We assess your symptoms and what to do next.
You are making efforts to become pregnant. You know how to engage in se..xual intercourse during your fertile window. You understand that missing your menstrual period is a crucial sign. Let’s explore all the signs and symptoms while discussing how to take a pregnancy test to ensure certainty.
Pregnancy or PMS?
You and your partner are actively attempting to conceive. You’ve engaged in unprotected se..xual intercourse during your fertile window, and now you’re eagerly awaiting the early signs of pregnancy. Pregnancy symptoms can vary widely among women and pregnancies, and the only definitive way to know if you’re pregnant or not is through testing.
Missing a period is typically one of the primary signs of pregnancy. Most at-home pregnancy tests recommend waiting until the first day of your missed period before taking the test. Our nurses and pregnancy experts advise against testing within a day or two of your expected period as it may yield a false negative result. We recommend taking the test after a delay of seven days.
This recommendation is due to the fact that starting your period anywhere from seven days before your expected time to seven days later is considered normal and falls within a “regular” timeframe. Pregnancy tests are most effective when the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) has been produced in your system. This typically occurs 11 to 12 days after ovulation. Most women menstruate about 14 days after ovulation.
Are you experiencing these early signs of pregnancy?
As mentioned, the most significant sign of pregnancy is a missed period. However, you may encounter other early pregnancy signs within the first week:
- Spotting or light bleeding: If pregnant, this symptom is often associated with implantation bleeding and is considered one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Typically, the fetus implants in the uterus between 6 and 12 days after conception. Some women may experience spotting accompanied by mild discomfort, while others might not notice any bleeding or pain. Don’t worry if you’re trying to conceive and don’t experience these symptoms; you can still get pregnant. When implantation occurs, mild bleeding or spotting is entirely normal and may be accompanied by mild pain.
- Nausea or morning sickness: Nausea or morning sickness is the second most commonly reported initial pregnancy symptom. Most expectant women experience nausea, usually appearing between 2 to 8 weeks after conception. Nausea can occur with or without vomiting and may happen at any time of the day. It’s most common during the first trimester and tends to subside for most women, although some may experience it throughout their pregnancy.
- Swollen or tender breasts: Breast changes can begin as early as 1 to 2 weeks after conception.
- Fatigue or exhaustion: Many women consider feeling tired an early sign of pregnancy in the first week after conception.
Symptoms of progressing pregnancy include:
- Back pain: Lower back pain is common and can start early in pregnancy, but it’s typically experienced later as the pregnancy advances, usually around weeks 27 to 34.
- Headaches: Experts believe that a sudden increase in hormones and/or blood flow in your body can trigger headaches. The volume of blood circulating in your body increases by about 50% during pregnancy.
- Frequent urination: It’s not uncommon to feel the need to urinate more frequently between 6 and 8 weeks into pregnancy. You’ll notice this during your pregnancy as the growing baby and expanding uterus exert increased pressure on your bladder.
- Food cravings or aversions: The foods expectant women crave or avoid can vary widely and are often intermittent. It’s perfectly fine to indulge your cravings and avoid items you don’t desire, as long as you’re getting the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. These cravings or aversions can occur early in pregnancy or at any time during it.
- Areola darkening: It’s normal for the area around your nipples to darken.
- Hormonal imbalance
- Changes in hormonal birth control
- Upcoming period
- Mood swings: Pregnant mothers often experience mood swings, mainly due to hormonal changes affecting brain neurotransmitters. Some may have pronounced mood swings, while others may oscillate between periods of happiness and periods of depression or anxiety. Mood swings are normal, but if you’re struggling with prolonged depression or sadness, please reach out to your healthcare provider. Some women prefer to consult directly with a counselor or mental health professional.
But what if you’re not pregnant?
The most commonly reported initial sign of pregnancy, a missed or delayed period, can also be caused by:
- Menstrual delay
- Weight gain or loss
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- New exercise routine
- Hormonal imbalance
- Stress or tension
- Changes in birth control usage
- Various medical conditions
- Breastfeeding
Nausea or morning sickness, the second most frequently mentioned pregnancy symptom, can be attributed to:
- Food poisoning
- Stress or tension
- Anxiety
- Changes in hormonal birth control
- Other gastrointestinal issues
Swollen or tender breasts, the third most prominent sign of pregnancy, may occur due to:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Changes in hormonal birth control
- Approaching menstruation
Fatigue or exhaustion may be caused by:
- Stress or tension
- Overwork
- Depression or other mental health challenges
- Common cold or flu
- New exercise routine
- Allergies or other illnesses
- Lack of sleep
- Poor nutrition
- Menstrual delay
Do we need help getting pregnant?
