Pregnancy can cause any number of symptoms in a woman, including those that impact the body. Some women may not experience noticeable changes until several weeks have passed since conception. The American Pregnancy Association points out that understanding the signs of pregnancy is important in helping differentiate them from other concerns. The earliest bodily symptoms may be difficult to discern but as the pregnancy progresses the signs become more clear.
Spotting
A small amount of bleeding can occur about one week to 10 days after conception occurs. This is part of the process called implantation, where the fertilized egg "implants" into the uterus. A little cramping can accompany this spotting. Some women may misattribute the cramping and spotting as signs of the next menstrual period. Minor spotting can occur throughout the pregnancy, such as following intercourse, because the cervix is more tender. Vaginal exams completed during prenatal appointments can cause a small amount of spotting as well. Unless a woman has persistent or moderate bleeding, this is a normal sign of pregnancy.
Breast Signs
Tenderness of the breast tissues is often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, occurring about one to two weeks after conception, states American Pregnancy. A woman may even notice swelling that can contribute to bra tightness. The tissues in the breast are undergoing changes to prepare for the production of milk for the baby after birth. Breast soreness may be most noticeable during or after physical activity, such as running. Wearing a more supportive bra can reduce this discomfort. In addition to these breast changes, the tissue around the areolas (skin surrounding the nipple) becomes dark. This can last throughout pregnancy and after the delivery of the baby as long as the woman is breast feeding.
Other Body Aches and Pains
The increase in hormones in the body, weight gain and changes in body structure can lead to a variety of painful signs of pregnancy. Hormones are thought to increase the frequency of headaches and backaches. The pain in the back is often low and dull. Some pelvic pain is possible as the muscle tissues and bones prepare for delivery and as the baby begins growing. DrSpock.com points out that leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica and round ligament pain are all common signs of pregnancy that affect the body. Many of these symptoms are due to swelling of the body tissues, especially around the nerves. The extra weight of the baby can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, a nerve in the lower back, that can cause numbness and tingling down the back side of the leg or legs. The round ligaments cause pain that feels like a pulled muscle in the pelvic area. This is due to an increase in the hormone called relaxin, which is the body's way of preparing for labor.
Other Body Signs
Morning sickness is thought to be triggered by hormones. Symptoms of this pregnancy discomfort include nausea, vomiting, food aversions and food cravings. The most common complaint during pregnancy, states Epigee.org, is fatigue, which can begin as early as the first week after conception. A pregnant woman may feel exhausted often during the first and third trimester. Other physical changes include stretch marks as the stomach expands, skin dryness on the abdomen from stretching and the naval popping out.
