Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy; however, one of the most significant pregnancy symptoms is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle. Understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is important because each symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy. Some women experience signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a week of conception. For other women, pregnancy symptoms may develop over a few weeks or may not be present at all.

Many women claim that they know they are pregnant as soon as they conceive. While this may be true, only a pregnancy test will be able to tell if you are pregnant. But you may see other signs before you take the test that may prove your suspicions including:

Below is a listing of some of the most common pregnancy signs symptoms. If you have been sexually active and experiencing any of the following symptoms it is important to take a pregnancy test.

Physical Signs Of Pregnancy

There are many physical signs that can tell a woman if she is pregnant.These signs may not necessarily mean that you are pregnant, but the chances are very good that you are. These signs will vary from woman to woman and in the intensity of which they are felt. But one thing is for sure, you will notice physical changes after you become pregnant.

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. Delay/Difference in Menstruation

   A delayed or missed menstruation 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, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast-feeding.

3. Swollen/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 (PMS) 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. Nausea/Morning Sickness

   This well-known pregnancy symptom 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.

6. 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.

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. 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.

10. 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.

11. Constipation

    You may have bouts of constipation during the early stages of pregnancy. This is because of an increased level of progesterone, which can slow down your digestive system.

12. Body temperature increase

    Take your temperature in the morning after getting out of bed. If it slightly higher than usual, then you may be pregnant.

Emotional Signs of Pregnancy

Emotional signs that you are pregnant may be harder to see at first. If you are not feeling physically well, then your emotions may be showing that. But if you are in tune with your body and your emotions, you may notice slight changes that may signal that you are expecting.

1. Mood swings

   Depending on your personality, this may or may not be difficult to see.Being Pregnant – Everything You Need to Know - 15But chances are if you are happy one minute and crying the next, there must something going on with your hormones.

2. Withdrawing from others

   Because of fatigue, you may find yourself wanting to be alone more often. This could be a sign that you are pregnant.

3. Depression

   While most people are happy to find out that they are pregnant, if you have not found out yet and are dealing with physical changes, you could become depressed. You should visit your doctor as soon as possible in order to end your depression and begin celebrating the coming of your new baby.