What were your symptoms?When is your due date?

Around 6 weeks I started getting nauseous and was vomiting also couldn't eat certain foods that I normally love, not sure of my due date yet as I haven't had a u/s yet.

2 weeks b4 a test could even tell me I was with both babies due Xmas day

This is my third pregnancy and I have not had any symptoms at all besides a missed period im 5 weeks…

besides a missed period, my extremely large and sore breasts were the tall tale sign for me (both pregnancies). i noticed this at around 5 weeks. due date with bub#2 is 28 September.

I know a pregnancy test is the only way to find out but it's a little early for one and I have bad pms but some of the symptoms i'm getting are way off base for me. I practice safe sex so please don't lecture me on it. I'm anxious and scared and don't know what i'm going to do. so is there any way to tell the difference between pms and pregnancy symptoms?

For me the only difference was my morning sickness. Everything else was the same for me and if I hadn't been pregnant before I would have just thought I was getting my period and a stomach bug. If you're worried wait until you miss your period and take a test that is the only true way to find out.

Truth, honestly the only thing to tell u for sure is the + sign on a home pregnancy stick! Until you can take a test in the coming days rely on your knowledge of really knowing your body.4 of my 5 pregnancies were 'for sure pms'. If you feel even 1 different symptom from any pms/ period normal-monthly stuff for you, then take a test! good luck!

For me the symptoms were the same. I felt like I was having cramps (still do). And my breast got really sore (but they always do). I just tested and that's how I knew the difference

An awful lot of women say they feel like they're getting their period and then it just doesn't come. I think the main difference for some women at first is just the positive test.

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This column is dedicated to my wonderful friend Tina.  when were talking recently, I shared with her that I was now blogging about women’s health issues.   She suggested that I write about perimenopause and how it just doesn’t come at a convenient time.  Tina is in her late 30s, has children, a husband, and a career that keeps her very busy.   She thought that her late 30s, when her pregnancies were a thing of the past, would be a time when she didn’t have to worry about period or body changes and that her focus would not be on her physical being every month.  She asked me:  WHAT IS GOING ON?? (This statement is bolded and capitalized on purpose because that is how it sounded when she asked me the question).    It seems as if Tina is beginning her process to menopause.  Perimenopause is the transition time to menopause.  most women begin the transition between ages 39 and 51 (Women’s Health:  Contemporary Advances and Trends by Shelton M. Hisley, PhD, RNC, WHNP-BC).   if Tina had been in the room with me when I again said the word perimenopause, she would have begun looking up and shaking her head with a look of disgust on her face.  after all, what woman wants hear the word menopause, in any form, before she even reaches the age of 40??   To start, I will answer some of the questions that Tina has been thinking about:what happens during perimenopause?  During this natural transition, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, which is the reason for the menstrual cycle changes that Tina, and most women, experience.  Hormones also change structurally and functionally, which also can impact a woman physiologically, emotionally and mentally.  NICE (this is very sarcastic)!   From Tina: I understand the hormone thing, but now what?  while menopause is a natural transition for women, for some of us, the transition can play havoc with our being.  Periods change and can become irregular, heavier or, for some, lighter.  The frustration is that the regularity we could track on the calendar isn’t so regular any more.  therefore, our period predictions and behavior that we use to prepare every month, is off kilter.   OK, now I will share:  I was travelling on a train in Europe with my daughter, sharing a 6 seat first class room with 4 strangers when all of a sudden I got cramps and didn’t feel that great.  I went to the ladies room and noticed that the crotch of my khaki pants wasn’t khaki any longer.   while I know this is yuck, can you imagine walking back into the car, sitting down and trying to do subtle charades with my daughter to get her to pull the suitcase off of the rack above and remove my raincoat?  To help, I glanced down,  she saw what my angst was concerning and about fell over.  In any case, I managed the situation with her help and I don’t think anyone else saw.   believe me when I say I understand what teens go through when they are fearful that they might leak at school.  Perimenopause wasn’t my friend that day.  Next, my hair is changing or is that my imagination?  I am getting hair in places that I never had it…and, I know that is NOT my imagination: Lower levels of estrogen impact many body systems.  Some women report the appearance of facial hair, as well as darker, thicker and coarser hair in their genital area, underarms, back, chest and lower abdomen.  also, some report that their hair on their head is getting thinner, or changing texture or maybe even loosing its curl.  what I suggested to Tina and will suggest to all reading this is that if you are going through the changes that might suggest perimenopause, schedule a checkup with their health care provider (HCP).  First, you want to make certain that there are no underlying more serious problems causing the symptoms.   also, your HCP will be able to offer some suggestions or treatment possibilities for what you can do about any irritating or more disturbing symptoms.  there are a lot of other changes that your body is beginning to experience, as part of perimenopause, that I haven’t addressed in my blog and that are certainly worth knowing about.   The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has produced a pamphlet titled: Midlife Transitions Perimenopause to Menopause that provides information on the topic you may find informative and helpful.  The link is below.  acog.org/publications/patient_education/ab013.cfmBefore I end, I feel I must address one of my pet peeves, false advertising for untested over-the-counter cures.  there are so many pseudo remedies that haven’t gone through rigorous clinical testing to ensure the accuracy of claims that are being made.   In the advertising for those kinds of OTC products, they sometimes state that they can solve all of your perimenopause symptoms.  if you have tried some of those things and they are working, then fine.  however, some of that stuff can be dangerous and can interact with prescription medications you may be taking.  along with that, they can be expensive and untested for what they claim.  My advice is to be a cautious and a wise consumer.  I really belive that the next phase of your life could be fabulous.  your kids are getting older, more independent and may even be out of the house going to school.   you know what you like to do and how you like to experience the world.   you have more time for exercise (walking is free), volunteering (helping others always makes me feel better) and for reading and watching your favorite shows (DVD can save up shows until you have time to watch).  So I hope you are enjoying life and get past all of the perimenopause symptoms with a great attitude and only good health.Lastly, for those experiencing period changes and whose current products aren’t working as well as you would like, you can visit the always and Tampax websites for some help with product selections.  there you will find product selectors that can help as you readjust how you manage your period.  also there are coupons and free sample offers.  I have pasted the links below should you want to visit there.    tampax.com/en-US/products/products.aspx?utm_source=blogher&ut…always.com/products/perfectpad.jsp?utm_source=blogher&utm_med…

