Pregnancy is an exciting time for new parents-to-be. There sometimes may be up to a two week wait between conception and learning that you are pregnant. Many women rely on early symptoms to help them figure out if they may be pregnant. Early pregnancy symptoms will vary between women, and also may differ from a subsequent pregnancy. If you are experiencing early pregnancy symptoms and are close to the date of your period it may be time to take a home test. Some tests may detect pregnancy up to five days before your missed period.
Implantation Bleeding and Mild Cramping
Some women experience implantation bleeding and mild cramping early in pregnancy. As the fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus, some mild cramping and bleeding may occur. This bleeding is usually much lighter in color and flow than a normal menstrual period, and lasts for a shorter duration.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting often shows up between two and eight weeks after conception, states the American Pregnancy Association. These are thought to occur in early pregnancy due to the rising levels of the hormone estrogen. This hormone causes slowing of the gastrointestinal system. The good news is that most women will experience relief from nausea and vomiting as they enter the second trimester of pregnancy. A small number of women will go on to experience these symptoms throughout the duration of their pregnancy.
Breast Swelling and Tenderness
Women may notice changes in their breasts---they may be tender to the touch, sore or swollen, states the Mayo Clinic. This occurs due to the rising hormones of your pregnancy. Your breasts may feel similar to or more severe than the way that they may feel prior to your menstrual period. You may also notice that the areola, the area around the nipple, appears darker and larger in size. Some women may be able to see veins on their breast tissue. The body is beginning to prepare itself for breast feeding.
Missed Period
One tell-tale sign of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period. If you are trying to become pregnant and your period is overdue, it is time to take a home pregnancy test. Fluctuation in weight, stress and hormonal changes may also lead to menstrual irregularity. If your test is negative, you should wait two days and then take another test. Pregnancy hormones double approximately every 48 hours. It is possible that you can be pregnant but it may be too early for your urine test to be positive.
