of women suffer from morning sickness. It’s a very common pregnancy symptom but in a few cases, it may lead to dehydration due to severe vomiting and nausea. Morning sickness happens due to hormonal imbalances and bodily changes occurring during pregnancy. But when does it start to occur?

When does morning sickness start?

Women start experiencing morning sickness usually from the 6^th week but it varies from person to person. Some might start experiencing it a bit early and vice versa. It is worst during the early stage but the symptoms start subsiding in the later stage of pregnancy. Morning sickness lasts up to 12 weeks but some women might continue to experience it throughout their pregnancy. If the condition is too severe, consult your doctor.

Before you jump on consulting your doctor, you must know if you’re suffering from morning sickness, and to know that you must know the symptoms of it. 

Symptoms of morning sickness

The symptoms may vary from person to person and the adversity of the symptoms may also differ. Hence, taking a general consideration and observation of the happenings you can identify the following symptoms. 

• You might feel nauseous with or without vomiting in the early stage of pregnancy.
• You may feel sick to your stomach with the smell of certain food items and other odours
• You may observe changes in the colour of urine.
• You may feel dizzy and feel like throwing up at any time of the day. 
• You may start disliking your favourite food.
• You might also feel abdominal discomfort. 
• You may start feeling anxious and upset for no reason. 

You may experience some of these symptoms or maybe all at once. But you should have clarity as to why you are feeling the symptoms up to a particular frequency. 

What are the causes of morning sickness?

The causes of it may remain unspecified but the following are the reasons which might indicate what led to the occurrence of it. 

• Low sugar level
• Hhormonal imbalance and an increase in the level of oestrogen
• Physical and chemical changes 
• Emotional and physical stress 
• Eating a certain type of food item. 
• Fluctuation in blood pressure levels

If you are suffering from the above-stated symptoms and have known the causes, there are a few ways to soothe your morning sickness. 

What are the remedies to cure morning sickness?

It is important to note that through some precautions and changes in routine, you can definitely win over your morning sickness. Following are some measures that you can consider.

• Your surrounding should be fully ventilated to eliminate the odour that you find unpleasant.
• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 7 – 8 glasses of water a day. 
• Avoid eating spicy and oily food. 
• Include small meals between your main meals and try to eat in small portions. It will help in preventing nausea and vomiting.
• Avoid smoke and alcoholic drinks during pregnancy. 
• You can also use acupressure bands and acupuncture as it provides relief against nausea. 
• Do not forget to take your prenatal vitamin supplements prescribed by your doctor. 
• Take time to relax and avoid any kind of physical and mental pressure that might trigger morning sickness.

After inculcating these measures, you may feel relieved or may experience some reduction in the frequency of morning sickness. Apart from these routine changes, what else you can do is, identify the food items that help overcome morning sickness. 

Food to cure morning sickness 

Having a balanced diet is always advised during pregnancy, but you should observe if you are experiencing morning sickness then you must consider including some food items that help relieve the issue. Following are some tips that can help you with the same. 

• Eating ginger products like ginger tea, ginger soda and ginger candy helps if your stomach is upset. 
• Intake of food rich in protein and carbohydrates like nuts, cheese, yoghurt, peanut butter, apple slices and celery will help in preventing nausea.
• Avoid food with high salt content and low nutritional value. 
• Eating crackers and dry toast is quite beneficial after waking up in the morning. 
• Eating bland food such as eggs, broth, gelatine, banana, rice, and baked potato makes you feel less nauseous. 
• Green vegetables, tofu, fish, brown rice, nuts and seeds are good sources of iron and folate. 

When to consult a doctor?

You should not wait to call your doctor if your vomiting doesn’t stop. Seeking medical help for severe morning sickness can prevent serious complications in the later stage. Most women experience morning sickness for a short period of time but in case the issue still persists, it is advised to rush to the doctor immediately.

Apart from these, there are a few frequently asked questions that you should be aware of. 

FAQs

How long does morning sickness last during the first trimester?

Women start experiencing morning sickness from the 6^th week and it lasts up to the 12^th week. Some women might experience this in the later stage as well which is completely normal.