Hi, my nurse told me the other day that boys can produce more hormones and symptoms than baby girls. What do you think?

My doc said the same thing to me and predicted I was having a boy because I was in the hospital 3 times before ten weeks because of severe morning sickness…
Im having a boy! and yes everyone Iknow who had a boy said they were miserable during their pregnancies and with their girls, none. Of course occasionally it was a little different, but there is always room for that in statistics…In my opinion (and my doctors), boys make you MISERABLE DURING PREGNANCY!!

a girl i know had a girl with few symptoms and then a boy and had really bad morning sickness.

i had a girl and had very few symptoms and no morning sickness. i'm pregnant again and seems very much like the first pregnancy…so maybe another girl for me?!?! i'll be happy either way!
one of my other friends is pregnant with her second boy and had tons of symptoms both times.

well so far i am 8 weeks with baby number two and i have started getting really queasy, lightheaded this past week, nauseas at times, With my son i only had morning sickness maybe 5 times, other than that he was a breeze so i think it just depends.

nope!! i had load of morning sickness, sore boobs and cravings with my daughter and nothing with my son

every1 i know tends to get more heartburn with boys………….but more sickness with girls

Hmmm…I've always heard opposite. Regardless, I had horrible 24/7 morning sickness with my boy so I'm not sure.

Heather’s had her fair share of struggles with Lyme. She’s a huge inspiration to me, as she’s still in the beginning stages of her treatment (remember those extra scary dark days?) and still manages to care for her kids, all while battling illness, making a difficult move across the country, and doing what’s best for her family, even when it means making tough decisions and sacrifices. Here are some of her thoughts based on her Lyme pregnancy experience:

How long have you had Lyme; when were you diagnosed?

