Do you think you might be pregnant? Here are 10 pregnancy signs commonly experienced in the first several weeks after conception: [1-2]
- Late/missed menstrual period (amenorrhea typically lasts the entire pregnancy)
- Tender, swollen, and/or tingling breasts (this can begin as early as a few days after conception)
- Fatigue, drowsiness and/or faintness
- Nausea and/or vomiting, a.k.a. “morning sickness” (although it can occur at any time of day)
- Frequent urination (usually begins 6-8 weeks after conception)
- Darkening of the areola (the area around your breast nipple) and elevation of the tiny glands around the nipple
- Increased vaginal secretions (less commonly, some women might also experience light spotting about 5-10 days after conception)
- Food cravings
- Sudden aversion and/or sensitivity to certain smells and/or foods
- A feeling of fullness, bloating, or ache in the lower abdomen (less commonly, some women might also experience abdominal cramping — similar to the feeling of menstrual cramps — in the first few weeks of pregnancy)
Most of these early signs of pregnancy are a result of hormonal changes that occur almost immediately after conception. [1-2]
Of course, not all women experience all of the 10 pregnancy signs listed above.
The most convincing indication of pregnancy is a positive pregnancy test (performed at home or given by your health care practitioner) and confirmation of the baby’s heartbeat.
The heartbeat can be detected at about 10-12 weeks with a sensitive ultrasound Doppler device. (NB. With a regular stethoscope, the heartbeat cannot be heard until about 18-20 weeks after conception).
Other signs of early pregnancy that your doctor/health practitioner might look for in a medical exam include: softening of the uterus and cervix (begins within 2-8 weeks after conception); enlarging uterus (after 8 weeks or so); and/or using ultrasound to see the embryo or gestational sac (as early as 4-6 weeks after conception). [2]
References for this 10 Pregnancy Signs article:
1. Simkin, Penny, Janet Whalley, and Ann Keppler. Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide, Rev Upd Edition. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2001.
2. Eisenberg, Arlene, Murkoff, Heidi and Sandee Hathaway. What to Expect When You’re Expecting, 4th Edition. New York: Workman Publishing, 2008.
