There are many signs of pregnancy that appear early after conception. A missed period is the main sign of pregnancy, but is not a guarantee of pregnancy, since every menstrual cycle is different. When considered one by one, these signs may not mean much, but if you see many of these early pregnancy signs, your body is telling you something. If you're wondering if you're pregnant, look for these symptoms.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness can begin as early as two weeks after conception. It is a state of queasiness and nausea. When pregnancy occurs, the body builds up levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone causes changes to the body, including stretching the wall of the uterus and increasing the acid in the stomach. It also can enhance the sense of smell. These effects can contribute to getting morning sickness.
Breast Changes
Breasts can become tender to the touch as early as a few days after conception. They can also swell in size. These changes are due to the increasing levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Milk can sometimes leak, but this usually occurs later in the pregnancy. Also, the skin around the nipples, the areolas, can darken. Bumps on the areolas can become more pronounced. These changes typically begin within a few weeks of becoming pregnant.
Food Cravings
Cravings for specific foods usually occur during the first trimester. These cravings are a reflection of the changes in levels of hormones.
Bleeding
Some light bleeding, or spotting, occurs in about a quarter of women who have normal pregnancies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The spotting can coincide with cramps in the stomach. Bleeding can also be a sign of a miscarriage, so medical attention should be sought to ensure there are no complications in the pregnancy.
Fatigue
During the first few months of pregnancy, the placenta develops, which taxes the body. This development, along with high levels of the hormone progesterone, can cause a sense of fatigue. This usually occurs during the first trimester.
Other Signs
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development includes headaches and mood swings as signs of pregnancy. Constipation and faintness or dizziness are also signs of pregnancy. Also, an elevated oral temperature when first waking up is a sign of pregnancy.