I have had Lyme disease since 1989 when I was bitten by a tick in the Sierra Nevada mountains in CA. I wasn’t diagnosed until mid – 2010 and my real, debilitating symptoms started in 2007.

Were you treated before and/or during pregnancy? if so, what were/are you taking?

I was not treated before or during either of my pregnancies because I didn’t know I had Lyme! I suspected I had something that could be killed by some sort of anti-fungal or antibiotic so before my second pregnancy I was on Olive Leaf Extract and Lauricidin. DURING my second pregnancy I was on Lauricidin, Vit. D, and prenatals. But I had no idea I had Lyme or that whatever I “had” could possibly be given to my unborn child. I’m thankful for (so far) very healthy girls.

How did you feel physically during your first trimester?

Both of my pregnancies I was so so exhausted the first trimester. I could hardly do anything. I was also so nauseated that I threw up until week 21! I tried all sorts of anti-nausea meds and none really did the trick.
Second? like I said, mid-way into the second trimester I still was throwing up. But once it passed I felt great!!! NO fatigue, no joint pain, everything was awesome physically! My husband and I actually thought that being pregnant was the answer to avoid all the pain and fatigue I had been in.
Third? Both pregnancies ended up with me having kidney stones in the third trimester. there isn’t much they can do for you when you’re pregnant so I just had to stick it out until they passed. and toward the end of both pregnancies I was pretty tired.

How did you hold up mentally during your pregnancy?

First trimesters I was always depressed. Probably because I felt so ill with no “light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel”. and my second pregnancy I was also depressed in the third trimester but it went away fairly quickly after my daughter’s birth. again, since my Lyme symptoms had disappeared during pregnancy and I also didn’t KNOW I had Lyme, there wasn’t much to worry about. I think if I got pregnant again now that I know what disease is hurting my body, I’d worry so much just because those hormones make you so imbalanced! Crying and irritable and for me, irrational sometimes.

Did you experience a flare-up in symptoms after delivery?

most definitely, but not until about 2 months after the birth did the flare-up symptoms creep in. Joint pain, fatigue (not your normal baby-sleep-deprived state of mind), mental confusion, and twitches.

If so, how severe has it been, and what are your limitations?

After my second baby, I was diagnosed with Lyme and within a few weeks of finding out, I started having seizures for the first time. But before that, I was debilitated enough. the joint pain was manageable (meaning I could work through pain) but the fatigue was impossible to manage. there really isn’t anything you can do about being so fatigued you can’t move. I was confined to the couch or bed and my two littles had to be cared for by loving relatives and good friends who would come to the house during the day until my husband would get home from work.

What was the hardest part about pregnancy with Lyme Disease?

I think just not feeling well but having to care for another child and thinking that you’ll have TWO soon and now sure how you’ll feel physically after the birth.

What is the hardest part of being a mom with Lyme disease?

The hardest part of being a mom with Lyme disease is the physical limitations. most moms have an instinct on how to balance life with one or more children alongside the normal requirements of home or work life–multitasking. With Lyme, I found that I went from someone who multi-tasked very well, to someone who could NOT do more than one thing at a time and could only really BARELY do the bare minimum for my kids (feed, change diapers, and put down for a nap). My sole focus went from being my kids’ mom to being someone who could barely even care for myself. the GUILT that comes with that is almost unbearable. You feel as though you aren’t good enough for your kids and that they are missing out on a normal childhood; wishing you had the energy and state of mind to read to them, enrich their little learning brains, and giving them the physical loves and hugs they need. I find myself needing to tell my 3 year old multiple times a day, “No, you can’t sit next to me, you need to sit on the other couch” just because of my pain level. and it kills me every time. I try to take advantage of any “good” moments I have during the day to encourage, speak kindly, and give hugs to both my girls.

