The Very First Signs of Pregnancy

The very first signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman. Often, a woman does not realize she is pregnant until she misses her period. She may notice signs such as increasing fatigue or tenderness in the breasts, but these symptoms can also be caused by other things. Other women are certain they're pregnant at the moment of conception.

To make sure your baby gets the best prenatal care, it's good to know the first signs of being pregnant. At the first sign of pregnancy, take a pregnancy test and schedule an appointment with your doctor.

What to Look for
Some of the earliest indicators of pregnancy include the following:

• Tenderness and enlargement of the breasts. This can occur as early as one week after conception. The areolas will also darken and veins will become more visible.
• Morning sickness. Contrary to its name, this can occur at any time during the day or night. Morning sickness usually begins within one to two weeks after conception.
• Fatigue. This is common in the early stages of pregnancy, and it often continues throughout the first trimester. It is not unusual for you to feel fatigued throughout the entire preganancy.
• Spotting and cramping. This occurs about 8 to 10 days after ovulation. This will happen earlier than your normal period, and the discharge is not as red or as heavy as your regular period. This happens when the embryo attaches itself to the uterine lining.
• Frequent need to urinate. About six to eight weeks after conception, your uterus starts putting more pressure on your bladder. This causes you to have to use the bathroom more often.

Other signs that are common in some women, but not in others, may include elevated temperature, constipation, dizziness, backaches, headaches, excessive salivation, heartburn, lower abdominal cramps and the well-known cravings for strange food. Food cravings can happen at any time of the day or night, whether or not you have that particular food in the house.