Not all women respond similarly to being pregnant. While some are ecstatic about experiencing early pregnancy signs, for others, the lack of pregnancy symptoms could be bothersome. If you are the latter one, you may be holding on to a regular pregnancy test to reassure yourself. Though uncommon, most women may not experience any symptoms in the initial weeks of pregnancy. If you have just learned about your pregnancy and are in four to five weeks of gestation, it is too early to experience the pregnancy signs. Most women develop symptoms at around the six weeks of pregnancy (1). However, if you haven’t felt the signs of being pregnant by week six, it could leave you anxious and worried about the baby’s growth inside you. Read on as we discuss all the vital details about being pregnant with no signs, possible reasons, and ways to deal with this phase.
Why Some Women Don’t Experience Pregnancy?
All women are different. For the same person, the subsequent pregnancies may be different from the first one. And different women experience pregnancy differently. Some pregnancies are textbook perfect. Morning sickness? Check. Food aversion? Check. Women with such pregnancies experience all the expected symptoms. But here’s the thing. You may be experiencing symptoms you didn’t even know came with pregnancy! These ‘offbeat’ symptoms are rare but normal. Increased energy, jacked-up sex drive, and a gigantic appetite are all such rare symptoms that you may be feeling. Hormones behave differently in different bodies. So, the reason for all your positive symptoms is just plain luck! Another reason you may experience pregnancy symptoms late is if you smoke (2). And why would you want to experience morning sickness? Yes, some studies say that morning sickness is nature’s way of protecting you and your child from foodborne illnesses. (3) But today we know what to eat and what to avoid during pregnancy. Maybe evolution will catch up soon and stop punishing pregnant women with morning sickness!
What Can You Do?
If you really want to experience pregnancy symptoms, wait for a week or two. Sooner or later, some of the pregnancy symptoms will kick in. In the meantime, you can go to your doctor and ask for an ultrasound scan to put your mind at ease. If you are at 9-10 weeks of pregnancy, you can even get a Doppler and try finding your baby’s heartbeat. But this is a risky option. It takes an expert to use the Doppler. And if you use it wrong, you may be unable to locate the tiny beat. That is sure to panic you! But many women use the Doppler and manage to get some peace of mind. This is especially true for women who have suffered from infertility or miscarriages. And just because you are not ‘feeling’ pregnant, doesn’t mean you are not. At no point should you stop taking your prenatal vitamins.
The Honeymoon Period
There is another set of women out there who experience all the pregnancy symptoms there are in the first few weeks. But then the second trimester arrives. Suddenly, all the pregnancy symptoms vanish. This is because your body settles down into the pregnancy, and the hormones find a rhythm by the end of the first trimester (12 weeks). Don’t worry! The morning sickness may be gone, but other symptoms are round the corner. So enjoy this honeymoon period for as long as you can! In a few weeks, your body will become heavier. Your pregnancy will become apparent as you begin to ‘show’. And you’ll feel your baby move. Till then, soak in the ‘symptom-less’ days!
When To See Your Doctor?
If something is wrong with the pregnancy, you’ll experience some specific symptoms. If you notice any of the following signs, consult your doctor (4):
Blurred vision A hot, painful, or swollen area on your calf High fever that lasts more than 24 hours Sudden severe or continuous pain or cramping in the lower abdomen Vaginal bleeding or spotting Severe headaches Absence of baby movement for two hours of mindful observance (after the second haft of pregnancy) Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting lasting longer than 24 hours.