One of the toughest decisions my husband and I had to make was to send our oldest daughter (only 3 1/2) to stay with her grandparents for a month so I could get the rest I needed before making a big move across the country. Thankfully we felt comfortable with my parents caring for her and trusted them, but still, it was hard to be away from her (they lived out of state) for that long. But it was a wise decision because my body was able to get some rest that it needed at the time.

Do you have help when you need it? in what ways were you able to reach out for support, and have you been successful?

Most of the time we have had help when we needed it. when my husband was deployed to Iraq, I was at one of my sickest times and my family really stepped up to help me. Even some close friends would step in to chop veggies for that night’s dinner if my wrist joints hurt too much to do it or even just stop in to clean my bathrooms or do other various household chores every once in a while.

When my husband was home and a year or so later, I became really sick again and we found that our church friends really served us with earnest hearts. they found time in their busy schedules to come babysit the girls while I lay in misery on the bed or couch, or made dinners for us since my husband would get home too late to make a meal for us (I was too weak and fatigued to), or even just come and clean the house for me every week or so.

We have also had really supportive family even though they live out of state. they have flown multiple times to stay for weeks at a time to be “live-in” help for us. we have always been honest with them as to just how bad my illness is and they have never been unsupportive or questioned my Lyme disease. Even with conflicting information out there, they have always trusted us and seen with their own eyes just how bad this illness can be.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently (treatment courses, outlook, doctor communication, or would you have waited longer, for example)?

I think in my case, I had a gut feeling Lyme was the culprit for my sickness but I was so scared of it that when I was initially tested and it came back negative, I just accepted that. But deep down I knew it had to be Lyme and I wish at that point I had sought out wiser LLMD who could have diagnosed me properly. if I had done that, I MAY be feeling better today. But I know God has His plan for my life and sickness and He has me in this season for a reason. I definitely have grown a lot through it even though it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through.

What’s the best part about being a mom? Are you still able to enjoy motherhood even when you’re feeling ill?

I love that even though I am feeling rotten, I get so much joy out of both of my little girls. My 3 year old is walking entertainment and I find myself writing down multiple quotes a day to tell her dad when he gets home from work. She makes me laugh all day, even when I’m feeling my worst. and my 10 month old is all smiles most of the time and I just love enjoying both of their personalities. Even when I feel my sickest, I can still enjoy their cuteness. My children bring SO much joy to my life that I do believe it keeps my spirits up even though my physical life is down. I’ve never regretted having my girls even though I’m ill.

How was your experience with doctors and hospitals? were they accommodating? did they understand your Lyme?

I’ve only had to mention Lyme to a general practitioner a few times because of how recently I was diagnosed. But the time I mentioned it to my doctor a year or two before being diagnosed, he tried to convince me that it couldn’t be a possibility even though I had been bitten by a tick and gotten the bulls-eye rash. But, being a humble man, after I explained what I knew of the disease, he was willing to test me; it just wasn’t the right test.

Now, trying to get a general doctor in the new place I live, was more nerve-wracking THINKING about it and whether I was going to be met with kindness or animosity than it was actually meeting with the new doctor. I was blessed to find a doctor who didn’t know much about Lyme and felt compassion for me seeing me in a wheelchair at such a young age. He said he was willing to work with my LLMD and also said if there was anything else he could do for me, he would.

What advice would you give women who are considering having a baby?

I guess I would give the same advice I’d give to anyone considering to have children — make sure you’re ready for all the work it takes. it truly takes up every ounce of your body — especially those first 2 months!! Know that having a baby is hard and even more so when you’re ill. BUT — it also is one of the greatest joys. You’ll never regret having children. and I recommend having a great support base as you’ll most likely need help. and most definitely accept help when it’s offered….this took me a while to do but as I’ve lessened my pride I can see just how much I truly need/needed it.

As far as the possibility that Lyme can be passed to your children — well, in my case I didn’t know I had it when I had my children. But I am here to say that both of my girls are really healthy. we do suspect my oldest MIGHT have Lyme (only because of one symptom so far) but according to my LLMD, we wouldn’t do anything about it until more symptoms arose and all other medical tests were exhausted. He said not to get stuck worrying about every little ache and pain but to let her grow and that we will “know” what to look for and when to seek help.

