Early Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

For many women, a missed period is the first indication of pregnancy. However, by the time your period is late, the egg has already implanted in the uterus, and your hormones have already begun changing. Both of these events can lead to early pregnancy symptoms.

Implantation Bleeding
Approximately a week after conception, the fertilized egg implants itself in your uterus. In some women, this can lead to implantation bleeding, which is usually mild spotting and may not even be noticed. Implantation bleeding is perfectly normal, though not all women may experience it. If the spotting becomes heavy, or is accompanied by severe cramps, you should contact your doctor.

Sore or Swollen Breasts
Surging hormones can lead to breast swelling and/or tenderness. This symptom can also indicate an impending menstrual period.

Increased Urination
Though the baby isn't pressing on your bladder yet, pregnancy increases the amount of fluids in your body, making your kidneys work harder and send more fluids to your bladder.

Morning Sickness
This pregnancy symptom can begin as early as four weeks. Nausea and vomiting can happen at any time of day. Nausea can be minimized by eating small, frequent meals.

Other Symptoms
Other early signs of pregnancy include increased tiredness, bloating and even moodiness. All three of these are related to the changing levels of hormones your body experiences during pregnancy.

When Can You Take a Test?
Pregnancy tests can be taken at the first sign of a missed period. Some advertise accurate results as early as five days before your missed period. Keep in mind that the hormone that pregnancy tests detect, hCG, may not appear in your urine until up to twelve days past the egg's fertilization. If you suspect you may be pregnant but get a negative test result, try waiting a few days and testing again.