The Early Signs of Pregnancy

Think you might be pregnant? If you have started experiencing some early symptoms and you have missed your period you just might be. Most women will experience some changes and symptoms that are early indicators of conception. However, just like with everything else, each woman is different and each pregnancy is different, which means some woman may not experience any early symptoms at all.

Here are a few of the early signs of pregnancy. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms. All of these symptoms can also be signs of other health issues so be sure to talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms but have ruled out pregnancy.

1. The most common early symptom, and the one most woman look for to tell them they are pregnant, is a late or missed period. If your cycle is fairly regular a missed period is often the first indication that you may be pregnant. For women who have irregular cycles you may experience some of the other symptoms before you realize your period is late.
2. About 6-12 days after implantation some women experience light bleeding known as implantation bleeding. It can sometimes be mistaken as a light period. Not all women will experience this bleeding, but if you do it can be an early sign of pregnancy. It will likely take other symptoms before you realize you may be pregnant.
3. Within the first couple of weeks after conception many women begin to feel swelling and tenderness of their breasts. You will notice your breasts becoming sore and tender to the touch and may notice a change in their size. It can vary from woman to woman on when you will experience this symptom but it can be as early as 1 week after conception.
4. Beginning very early, as early as 1 week after conception, you may begin to notice you are exhausted all the time. Being tired or exhausted is a common early sign of pregnancy, but again alone may not be enough for you to notice, but in combination with other early symptoms may be a sign you are pregnant.
5. One of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, morning sickness, sets in fairly early in pregnancy. It varies widely from woman to woman, and some women may not experience morning sickness at all. On average morning sickness will set in about 2-8 weeks after conception. Along with a missed period this is one of the most common symptoms women look for to tell them they are pregnant.
6. A few other early symptoms include increased sensitivity to odors, headaches, backaches frequent urination and abdominal bloating.

The only proof of pregnancy is a positive pregnancy test. If you experiencing any of these symptoms and think you may be pregnant now would be a good time to take a home pregnancy test, and make an appointment to see your doctor.

Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about the symptoms you are experiencing, particularly if you have ruled out pregnancy as the cause.