A pregnancy test can often detect pregnancy in its early stages, sometimes a few days before a first missed period. For some women, pregnancy signs are noticeable shortly after conception, a week or more before their period is due. For others, however, important pregnancy signs may go unnoticed until well after their period is skipped.
Time Frame
Pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tubes and implants in the wall of the uterus. Even though this is the beginning of a pregnancy, it is actually counted as week two or three of the pregnancy, depending on when ovulation took place. The American Pregnancy Association reports that week one of pregnancy starts at the beginning of the last menstrual period. In most cases, ovulation takes place at the end of week two, and implantation occurs several days later. According to the Mayo Clinic, the first signs of pregnancy may begin as early as week three or four.
The Earliest Signs
Around two weeks or so after fertilization takes place, the Mayo Clinic reports that a woman’s breasts may already feel sore or tender. Fatigue may also be noticeable. Both of these signs are caused by the hormone changes associated with the early stages of pregnancy. Some women may also notice a heightened sense of smell, or even nausea. While these are important signs of pregnancy, they are not necessarily true indicators of the condition as they can mimic many women’s premenstrual symptoms. After the four week mark, one of the most important signs of pregnancy is a missed period.
Testing for Pregnancy
Perhaps the most important sign of pregnancy is a positive pregnancy test. In fact, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development states that taking a pregnancy test is the best way to determine the condition. Home pregnancy kits are very accurate, as they detect the levels of human chorionic gonadatropin (HCG) in the urine. They are relatively inexpensive, and easy to administer. In addition, a blood test at the doctor’s office can determine the level of HCG in the bloodstream. This not only tells you whether or not you are pregnant, but approximately how far along you are.
Warning
Not all women have clear signs of pregnancy. This can be a problem if a woman also has irregular periods, as she may not know she is pregnant for some time. This could cause a delay in prenatal care, as well as risk exposure of the developing baby to potentially harmful substances such as cigarette smoke, medications or alcohol. Any woman suspecting she is pregnant should err on the side of caution.
Considerations
If you notice any of the early signs of pregnancy, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor so that you can begin prenatal care. These include taking prenatal vitamins, and checking the status of your own health so you can ensure the health of your baby.
