Proof of pregnancy lies for certain in the results of an actual pregnancy test, but a woman can watch for a few early signs of pregnancy in the first weeks after conception. The Mayo Clinic cautions that some symptoms are a sign of illness unrelated to pregnancy, so a woman should visit her health care provider if anything seems out of the ordinary or if she wants to take a pregnancy test to know for certain. Pregnancy signs differ by person, but a few classic signs can indicate successful conception.
Week 1 and 2
The American Pregnancy Association states that implantation bleeding is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Spotting and cramping occur due to the embryo implanting into the uterine wall. This bleeding typically occurs during week one or two after conception. Tender or swollen breasts are another early sign of pregnancy, the Mayo Clinic says. Breasts may feel sore and sensitive to touch in the first two weeks after conception. Fatigue can also indicate pregnancy and may occur because of increased levels of the hormone progesterone or due to decreased blood sugar levels.
Week 2 to 4
Nausea or morning sickness often begins after week two. The Mayo Clinic says that morning sickness may occur at any time of the day and is often due to the sudden increase in estrogen levels common in pregnancy. Headaches, constipation and backaches may also be present as an early sign during weeks two to four. These early symptoms are attributed to the increase in hormones that occurs during pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Week 4 to 8
Food cravings begin early in pregnancy and are likely to last for the duration. Dislike of certain foods is also commonly present during the beginning weeks of pregnancy. A surge of hormones contributes to mood changes such as being more emotional and tearful than normal, the Mayo Clinic says. Frequent urination is also possible during early pregnancy and may begin before week eight.
Additional Early Signs
The Mayo Clinic states that basal body temperature is likely to increase and remain higher once a woman is pregnant. Faintness and dizziness due to lowered blood pressure are also possible early signs of pregnancy. Lack of menses after conception is a typical sign discovered in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is common, though, to have the appearance of menstruation after implantation in the first four to eight weeks; however, the American Pregnancy Association explains that this bleeding is typically lighter than normal.
