What and When? Signs of Early Pregnancy

There are several early signs of pregnancy. Let's take a look at them in the order they might appear.

Before You Know You're Pregnant

Within the first week after conception you might notice that you are more tired than usual. Having naps is the best way to combat this early sign of pregnancy.

A week to two weeks after conception, you might have implantation bleeding. This is also referred to as "breakthrough bleeding" because it is caused by the fertilized egg breaking through the uterine wall and affixing itself there. This can also be accompanied by some cramping, but the spotting should be minimal.

About the same time you might notice that your breasts are tender, perhaps similar to when you have your period, but they also they might be swollen. As your pregnancy progresses, your areolas will darken and your nipples will get larger in preparation for feeding your baby.

What? No Period?

The most common early pregnancy sign that prompts a woman to get a pregnancy test is when her period doesn't show up – on time, or at all. This usually happens two weeks after conception, and is a pretty clear symptom of early pregnancy.

By about week 4, many women begin to have nausea – "morning sickness" – though it can happen at any time of day. Fortunately, most women are finished having morning sickness by week 8.

About the 6th week, many women report getting headaches and backaches. In early pregnancy caused by hormones, in late pregnancy (when the body is well used to the hormones) it is caused by the heavy load the uterus is carrying, and the back's muscle involvement in toting it around.

Also around the 6th to 8th week after conception, women notice they have to go to the bathroom much more often than before. For some women, this early pregnancy sign comes as soon as just a week or two after conception.

Anything Else That Women Notice?

There are other signs of early pregnancy that women notice. Some have a vaginal discharge. It shouldn't be itchy or burn, or even smell. If it does, let your doctor know. This early pregnancy sign is because the cervix is building up the mucus plug to help keep the baby safe from infections, etc.

You might also notice a bit of abdominal bloating, similar to when you are expecting your period. This is caused by hormonal changes, and not something to worry about.

You might have constipation, or heartburn, or mood swings. Many women have food cravings or can't handle odors that they used be alright with. Because the blood sugar levels change, many women get light headed or dizzy, and need to be sure to eat regularly.

If you have been keeping track of your body temperature, your BBT (basal body temperature – taken before getting up in the morning), you will notice a rise in temperature when you ovulate. It will also stay high if you are pregnant. For women who are trying to get pregnant and are charting their BBT, this can be the sign of early pregnancy that they were watching for.

For all women, a positive result on a pregnancy test is a definitive answer about whether they're pregnant. If the test is negative, try again in a few days – the hormone it measures needs to be high enough for a home test to register it, and the level rises over time. Happy pregnancy!