Some rely on instinct, others rely on pregnancy tests. Yet others wait for the most obvious sign---a missed period. What many women do not realize is that many symptoms of pregnancy begin within the first few weeks after conception---the weeks preceding your period's expected arrival. Listening to the signs your body produces naturally may be all the confirmation you need.
Feeling Tired
Fatigue, one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy, can begin as early as one week after conception, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Once an egg is fertilized, your body instantly begins producing excessive amounts of hormones, one of which is progesterone. This instant rush causes a drop in blood sugar levels and blood pressure, draining you of your energy.
Spotting
Medically known as implantation bleeding, this is not a symptom every woman experiences. Those who do can consider this one of the earliest signs aside from a delayed period. Spotting occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus, resulting in a light pink bleeding that comes and goes, hence the term "spotting." In some cases slight cramping accompanies the bleeding, which tends to appear approximately one week before your normal menses is expected to arrive.
Elevated Temperature
Women attempting to become pregnant may track their basal body temperature. Body temperature is usually elevated soon after ovulation and until the next period starts, explains the Mayo Clinic. If your temperature remains elevated two weeks or more, this may be a sign of pregnancy. This is only an effective measurement for those who chart their temperature at the same time every day.
Constipation
Constipation is another symptom of early pregnancy and is due to the high levels of progesterone coursing through your body. This hormone causes food to travel at a slower pace in your intestines, resulting in constipation.
Headaches
When conception occurs, your blood circulation increases almost immediately due to the hormonal changes your body is experiencing. This, according to the Mayo Clinic, may result in frequent yet mild headaches.