What fruit is good for morning sickness?

Bananas, as it’s a good source of Vitamin B6, and oranges are rich in vitamin C and their refreshing taste will prevent nausea, avocado is very nutritious and you can also include basic fruits to cure morning sickness.

Do bananas help with nausea?

Banana works really well in reducing nausea and thereby preventing vomiting by taking in sufficient amount. 

What to eat after vomiting during pregnancy at night?

You can take ginger tea, lemon tea or yoghurt to cool down your stomach after vomiting during the night. 

What drinks are good for morning sickness?

Fruit juice, ginger tea, ginger soda, lemon tea, and peppermint tea are very beneficial in case of an upset stomach and prevent nausea. 

Key Takeaway

To conclude, morning sickness is a very unpleasant symptom of pregnancy which cannot be avoided but with the doctor’s advice, following remedies and a nutritional diet, you can make this journey a bit easier. Just avoid any kind of physical and mental stress that can trigger your morning sickness. Not every woman suffers from it and there is nothing wrong with it as well. Every woman is different but if the symptoms seem to be unusual, consult the doctor immediately to avoid further complications.

One of the most beautiful phases of a woman’s life is when she becomes a mother. Just like two sides of a coin, pregnancy also comes with happiness and anguish at the same time.  During pregnancy,  a woman goes through emotional as well as physical stress. The emotional side of the experiences can occur because of the fluctuations in the hormones. However, the physical side of it comes as a part and parcel of sustaining a life within themselves. 

Talking precisely about physical stress, the most common issue faced by majorly all women is bloating. It is one of the many things that a woman experiences when they are expecting a child. Bloating means abdominal distension that gives you a swollen and tight belly. The excess gas in your belly gives you a lot of discomfort and makes you feel uneasy but hey, bloating is something that not only pregnant women but half of the population suffer from. 

During pregnancy, the digestion process slows down, which creates a lot of room for the gas and gives you an inflated belly. Bloating is something that you can’t escape from, during your pregnancy but yes, you can tackle it by following a routine and a healthy diet. 

When does bloating start during pregnancy?

Bloating is a very common symptom of pregnancy that a woman starts experiencing at an early stage and it gradually increases as the uterus expands to make space for the foetus by pushing the organs. Bloating causes a lot of uneasiness, especially during the last trimester. And yes, it’s a common problem but not every woman experiences it while pregnant. 

What are the causes of bloating during pregnancy?

While this is a common occurrence, the reason behind this may depend from individual to individual and the causes are not the same for all. There can be a number of reasons that leads to bloating which are explained in the following points below.

• One of the many reasons could be progesterone which is also called as ‘hormone of pregnancy’. It is very important for a healthy pregnancy but also comes with a lot of health discomforts like constipation, bloating, gas, etc. Progesterone relaxes the digestive muscle and slows down the digestive process. This happens to deliver the nutrients consumed by you through the food, and gets delivered to the baby in a timely manner. Now this slow digestion process creates a lot of room for gas that makes your belly look like an inflated balloon. 

• Colonies of bacteria reside in your stomach and intestines to carry out proper functioning of the digestive system. But, due to its imbalance, it leads to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth that gives you a lot of health issues like bloating, diarrhoea, ingestion, and difficulty in absorbing nutrients. 

• Some people are allergic to specific food categories like dairy products, gluten products etc. The consumption of these may cause irritation in the stomach and may prove to be one of the reasons for the accumulation of gas and bloating. Spicy and oily food also disturbs the functioning of the digestive system which might give you a tensed belly. 

• Lack of fibre, hydration, and exercise may disrupt bowel movement. This disruption leads to constipation which in turn causes gas and bloating. 

How to ease bloating and gas during pregnancy?

There are no easy ways to escape bloating and gas during pregnancy as they become a part of your everyday life. But what can be done is, to inculcate a few habits in your routine that eases the discomfort caused by bloating. Following are the tips that can help to reduce the uneasiness caused by bloating-

• Hydration is very important – Keep yourself hydrated as it is very important for the smooth functioning of the digestive system. Water relieves constipation which leads to gas and bloating. Water intake could be in any form, be it citrus fruits or juice but avoid carbonated drinks as they are not good for you and your baby’s health and can cause bloating. 

