Even though the final proof of pregnancy is in a positive home pregnancy test, many signs of pregnancy appear at the six week mark. If you are still waiting for your period and think you might be pregnant, take a home test to confirm the pregnancy. When you get a positive result, make an appointment with your primary care provider. Beginning good habits as soon as possible---including taking a prenatal vitamin and refraining from drinking alcohol---will improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Breast Changes
The Mayo Clinic notes that hormone changes as early as two weeks after conception can make your breasts feel swollen and tender. They might also feel tingly and heavier, and the areolas, the skin around the nipples, might become darker. Some women, especially fair-skinned ones, notice a newly established network of blue veins across their breasts that carry fluids and nutrients to the baby. You can expect your breasts to stay enlarged throughout pregnancy, but the tenderness and discomfort will usually subside after the first trimester.
Cramping
You might experience mild cramping, similar to your menstrual cramps, maybe even accompanied by a backache. While these symptoms alarm many women, they are usually normal for this stage of pregnancy. Call your doctor if the cramps become severe or if you notice any bleeding.
Food Cravings and Aversions
While you might not crave pickles and ice cream, food cravings and aversions frequently occur at this point in pregnancy. You might find that the smell of coffee, once your favorite morning drink of choice, now makes you ill. Or you might experience an insatiable craving for sauerkraut or another "odd" food you never eat. The Mayo Clinic provides reassurance that these cravings happen because of hormones and usually diminish after the first trimester.
Nausea and Morning Sickness
These symptoms often crop up at 6 to 8 weeks due to the rising levels of estrogen in your body. The Mayo Clinic states that estrogen causes your stomach to empty more slowly, which combined with your newly enhanced sense of smell, ups your odds of battling nausea---sometimes even accompanied by vomiting. While dubbed "morning sickness," this nausea can strike anytime during the pregnancy.
Fatigue and Exhaustion
At this point in your pregnancy, you might develop a deep, chronic exhaustion that might persist throughout the day---no matter how often you nap or sleep. The Babycenter Medical Advisory Board suggests that increasing levels of the hormone progesterone might cause your fatigue. The fog of exhaustion often lifts after the first trimester, but comes back at the end of pregnancy due to your increased weight and size.
Frequent Urination
The American Pregnancy Association notes that at six to eight weeks, many women need to urinate more often. Pregnancy increases the flow of blood and fluids throughout your body and these extra fluids ultimately end up in your bladder.
