All pregnancies are different and, therefore, pregnancy symptoms are not the same for all women.  However, there are symptoms that are common to most women in the early stages of pregnancy.  It is important to know and understand what is happening in the early stages of pregnancy because each symptom alone can be unrelated to pregnancy.  Some women know from the moment of conception that they are pregnant, some feel the changes coming on in the early weeks of the first trimester, and others have no symptoms at all.  Listed below are several of the most reported pregnancy symptoms.

Implantation Bleeding:

An early sign can occur just 6-12 days after conception.  When the fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus, some blood can be released, resulting in a small amount of spotting and possible cramping.

Menstruation Changes:

A late or missed period  is the most common sign that causes a woman to take a pregnancy test.  It is possible to bleed while you are pregnant, but the bleeding will be less than normal.

*It is important to note that there are other reasons why a period can be late, such as fatigue, stress, weight changes, hormonal issues, breastfeeding, and stopping birth control pills.

Breast Changes:

Another early sign that can begin 1-2 weeks after you have conceived is tender or swollen breasts.  They may feel sore, swollen, or tender when touched.  Also, the areola, or skin surrounding your nipples, may darken.

*Other reasons you may have breast tenderness could be birth control pills, hormonal issues, or your impending period.  Hormonal imbalance could cause darkening of the areola.

Fatigue/I’m So Tired!:

Feeling tired is something that a pregnant woman will feel throughout her pregnancy and it can begin a week after conception.

*Illness, stress, depression, and exhaustion can make you feel this way as well.

Morning Sickness/Nausea:

If you experience this symptom, it will usually start in the first few weeks after conception.  Some women do not experience this symptom, yet others suffer through it for the whole pregnancy.

*Stress, stomach problems, and food poisoning could cause this feeling as well.

Backaches:

Some women experience lower back pain in the early stages of pregnancy.  This usually goes away in the second trimester and returns toward the end of pregnancy when the baby’s weight affects the back.  Many women have a dull backache through their whole pregnancy.

*Other back problems, stress, or an impending period can also cause back pains.

Headaches:

Early in pregnancy, your body’s sudden surge in hormones can cause headaches.  Be sure to drink a lot of water and get enough rest.

*An impending period, dehydration, eye strain, caffeine withdrawal, and other problems can cause headaches.

Frequent Urination:

You will be visiting the bathroom much more often starting around 6 weeks after conception and this will occur again as you near the end of your pregnancy, as well.

*Drinking too much liquid, taking a diuretic, having diabetes, or having a urinary tract infection can also cause this problem.

Food Cravings:

Many women crave a specific food during pregnancy, whereas others crave anything sweet, salty, or sometimes, strange.  Normal smells may turn your stomach and make you not want to eat things that you normally love.

*Stress, poor diet, lack of certain nutrients, impending period, or depression can be another explanation for this.