If you’re wondering if you might be pregnant, you’re probably looking for some early signs of pregnancy. While pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman (and even from pregnancy to pregnancy), there are some common symptoms that can give you a clue.
Missed Period
At the first sign of pregnancy, many women take a pregnancy test. While this is a good indication of being pregnant, it’s not foolproof the first month. Some women may still have light bleeding during their first month.
Morning Sickness
There are a variety of pregnancy symptoms that can occur in the first few weeks after conception. One of the most common symptoms is morning sickness, which can start as early as two weeks after conception. However, it can also take up to eight weeks for morning sickness to begin. While most women experience this nauseous feeling, there are some who never do.
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is having tender breasts. This symptom can occur within a week or two of conception. In addition to tenderness, women may also notice that their breasts are swollen and more sensitive than usual. Another change that can occur is that the areolas (the dark area around the nipples) may become darker.
This symptom, known as implantation bleeding, is a very early sign of pregnancy. Within 6–10 days of conception, the embryo attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. When this takes place, it’s very common for a woman to experience cramping as well as spotting.
Feeling Tired
Pregnancy can take a lot out of you, and one early symptom is fatigue. You might start to feel tired before you even miss your period.
Increased Urination
This is a common early sign of pregnancy that can affect most women. Many women experience frequent urination during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
Frequent Headaches
Due to the shifting and rising of your body’s hormones, many women experience headaches during the early stages of pregnancy. Hormone changes can trigger headaches, especially during the first trimester when your body is adjusting to the new hormone levels. If you’re experiencing headaches, try to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible. If the headaches are severe, contact your healthcare provider.
There are a variety of early signs of pregnancy, though not all women experience them. The most common early signs include implantation bleeding, fatigue, and tender breasts. However, some women also experience other symptoms such as food cravings, backaches, and increased sensitivities to smells. These symptoms can occur soon after conception, or may not appear until weeks into the pregnancy.
