Pregnancy can show various symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite, and others. Unfortunately, many women who are experiencing pregnancy for the first time do not realize the signs. At first, they may think it is a symptom of a cold, but only after being examined do they realize that they are pregnant. To understand the difference between cold symptoms and signs of pregnancy, let's look at the explanation in this article!
Differences in Symptoms of Colds and Early Pregnancy
Colds are a collection of symptoms that can make you feel uncomfortable in your stomach. One of the symptoms is nausea, which women can also feel when they are pregnant. However, it is important to understand the difference between nausea when you have a cold and when you are pregnant. Here are some of the differences:
1. Time of Nausea Occurrence
Nausea is a common condition that is often experienced by pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy. According to research, around 63.3% of pregnant women experience nausea. However, there is a difference between nausea due to pregnancy and nausea due to a cold.
Nausea due to pregnancy is usually more pronounced in the morning, which is often referred to as "morning sickness." Meanwhile, nausea due to colds can occur at any time without any difference in intensity.
To determine whether the nausea you are experiencing is a symptom of pregnancy or a cold, you should do a pregnancy test and pay attention to other signs such as late menstruation or breast tenderness.
2. The Duration of Nausea Due to Pregnancy Lasts Longer
Still regarding timing, the difference between catching a cold and pregnancy can be seen from the length of time the nausea is experienced. Usually, nausea due to colds can disappear in a short time, around 1 to 2 days.
On the other hand, nausea in pregnant women will last longer, for months, because it is influenced by hormonal changes in the body. Nausea in pregnant women can be felt throughout the first trimester, with more intensity when entering the fourth month of pregnancy. In fact, some pregnant women experience nausea until the second trimester, although this is rare.
3. Hormonal Factors that Trigger Nausea During Pregnancy
Nausea in pregnant women is caused by hormonal changes, especially the hCG hormone which affects estrogen production. These high levels of estrogen can trigger nausea in pregnant women, often accompanied by high olfactory sensitivity. Therefore, pregnant women may feel nauseous when they smell certain odors such as cooking, perfume, or cigarette smoke, especially in early pregnancy.
On the other hand, nausea when catching a cold is caused by several factors, including prolonged exposure to cold air. Cold air can slow bowel movements and result in a buildup of gas in the digestive tract, which ultimately causes flatulence and nausea.
4. Other Symptoms That Arise During Nausea
The difference between the symptoms of a cold and early pregnancy can be seen from the nausea experienced. When someone experiences nausea due to a cold, it will usually be accompanied by symptoms such as flatulence, dizziness, a blocked nose, and possibly fever.
On the other hand, nausea during pregnancy will be accompanied by various other physical symptoms that can be felt, such as easier fatigue, mood changes due to hormonal changes in the body, special desires for certain foods that often appear during pregnancy, swelling and pain in the breasts when touched. , increased frequency of urination due to increased blood flow which makes the kidneys work harder, as well as pain in the lower back.
Here's an explanation of how to understand the difference between cold symptoms and signs of pregnancy. If you feel that the symptoms you are experiencing are bothersome, consult a doctor immediately.
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