Due Date Calculator

Summary:The early signs of pregnancy are an indication that a couple are about to be a mom and dad. Of course, the only guaranteed way to determine pregnancy is with a pregnancy test, which can be purchased at just about every pharmacy or supermarket, but there are some clear signs that are an indication to buy the test or make an appointment with your doctor.

Many people already know that when a woman gets pregnant, she misses her period, but this takes about 4 weeks to happen, and there are signs that can happen as soon as two weeks after conception. Some indicators that a woman can watch for besides missing her menstrual period are morning sickness, tender or swollen breasts, cramping and spotting, food aversions or cravings and several other physical symptoms.

The infamous morning sickness may start as soon as two weeks after conception. The term morning sickness is actually a misnomer, since it strikes at any time day or night and can even be non-stop for the first trimester. It consists of nausea that may or may not include vomiting. Pregnant women also have a heightened sense of smell, which can make pregnancy sickness even worse. If you notice yourself smelling perfumes, smoke or cooking smells more strongly even to the point of nausea, it could be that you’re pregnant. The reason for this is that implantation of the fertilized embryo releases hormones into the female body which, for lack of a better phrase, can wreak havoc. Be encouraged, though, because those hormones that make you hug the toilet are the same ones that lower your chance of a miscarriage.

Tender and swollen breasts may be the very first sign of pregnancy as they are tissues that are affected very early on by pregnancy hormones. The changes may make your breasts feel tender, tingly or sore and they may also feel heavier and fuller. Another early sign is fatigue. More than just feeling tired, your energy is completely sapped. It’s caused by increased levels of the hormone progesterone and increased blood production.

One sign that may concern some mothers is light bleeding. This is called implantation bleeding and occurs when the fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus. It’s lighter than menstrual bleeding and may come with slight cramping. Other peculiar symptoms are food cravings and aversions, although you’ll probably experience more aversions during the first trimester if you suffer from morning sickness. Still, the stereotypical picture of a pregnant woman eating pickles and ice cream is not too far from the truth. Also, you may have headaches, but many women deal with an aching head on a regular basis, so this may go unnoticed as an early sign of pregnancy. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it never hurts to get a home pregnancy test. Many brands are able to detect the pregnancy hormone before your first missed period. The sooner you know, the sooner you can begin prenatal care.