To learn more about Heather and follow her Lyme journey, see her blog, Today I Feel Exceptionally…

Johannesburg – there has been an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in Graaff Reinet and Kei Mouth, the Eastern Cape agriculture department said on Wednesday.

State veterinarians confirmed the death of three sheep in Kei Mouth and a cow in Graaff-Reinet, spokesperson Thozi Manyisana said.

“The state vets are working around the clock to find out the extent of the outbreak,” he said.

Control measures had been applied. These included:

- Vaccination of susceptible stock using a new needle for each animal.

- immediate notification needed to be given of all mortalities, abortions and illness to local animal health technicians or state veterinarians.

- Carcasses, foetuses or products may not be destroyed or tampered with unless authorised by state vets and must be burnt or buried.

- Precautions must be taken when handling sick animals, foetuses or carcasses. Minimum protective clothing should include gloves, goggles, overalls and boots.

- Additional control measures should include weekly spraying of stock with fly and mosquito control remedy, moving of animals away from standing water and moving of animals to high altitude areas.

According to vets, RVF was a viral zoonosis endemic (infectious disease in animals) to Africa, which primarily affected animals but had the capacity to affect humans, Manyisana said.

“RVF caused large epizootics with high mortality rates in young animals and abortions of pregnancies in ruminants. The epizootics typically occurred following periods of heavy rainfall that promoted the hatching of mosquito eggs carrying the RVF virus,” he said.

Symptoms of infected animals included high lamb, kid or calf mortality, abortions, icterus, bloody diarrhoea, nose bleeding, fever and deaths.

Manyisana said humans may become affected through contact with blood and other body fluids from the infected animals. Meat from a sick animal should not be eaten. – Sapa

My period is due tomorrow so I haven't taken a test for fear of a false negative. I have two other children who were both conceived within two weeks off coming off the pill. again this is the first month I have stopped my pill and we did have sex on a 'fertile' day. My breasts feel very heavy and hurt if I break into a jog, and I have been exhausted for the past week and noticed that I am hungry all the time and have gone off alcohol. I felt like this with my other pregnancies but I am wondering if I am just imagining things and they are just symptoms of my period being imminent. It is due tomorrow but I had a false negative with my second pregnancy from testing before my period is due so feel I should wait until it is overdue before testing, has anyone else experienced this?

I think you should just relax and see what happens…sometimes when we "think" we are experiencing symptoms, we can affect the normal occurences of the body. just relax, take care of yourself, stay off alcohol and anything harmful, and get plenty of rest, and see what happens. good luck to you, and I hope you get the answer you are looking for!

these were the exact symptoms I experienced. if I was you I would wait to see if period is late then take a test. good luck!! )

There's a huge possibility it's PMS symptoms. but, best be safe than stressed and take a test (ok, that wasn't supposed to rhyme, it just came out that way). or just give it a week and see if your period starts.

you should just wait and see. if you haven't started your period within 2 days. you should do a test. but surely you would know after having two children already.

I've been TTC for about 11 months now with no luck.Every month just before I'm due on, I feel exhausted,my boobs are sore, I'm constantly hungry, I'm nauseous etc……yet I still come on and am not pregnant!!but if this is what you felt like for your last 2 pregnancies then I'd say it's quite possible!!
Good luck!

Sounds like you already know the answer since it has happened before to you. Sore breasts and being tired are symptoms of being pregnant. Testing a day before your period is due is a sound plan.

HI,
Sounds like you might well be!!! but, yeh- they could also be symptoms of your hormones rebalancing following you coming off the pill. Did you know, you are more likely to concieve twins if you come off the pill mid packet? That also gives you increased pregnancy symptoms!! good Luck

Hi,
It sounds simular to your past pregnancies for sure but i think if you have come of the pill to try for a baby sometimes the mind makes you think things, like that you are pregnant when you may not be so.
I knew someone once that desperatley wanted to be pregnant and was convinced they was that they had all the signs and belly swelling but they was not ,it is called a PHANTOM PREGNANCY and is an actual medical words used.OR you could be a mommy soon, just give it a day or so then test yourself.
I HOPE YOU GET THE RESULT YOU WANT WHATEVER IT IS YOU WANT.

i have that same problem and im a maan!!

