For some women, pregnancy is instinctive; they seem to know from the moment of conception. For others, it is a complete surprise, with even the most obvious signs being too subtle. No matter what category you fall into, the fact remains that conception and pregnancy bring about changes that cannot be ignored; changes that even the most oblivious women can recognize as signs of pregnancy.
A Missed Period
Your first missed period is the most obvious pregnancy indicator, especially for women who track their monthly cycles and are regular. While a delay of a day or two may not throw up the red flag, once you're late by a week or more, you can almost bet conception has taken place.
Spotting
Medically referred to as implantation bleeding, according to the Mayo Clinic, this occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. Unlike your regular monthly period, implantation bleeding will be sporadic, hence the term spotting, and will appear pink in color rather than red. It will also begin approximately 10 to 14 days after conception, or about a week before your period is due to arrive.
Nausea/Vomiting
Known among expectant mothers as morning sickness, this can begin as early as a week after your first missed period. It can be triggered by certain smells, which you may find you are more sensitive to, or just occur for no apparent reason. You may find yourself suffering from a nagging nausea, or may suffer from both nausea and vomiting combined. Either way, you can expect the unexpected with this symptom; regardless of its name, morning sickness can happen anytime.
Extreme Fatigue
When conception first takes place, your body is flooded with hormones as it prepares for the changes pregnancy brings. One of these hormones is progesterone, and according to the Mayo Clinic, this hormone may be the reason you feel so tired all of the sudden. Fatigue can begin almost immediately, and is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, especially when combined with a missed period or morning sickness.
Tender Breasts
A typical symptom experienced during menstruation, breast tenderness is yet another common symptom of pregnancy that occurs right from the get go. This too, is due to the increase in hormones and is considered one of the first signs of pregnancy. You may also find that along with being tender and sore, your breasts are swollen as well. If your period is not regular and easy to track, this symptom along with fatigue and morning sickness may be the best indications of pregnancy for you.
