Early Signs of Conception (Early pregnancy symptoms)

Every woman’s body is different, so some women experience pregnancy symptoms early on and some may not. If you’re pregnant, it’s preferable to know as soon as possible. Some doctors prefer you to see them before you start trying to get pregnant, so you can adopt the healthiest possible habits early on.

Although it’s possible to get pregnant at any point during your menstrual cycle, you’re more likely to get pregnant if you’ve had unprotected sex when you are ovulating, which occurs about halfway through your cycle (although it can vary). When you are “counting” days in your menstrual cycle, you begin counting based on the first day of your last period. Some women use ovulation tests or ovulation calendars to help determine the date they’re most likely to conceive.

Common Symptoms of Pregnancy

• Missed period. Although a woman’s cycles may vary because of stress, illness, or other reasons, this is the most obvious sign of a possible pregnancy.
• Changes in breasts. Breasts may begin to enlarge, or may be sore, tender, or tingling. The veins in the breasts may become more prominent or the nipple area may darken.
• Exhaustion and moodiness.
• Nausea (morning sickness). This symptom tends to occur with more intensity a few weeks into a pregnancy, but some women experience it almost immediately.
• More frequent urination.

Some women say they “know” they are pregnant very early on, even without these symptoms. But some have no signs at all.

Pregnancy Tests

The easiest way to get a reliable answer as to whether or not you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Urine pregnancy tests are inexpensive and available without a prescription at pharmacies everywhere. The tests measure a level of a hormone that’s present in your body only when you are pregnant. The tests are generally regarded as reliable, so your doctor may ask if you took one. A positive response on a urine pregnancy test is a good indicator that you are pregnant. Some pregnancy tests claim to be able to determine if you’re pregnant even before you miss a period—as early as a week after you’ve conceived.

But it’s possible to get a false negative (that is, the test says you’re not pregnant when you are) if you take the test too early in your pregnancy or if you don’t follow the directions. In general, you’ll be advised to take the pregnancy test first thing in the morning, when the concentration of the hormone in your urine is highest. Many pregnancy tests come in double packs so you can repeat the test. Also, some pregnancy tests are more sensitive and can detect lower levels of the hormone than others.

If you are concerned about pregnancy test results, or any aspect of a possible pregnancy, see your doctor. He or she can give you a blood pregnancy test to answer the question for you and if you’re pregnant, can help answer your questions and put your mind at ease.