I am 6 weeks along and I do not feel any symptoms of pregnancy. I had a little cramping for two days, but it was not even as bad as my period was.

Yes I am sure that i am pregnant. I had a blood test done.

I just want to know if there are any other women that did not have any symptoms?

With my last two pregnancies i didn't even know that I was pregnant. With my first I knew because I had horrible morning sickness. but the others it was nothing and I even felt that I was getting my period when it was time for it to come. after a week or 2 I was getting very suspicious as it was an unplanned pregnancy but when I took a test it sure enough said yes. I was so baffled because I didn't feel like I was pregnant and it felt weird but was loving not having the morning sickness. and by the way congrats!

I'm very fortunate in that my only symptoms I've had with all three pregnancies is extreme fatigue during the first trimester, and frequent urination during the entire pregnancy. I haven't had nausea/vomiting, severe cramping, swelling, toxemia, etc. all women are different, as are all pregnancies. Consider yourself lucky!

I'm 9 weeks 4 days and I have only had like one or two nauseous moments other than that and a bit of cramping you'd never think I was preg. but I've had my blood n urine tests and internal and everything lol guess were just lucky
Good luck

At 6 weeks all I felt was extremely tired…at exactly 7 weeks the nausea set it…enjoy it now…lol.

I am 2 months pregnant but have had no symptoms like I did with my first. I find this strange and was wondering what you thought? Think everything is okay?

Every pregnancy is different. call your Dr if you are really concerned.

i had no symptoms with my first….it was wonderful…….

yeah is ok and you should be happy that your not getting them trudt me their are not good. But is to early to say that your not you'll probably start getting them when you are like 4 months.

Yes, be grateful. You are one of the lucky ones! I wish I had that, I wish I had that now! Congratulations.

It's fine, you are one of the few lucky women!!! My sister never had any pregnancy sypmtoms, other than her belly growing of course, with either of her pregnancies.

The only person who can answer that for sure is your doctor. however, I wouldn't personally be concerned about the lack of symptoms. I never had any of the "typical" symptoms during any of my 3 pregnancies, with the exception of a loss of my monthly time. if you are really concerned, check with your doctor, but otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. each pregnancy is different.

Yes, in fact enjoy it. You may not have these symptoms later or you may. the only symptoms I had was a cold and sore breast like I was going to start. Now I am 12 weeks. still sore breast but very little morning sickness. Only when I change poopy baby diapers do I even get morning sickness. It's crazy because I have changed poopy diapers more than I can count with 18 nieces and nephews. But it is entirely normal. if you are concerned see about scheduling a visit with a doctor. it may put your mind more at ease.

Yes it is normal. not all Woman Expeirence Morning sickness or other symptoms. You are also still very early..not sure of how many weels. But Morning sickness usually doesn't hit until 6-7 weeks. I have always been very sick with my pregnancies but I also Know many people who Didnt have any symptoms at all..at least not until late in pregnancy!

i would call the doc and make a appiontment. are u hungry at all or are you sick do they kick or any think. u can e-mail me at

Every womb is different from women to women, some gets all the symptoms some get one or two and some women have no symptoms at all, thats not a problem.

Congrats & good luck!!!

When I was pregnant with my second, I had absolutely NO symptoms at all until the end of my third month. then the rest of the pregnancy made up for it. Ooooo…boy!

with my first 2 pregnancies I was sick all the time etc. (both boys) this time I wouldn't have known I was pregnant if I hadn't taken a test..and started to show at about 3 months..it's totally normal..but wouldn't you know it I'm having a GIRL!! LOL

It's completely normal. Every pregnancy is different..You're just lucky!

What would you do if it isn't ok? Think you can make yourself have symptoms? My God, be greatful and relax!