Symptoms of Early Pregnancy
Implantation Bleeding:
About 5-8 days after conception the embryo implants itself
into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting
as well as some cramping.
Other Explanations:
Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth
control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.
Delay/Difference in Menstruation:
When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed.
Some women do bleed while they are pregnant, but typically
the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal
period.
Other Explanations:
Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems,
tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or
breast-feeding.
Fatigue/Tiredness:
This symptom can also start as early as the first week after
conception.
Other Explanations:
Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other
illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.
Swollen/Tender Breasts:
Starting as early as 1-2 weeks after conception, many women
will notice changes in their breasts. They will be tender to
the touch, sore, or swollen.
Other Explanations:
Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending
menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to be swollen
or tender.
Nausea/Morning Sickness:
This well-known symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks
after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with
morning sickness at all while others will feel nauseous
through most of their pregnancy.
Other Explanations:
Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also
cause you to feel queasy.
Frequent Urination:
Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself
making a few extra trips to the bathroom.
Explanations:
Urinary tract infection, diabetes, or taking excessive
diuretics.
Darkening of areolas:
If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get
darker.
Other Explanations:
Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or may be a
leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.
Backaches:
Dull backaches can be present throughout an entire
pregnancy.
Other Explanations:
Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and
physical or mental strains.
Headaches:
The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to
have headaches early in pregnancy.
Other Explanations:
Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, eye strain, or other
ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.
Food Cravings:
While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and
ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods
when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire
pregnancy.
Other Explanations:
Poor diet, lacking a certain nutrient, stress, depression,
or impending menstruation.
If you are experiencing any or several of these symptoms,
and would like to schedule a pregnancy test, please call
LifeChoices at 417-624-8030 or toll-free 1-800-638-1023. All
of our services are completely confidential. You can
also click
here to schedule an appointment.
** The information contained on this site is for educational
purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment.
Any information found on this site should be discussed with
a health care professional. Use of this information should
be done in accordance with the health care plan outlined by
your health care professional. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. **
