Just as every woman is different, so too is every pregnancy. The signs one woman experiences may not be what another woman experiences. The symptoms of pregnancy can begin as soon as a week after conception, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Knowing these early signs is crucial, as some symptoms may be caused by other health conditions.
Missed Cycle
A missed or delayed period is the most common sign of pregnancy and is one of the earliest signs as well. If you are usually regular and your period arrives the same time each month, this is most definitely an early indicator for you. However if you suffer from irregular periods, you may need additional symptoms to accompany this in order to be sure.
Pregnancy Test
According to iVillage.com, a home pregnancy test may provide you with an accurate result as soon as one day after your missed period. A urine test, such as a home pregnancy test, can be accurate within 10 to 14 days after fertilization has occurred; this is within one week of your missed period. If the stick says yes, chances are its correct.
Nausea
According to the American Pregnancy Association, nausea, or morning sickness, can begin as soon as two weeks after conception. This is one week after your missed period. The Mayo Clinic states that this symptom is not only one of the earliest signs, but also one of the most common. While called morning sickness, it can occur anytime and can cause both nausea and vomiting.
Sore Breasts
Another early symptom, this can begin as early as one to two weeks after conception has taken place. You may notice your breasts are sore to touch, or are becoming larger. If you suffer from sore breasts during menstruation, it may feel similar to this, but a bit more severe. If you have never experienced sore breasts as a result of your period, it is easier for you to decipher this as a sign of pregnancy.
Basal Body Temperature
Your basal body temperature indicates when you are ovulating; 24 to 48 hours before your egg is released, it will raise by a degree or two and remain elevated until your period begins. If the egg becomes fertilized though, your basal body temperature will remain elevated continuously for 18 days or more. This is an excellent early indicator of pregnancy for those who chart their temperature each morning as soon as they wake up, using a basal thermometer.