• Choose the right food for your diet – Intake of fibrous food keeps your gut healthy and alleviates constipation but only in a generous amount as it might cause bloating. Avoid too much oily and spicy food as it may cause acidity and gas. Women who are lactose intolerant should avoid too much intake of dairy products as it would lead to acidity and loose motion. Go for dairy-free alternatives. 

• Go for smaller meals – Include smaller but frequent meals in your diet. This means you can have six small meals rather than three large meals in a day. Llarge meals may cause discomfort to your digestive system which leads to the accumulation of gas and results in bloating. Keep regular intervals between every meal so that the food gets digested properly and doesn’t cause you any kind of discomfort. 

• Don’t sit idle – Physical activity like yoga and exercise is as important as a healthy and nutritious diet. Even if you’re unable to do so, try to do a brisk walk as it is very important for the proper digestion of food and prevents constipation and bloating.

Home remedies to ease bloating during pregnancy

There are various home remedies that one can adopt with the doctor’s prescribed medicines, a healthy diet, and exercise, to reduce the discomfort caused by pregnancy bloating.

• Take probiotics – Food rich in probiotics has healthy microorganisms which are very good for your gut health. Food items such as yogurt, sourdough, and pickles are rich in probiotics that prevent bloating. 

• Take warm drinks – Intake of warm drinks like fennel tea, ginger tea, peppermint tea etc will prevent nausea and will also give relief to your stomach.

• Abdominal Massage- A gentle abdominal massage is also beneficial in preventing gas and constipation. 

When to consult a doctor?

Bloating is very common during pregnancy and there’s nothing to worry about but health issues shouldn’t be left unconsidered. Consult your doctor if you experiencing weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhoea. Apart from this, there are a few frequently asked questions that you should know regarding pregnancy bloating. 

FAQs

What does early pregnancy bloating feels like?

Early pregnancy bloating feels like an inflated balloon in your belly. The stomach is tensed and swollen with gas which causes a lot of discomfort. 

Can you feel bloated when you are four weeks pregnant?

Bloating usually starts at an early stage so you might experience a bit of bloating during 4^th week but as the baby would take more space, your digestive system process will slow down and you’ll start experiencing more gas and bloating.  

What food causes gas during pregnancy? 

Fibre is good for the digestive system but food items with high fibre content such as wheat, oat bran etc can also be the cause of bloating. Avoid vegetables such as cauliflower, beans, cabbage, broccoli etc as it produces a lot of gas in your body and makes you feel bloated. 

What helps with pregnancy bloating during the night?

Take a brisk walk after your last meal so that your food gets digested before you go to bed. It will avoid gas and you will have a blissful sleep. 

How should I sit to relieve gas?

Stretch your legs and try to touch the toes with your fingers. This position helps in relieving the gas. 

Hence, many women experience bloating and stomach discomfort but it is very common during pregnancy. You don’t need to worry about the health of your baby as your body is adapting to changes and making space for the little one. Creating space for your young one is quite a task which will give you bit of discomfort and anxiety. You just need to adopt a nutritious diet and a healthy way of living. Enjoy your pregnancy and make it blissful but consult your gynaecologist if the abdominal pain is unbearable and you experience spotting too.

Finding the best gynaecologist near you can be the most reassuring thing you can do before setting foot in the pregnancy phase. Every woman should be cautious and selective while choosing a gynaecologist for pregnancy as it is expected to discuss all the ins & outs of your reproductive health with your gynaecologist, whether they are related to your pregnancy or just a basic question about reproduction. However, it might be difficult to select the best gynaecologist, so you should bear some things in mind. To learn more about what to consider while picking a gynaecologist during pregnancy, read this article

Tips to find the Best Gynecologist

Ask for referrals:
Request recommendations from people you know first, making sure they come highly recommended.

Read reviews:

When you have a few names in mind, check out their Google reviews. Take into account the crucial elements, such as appointments, the working atmosphere, wait times, and employee conduct. It’s not a big concern if there are a few unfavourable reviews among numerous nice ones.

