Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy symptoms are different for every woman and sometimes they are even different for every pregnancy, but there are several common symptoms and signs to be aware of. Understanding these signs is important because the earlier you find out you are pregnant, the sooner you can take the needed care of yourself and your unborn child. Each symptom may also be related to something other than pregnancy so it is important to note and make sure that it’s nothing serious. Some women experience signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a week of conception. Other women may not develop pregnancy symptoms for several weeks. It is even possible for symptoms to not be present at all. Below is a list of fifteen of the most common pregnancy symptoms.

1. Implantation Bleeding – Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About 6-12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping.

Other explanations: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.

2. Late Menstruation - A delayed or missed period is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.

Other explanations: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, stopping the birth control pill, or breast-feeding.

3. Swollen and/or Tender Breasts – Swollen or tender breasts is a pregnancy symptom which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. Women may notice changes in their breasts; they may be tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.

Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation can also cause your breasts to be swollen or tender.

4. Fatigue/Tiredness – Feeling fatigued or more tired is a pregnancy symptom which can also start as early as the first week after conception.

Other Explanations: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.

5. Food Cravings – While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Poor diet, lack of a certain nutrient, stress, depression, or impending menstruation.

6. Nausea – Nausea or morning sickness will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with morning sickness at all, while others will feel nauseous throughout most of their pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.

7. Headaches – The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation, eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.

8. Frequent Urination – Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.

Other Explanations: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics.

9. Backaches - Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy, however, it is common to experience a dull backache throughout an entire pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.

10. Darkening of Areolas – If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.

Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or may be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

11. Feeling Lightheaded – Feeling faint is a common occurrence among newly pregnant women, but can be present during an entire pregnancy.

Other Explanations: An inner ear infection, tiredness, stress, fever, dehydration, low blood sugar, anemia, and some medicines.

12. Bloated – Some women may experience feelings of abdominal enlargement or bloating.

Other Explanations: Stress and emotional upsets, certain foods, medicines, large meal, impending menstruation.

13. Nasal Congestion - As more blood flows to your body’s mucous membranes, the lining of your nose and airway swells, which can restrict airflow and cause snoring, congestion and nosebleeds.

Other Explanations: Common cold, flu or allergies.

14. Constipation - An increase in the hormone progesterone, which slows the digestive process, is partly to blame. In addition, your colon absorbs more water, which tends to make stools harder and bowel movements more difficult.

Other Explanations: Dehydration, diet changes, stomach upsets.

15. Mood Swings – Nagging discomforts, hormonal changes and understandable anxiety about the future may all contribute to sudden shifts in your mood.

Other explanations: Many other variables going on in your life or impending menstruation.

As you can see, there are many different signs and symptoms that may lead you to believe you are pregnant. However, there are other explanations for each and every one of these symptoms. If you are experiencing several of these symptoms and believe that you may be pregnant, the sure way to find out is by taking a pregnancy test.