Every woman will to have different bodily signs to show if she is pregnant. The most

common pregnancy sign is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle. It is important to

understand pregnancy symptoms because the symptom may be related to something

other than pregnancy.

You may develop pregnancy symptoms as often as one week after conception. Some

women will not develop pregnancy symptoms at all. Some common pregnancy

symptoms are:

Spotting

Caused by the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall.

It usually occurs 6-12 days after conception.

This may include light bleeding and cramping.

Other explanations for spotting could be your actual period is coming, changes in

hormones, or changes in birth control pill.

Missed or Different Period

If you have missed your period, you could take an over the counter pregnancy test to

help determine if you are pregnant or not

Many women will still have a period even though they are pregnant

Some women will continue menstruation through several months of their pregnancy

Light bleeding during the first menstruation period after becoming pregnant is common

Other explanations for missed or different periods are weight changes, hormonal

problems, tension, birth control pills, and stress

Tender Breasts

Usually 1 to 2 weeks after conception, a woman may notice changes in their breasts

Darkening of the areolas, the skin around the nipples, may also occur in the early stages

of pregnancy

Fatigue

Feeling tired is a common symptom of early pregnancy

Other explanations can include stress, depression, a cold or flu, or other illness

Nausea or Vomiting

Usually begin between 2 and 8 weeks after conception

Some women will never deal with it and others start to get sick very early on in their

pregnancy

Backaches

It is common to experience back pain throughout a pregnancy as your body adjusts

Other explanations are stress, PMS, or physical strain

Headaches

The changing of hormones can cause headaches

Other mental strains or eye problems can also be an explanation

Frequent Urination

Usually occurs around 6-8 weeks after conception as the uterus pushes on the bladder

Other explanations are urinary tract infections, or possibly other medical problems

Food Cravings

You may crave a specific food, not necessarily pickles and ice cream

May have an aversion to certain foods

Other explanations are poor diet or lacking of a certain nutrient, also stress and

depression

Pregnancy symptoms can be similar to other medical issues. If you think you are

pregnant, you can first take an over the counter test. Pregnancy tests are very accurate

and if the test says you are pregnant, you probably are. If the pregnancy test comes back

negative and you still have not received your period after another 5 days, you should

retake the test. It is possible you took the test too early before. If you still have not had

your period, it is important to see your doctor; you may be pregnant or have another

medical issue.

If you should suspect or discover you are pregnant, it is very important that you make an

appointment to see your health care provider. Prenatal care is essential for both you and

your baby’s health. Today there are many options available if you have an unplanned

pregnancy. You can visit Lifetime Adoption for more information on adoption, and to

chat live. In today’s adoption world, you can choose how involved you want to be with

the adoptive family. Open adoption offers women the option of finding a forever family

for their baby, while maintaining contact through letters and pictures.