A missed menstrual period is often thought to be the first sign of pregnancy. However, if a woman is in tune with her body, she may notice signs of pregnancy starting within a week of conception. These subtle signs are often misinterpreted and attributed to other things, such as premenstrual syndrome.
Body Temperature
According to the Mayo Clinic, a woman's basal body temperature rises slightly during ovulation. If your temperature stays elevated until after the date when your next menstrual cycle would start, you may be pregnant. In some cases, this change is approximately one-tenth of 1 degree, so close and accurate monitoring is a must when using this method. Additionally, your temperature must be taken using the same method at the same time each day.
Implantation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding is spotting that occurs six to 12 days following conception when the embryo attaches to the uterine wall. In some cases, implantation bleeding is mistaken for a menstrual period because it occurs around the same time as a woman's normal menstrual cycle. The implantation bleeding is usually light spotting and doesn't usually have any heavy bleeding like a period does.
Breast Tenderness
The American Pregnancy Association notes that breast tenderness and swelling may occur as early as the first week after conception. Some women may also notice darkened areolas when the breast tenderness or swelling occurs. In some cases, the breasts may feel full and heavy.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom of pregnancy that can start within a week following conception. It is important to determine if the fatigue can be caused by any other factors, such as illness or stress, prior to deciding that pregnancy is the cause.