Research Hospital Quality:

Since you will be the one visiting the hospital frequently, you should pick one with a strong reputation. Patients at top-rated hospitals have a lower risk of problems.

These are a few pointers that you need to consider before starting the search for your gynaecologist. Now that we know the ‘how’, let’s look at the ‘why’

Reasons to see a gynaecologist

Bleeding:

Early pregnancy bleeding is typically normal. However, if it’s accompanied by cramping, it can be a sign of something more serious. In case of emergency bleeding, it is suggested to consult your gynaecologist immediately.

Severe Headache: 

Consult your gynaecologist if you have a severe headache, especially one that is accompanied by dizziness. These symptoms may occur because of dehydration, hence, it is suggested to maintain adequate fluids to have a balanced diet.

Excessive Vomiting

Morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting are common pregnancy symptoms experienced by a majority of women. However, if vomiting is accompanied by fever and pain, it may be a sign of something serious, hence, do consult your gynaecologist ogy on an immediate basis. 

Decreased Fetal Movement

It is advised to monitor your baby’s movements multiple times a day. Do not hesitate to consult your gynaecologist if you are unable to feel any movement.

Postpartum care:

You might think it’s time to stop seeing your gynaecologist after your child is born, but that’s not how things work. Gynaecologists are the ones who can respond to your inquiries and especially if you require post-natal or postpartum guidance.

Hence, above mentioned pointers answer, why should you consult a gynaecologist for pregnancy. This brings us to the part where we cover what to consider when looking for a gynaecologist

Things to look for when searching for a Gynecologist

Friendly and Affectionate

The gynaecologist should be approachable and willing to address any queries you may have. You’re more inclined to discuss your issues with your doctor when you feel at ease. 

Good Reputation

You have to be particular about the standards of the doctor you choose because you will be disclosing some private information with them regarding your body and general health.

Distance

Gynaecologists should be near your house, this comes in handy in case of emergency. When you are in your third trimester, going into labour will be considerably simpler with a gynaecologist nearby. 

Easy Availability

You should also consider the selected gynaecologist’s availability in order to reach them or contact them during an emergency.

FAQs

What problems does a gynaecologist treat?

A gynaecologist is a medical professional who specialises in the female reproductive system. They deal with a variety of concerns, including high-risk pregnancies, problems with fertility, hormonal imbalances, issues with labour-delivery, typical problems during pregnancy and many others. If you experience any strange symptoms during your pregnancy, we advise that you speak with your gynaecologist.

Why would you need to see a gynaecologist?

While you’re pregnant, it is advised to visit your gynaecologist so that they can assist in monitoring your health and ensure that everything is going well. When you’re pregnant, you might need to visit a gynaecologist for the following reasons:

• To confirm your pregnancy
• To discuss prenatal care & necessities
• To receive an ultrasound and other prenatal tests
  

What questions should you ask a gynaecologist?

There can be a variety of questions based on the situation. In case of emergencies, many serious and medical questions will be asked, however, when everything is normal you should ask the below questions that will keep you aware throughout the pregnancy.

• What is the best diet for pregnant women? 
• What are the foods to avoid during pregnancy?
• What exercises can I do during my pregnancy? 
• Are my prescription medications safe to continue during pregnancy?
• How can I relieve my pregnancy symptoms (fatigue, morning sickness)?
• When should I start sleeping on my side?

The list of questions may continue but it is always advised to consult your gynaecologist in case of doubts or queries during your pregnancy.

Conclusion

An essential element of your healthcare during your pregnancy is your gynaecologist. It is advised to choose a trusted professional with experience as they will oversee a sizable portion of your treatment and see you for regular check ups. You should be picky about a few characteristics while selecting a gynaecologist if you want to receive the best service. An effective gynaecologist should be knowledgeable and make you feel at ease and secure. Finding the ideal gynaecologist for you can be aided by getting recommendations and being aware of the correct things to ask. To conclude, it is advised to keep the above-shared points in mind when searching for your ideal gynaecologist