Early detection of pregnancy puts your mind at ease, and, if necessary, it enables you to seek professional care and make the lifestyle changes needed for a healthy pregnancy and new baby. Some women develop symptoms of pregnancy as early as one week after conception, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Unfortunately, many early pregnancy symptoms mimic those associated with PMS, which makes them unreliable indicators of pregnancy. Only a pregnancy test or positive physical examination can confirm a pregnancy.
Step 1
Monitor your basal body temperature. If your temperature remains elevated after ovulation you may be pregnant, according to the Mayo Clinic. This method of determining pregnancy only works if you began charting your temperature prior to ovulation.
Step 2
Watch for implantation bleeding. This bleeding differs from menstrual bleeding, and normally occurs about six to 12 days following conception, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Implantation bleeding is considerably lighter than a normal menstrual period. There may be some spotting and mild cramping as the embryo implants into the wall of the uterus.
Step 3
Check your breasts for swelling and/or tenderness. The American Pregnancy Association states that breast changes may begin as soon as one week after conception. If you normally experience breast swelling or tenderness in the days preceding your menstrual period, this symptom may seem normal.
Step 4
Track your sleep habits, and listen to your body. If you are feeling more tired or fatigued than usual, it may mean you are pregnant. Increased fatigue is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and may develop before you miss your period. The Mayo Clinic explains that this symptom occurs in response to increased progesterone levels inside your body.
Step 5
Monitor other changes in your body, such as increased headaches, backaches or nausea. These symptoms sometimes begin near the time you are scheduled to start your period. Nausea or morning sickness may occur at any time of the day and may be triggered by certain smells or other stimuli.
Step 6
Take an early home pregnancy test. Some tests are sensitive enough to detect pregnancy before you miss your period. If your home test shows a negative result, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends waiting several days before retesting. If you continue to test negative even after missing your period, see your doctor for a blood test.
Tips and Warnings
- A blood test can detect pregnancy about one week after ovulation.
Things You'll Need
- Basal thermometer
- Early home pregnancy test
References
- American Pregnancy Association: Pregnancy Symptoms — Early Signs of Pregnancy
- Mayo Clinic: Symptoms of Pregnancy: What Happens Right Away
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health: Pregnancy Tests
- Baby Center: Pregnancy Symptoms: Top Ten Signs You Might be Pregnant
- Parenthood.com: Early-Detection Home Pregnancy Tests
