Early Pregnancy Signs: What to Expect in the First Weeks

Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms

1. Implantation bleeding: Light spotting 6–12 days after conception.
2. Breast tenderness: Swelling, soreness, tingling from hormonal changes.
3. Fatigue: Progesterone-induced exhaustion, often profound.
4. Nausea/vomiting: "Morning sickness" typically starts around week 6, peaks week 8–10.
5. Food aversions/cravings: Sudden dislike for certain foods or desire for unusual items.
6. Constipation: Progesterone slows gastrointestinal motility.
7. Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations affect neurotransmitters.
8. Missed period: The most reliable early sign; prompts pregnancy testing.

Important Notes

• Symptoms vary widely; some women have few or none.
• Many symptoms mimic PMS or other conditions.
• A positive home pregnancy test should be confirmed by a healthcare provider.
• If you miss a period and test negative, repeat in a week or see a doctor to rule out other causes.