Symptoms of pregnancy can vary from woman to woman. It is possible for the pregnancy to be several weeks along before a woman notices anything different. A missed period may be the most obvious first sign of pregnancy, but it is not always the earliest sign. There are aeveral early signs of pregnancy that may be easy to miss.
Breast Changes
The breasts often become swollen or tender within two weeks of conception, says the American Pregnancy Association. The breasts can appear fuller and heavier, and the tissues surrounding the nipple can become darker due to hormonal changes that take place soon after conception. Women often ignore this sign, attributing it to an upcoming menstrual period.
Spotting and Cramps
When a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, some spotting and cramping can occur. This is called implantation and occurs about six to 12 days after the woman's egg is fertilized with sperm, explains the American Pregnancy Association. This is another sign of pregnancy that may be attributed to an early period. The Mayo Clinic explains that this spotting is lighter in color than normal menstrual bleeding and doesn't last as long.
Nausea
Morning sickness can occur at any time of day or night. It can begin as early as two weeks after conception. Symptoms of morning sickness can include nausea and vomiting. Such discomfort can be set off by certain foods or fragrances. Some women may notice unusual or new food cravings and aversions.
Headache and Back Pain
Another symptom of the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy is a headache. This can also be due to blood circulation changes as the body's blood volume increases. Head pain in early pregnancy is frequent but mild. A dull ache in the lower back also can begin to occur soon after conception.
Constipation
As progesterone increases during pregnancy, a woman may notice mild to moderate constipation. The Mayo Clinic explains that the hormone causes the digestive system, specifically the movement of foods through the intestines, to slow.
Emotions
Mood swings are a hallmark of pregnancy. A woman can misattribute the mood swings and increase in emotions during early pregnancy to an upcoming period. In addition to changes in emotions, a woman can become very tired. This symptom of pregnancy is common during the first and third trimesters.
Dizziness
Pregnant women have a greater blood volume to help support the baby and the bodily changes she will experience. This can cause frequent dizziness or feelings of faintness. This can also be attributed to low blood sugar, explains the Mayo Clinic. Eating small, frequent meals can help combat the low blood sugar. Morning sickness can make eating normally a bit difficult for the pregnant woman, which only increases the dizziness and lowered blood sugar.
Body Temperature
Women who are pregnant may notice an elevated body temperature early in pregnancy. This will persist throughout pregnancy and begins with ovulation, reports the Mayo Clinic.