Our Ultimate Fertility Resource Guide provides essential information about fertility, tips on how to conceive quickly, and ways to enhance fertility through simple lifestyle and mindset changes. The guide is user-friendly and suitable for anyone looking to improve their chances of getting pregnant. It’s available as a free download and includes coupon codes for essential products, even free late-night ice cream.
Common Early Signs of Pregnancy and Their Causes:
Attempting to become pregnant? You know how important it is to have se..xual relations during your fertile window. You understand that missing your period is a key sign. Let’s look at all the signs and symptoms, along with how to confirm pregnancy through a test.
Pregnancy or PMS?
You and your partner are trying to get pregnant. You’ve engaged in unprotected se..xual intercourse during your fertile window, and now you’re eagerly waiting for the initial signs of pregnancy. Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman, and the only way to be certain is by taking a pregnancy test.
A missed period is generally one of the primary signs of pregnancy. When checking for pregnancy, it’s recommended to wait until the first day of your expected menstrual cycle. Our nurses and pregnancy experts are aware that women can get false negative results when they test within one or two days of their expected period. We advise testing after a seven-day delay.
This is because initiating your menstrual cycle at any time within a week before or after your scheduled time is considered normal and still falls within the ‘common’ timeframe. Pregnancy tests work best when the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone, which is produced by the developing embryo, has built up in your system. This usually occurs around 11-12 days after ovulation, which is when most women ovulate, about 14 days before their period.
Are you experiencing these early signs of pregnancy?
As we mentioned, the most important sign of pregnancy is a missed period. However, you may experience other early signs of pregnancy within the first week:
Spotting or Light Bleeding: If you’re pregnant, this symptom is often associated with implantation bleeding and is considered one of the early signs of pregnancy. The embryo is typically implanted in the uterine lining around 6-12 days after conception. Some women may also experience spotting along with mild cramping. Other women may not notice any bleeding or discomfort, so if you’re trying to get pregnant and don’t experience these symptoms, don’t worry. You could still be pregnant. When implantation occurs, light bleeding or spotting is normal, and it’s often accompanied by mild cramps.
Morning Sickness: Morning sickness is the most commonly reported first sign of pregnancy. Most pregnant women experience morning sickness, which typically appears around 2 to 8 weeks into pregnancy. Nausea can occur with or without vomiting. Morning sickness can be experienced throughout the first trimester and then often decreases for most women. However, some may continue to experience nausea or vomiting during their pregnancy, so if you’re trying to get pregnant and don’t experience these symptoms, don’t worry. You could still be pregnant. It’s normal to experience morning sickness at the beginning of your pregnancy or at any time during your pregnancy.
Swollen or Tender Breasts: The changes in breast appearance are common during the early stages of pregnancy and are often due to hormonal changes. Breast changes usually begin around 1-2 weeks after conception.
Feeling Fatigue: Many women experience fatigue in the first week of pregnancy.
Headaches: Experts believe that sudden changes in hormones or increased blood flow can cause headaches. The volume of blood in your body increases by about 50% during pregnancy.
Frequent Urination: Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re urinating more often than usual within 6-8 weeks. You’ll notice the need to urinate during your pregnancy because the growing baby and the growing uterus put extra pressure on your bladder.
Cravings or Aversions: Pregnant women often crave certain foods or try to avoid things they don’t want. These cravings or aversions can be different and may change at any time during your pregnancy. Allowing yourself to indulge in these cravings and avoiding things you don’t want is fine as long as you’re getting essential nutritional components for a healthy pregnancy. These cravings or aversions can happen at the beginning of your pregnancy or at any time during your pregnancy.
Darker Areolas: If the area around your nipple darkens, it’s quite normal.
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Hormonal Birth
- Control Changes
- Upcoming Period
- Fatigue
- Stress or Anxiety
- Changes in Birth Control
- Usage Different Illnesses
- Breastfeeding Process
Fatigue or tiredness can be caused by various factors, including:
Stress or Anxiety Depression or other mental health struggles Common cold or flu Excessive physical exertion New Exercise Routine Allergies or other illnesses Lack of Sleep Inadequate Nutrition Menstrual Cycle Changes
Is Help Needed in Becoming Pregnant?
Our Ultimate Fertility Resource Guide provides you with essential information about fertility, tips on becoming pregnant soon, and ways to promote fertility through occasional lifestyle changes. The guide is easy to read and suitable for anyone who wants to enhance their fertility. It’s a free download, and it includes coupons for necessary products. Also, keep in mind that consuming free ice cream at night is a great option.”