Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms

Understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is important because each symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy. Some women experience signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a week of conception. For other women, pregnancy symptoms may develop over a few weeks or may not be present at all.

The easiest way for detecting pregnancy is with the help of a pregnancy test. There are different types of pregnancy tests. Most of these tests work by estimating the presence of a pregnancy hormone termed human chorionic gonadtotrophin. Some pregnancy tests are very sensitive and can give a clear positive result before a missed period.

Below is a listing of some of the most common pregnancy signs & symptoms. If you have been sexually active and experiencing any of the following symptoms it is important to take a pregnancy test.

Delay/Difference in Menstruation:A delayed or missed menstruation is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.


Breast Changes: Changes in the breasts are one of the very early pregnancy symptoms. The breasts of the pregnant woman appear swollen. They may also become tender and painful to touch. This change takes place because of the hormonal changes. Some women even feel tingling sensations in their breasts. Sometimes the beasts also become very itchy. The nipple area may become sore. The areolas get darker. The increased supply of blood towards breasts causes the veins to become more obvious. The blood supply increases to prepare for the breast-feeding.

Tiredness: Feeling tired and fatigued soon after conception is a common very early pregnancy symptom. The reason is the increased level of progesterone hormone. This hormone is essential for preparing the uterus lining for the implantation.

Cramping: Cramping also termed "implantation cramping" generally takes place when the fertilized egg travels towards the uterus and attaches itself in the uterus lining. This cramping is generally felt before 3 to 7 days before the next period is due. Some women also experience slight bleeding along with cramping and can sometimes be mistaken as an early period.

Excessive Urination: It is a trademark of pregnancy. The body starts to produce more blood soon after implantation. This is to ensure the adequate blood supply to placenta, baby and uterus. The increased blood production results in an increased blood passing through urine and kidneys. This is an earliest pregnancy symptom noticed by most women.