Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy; however, one of the most significant pregnancy symptoms is a delayed or missed period.The onset and degree of pregnancy symptoms will vary within women. Many women experience them within days of conception, others take a few weeks before pregnancy symptoms kick in and a lucky few feel no discomfort at all. The early pregnancy symptoms listed here generally can be felt once implantation occurs (7- 11 days from ovulation) and will lessen after the first trimester. 

Understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is important because each symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy. You may experience signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a week of conception. However, it is possible you may not experience any symptoms for a few weeks.Symptoms to watch for early on include a missed period, headaches, tender breasts, nausea and lower backaches. If you have been sexually active and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to take a pregnancy test.

Read more below about symptoms:

 Vomiting and Nausea 

Vomiting and Nausea may come as early as a week into the pregnancy. Many women experience illness in the morning (morning sickness), some in the afternoon or evening, others feel nausea throughout the entire day. There is no explanation as to why pregnant women feel this or even a solution as to how to prevent it - however, eating small frequent meals, and snacking on saltine crackers seems to give some kind of relief. Eating a protein/carbo-hydrate at bedtime (try an apple and a glass of milk) tends to lessen the nausea that occurs in the morning

Explanation: Food poisoning, stress, change in hormonal birth control method or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.

Light bleeding (spotting)

Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About 6-12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping.

Explanation: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.

Breast Tenderness

Breasts may be very tender, swollen and start to enlarge. Many times the

 veins within the breast will become more visible. Your nipples may start to

 darken in color, become more erect and be extremely sensitive. These

 symptoms are due to increasing amount of HCG hormone that begins at

 implantation.

Delay/Difference in Menstruation

A delayed or missed period 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.
Explanation: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, illness or breastfeeding
Frequent Urination

Pregnancy causes the uterus to swell and it will start to enlarge for the

 growing fetus immediately. The uterus puts pressure on your bladder making

 you feel the need for more frequent urination. Many women start to feel this

 symptom within a week or two after pregnancy has occurred.

Explanation: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or 

taking excessive diuretics.

Swollen/Tender Breasts

A swollen or tender breast is a pregnancy symptom which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. Women may notice changes in their breasts; they may be tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.

Explanation: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to be swollen or tender.

Feeling Tired / Sluggish

This one is pretty obvious. When pregnant your body is going through some

 major hormonal changes. HCG levels alone go from 0 - 250,000 mIU/ml in

 just twelve weeks. Your temperature is also higher due to the amount

 progesterone circulating through your body which will also make you feel a 

little sluggish.

Fatigue/Tiredness

Feeling fatigued or more tired is a pregnancy symptom which can also start as early as the first week after conception.

Explanation: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.

Dizziness and/or Fainting

When standing in one place you may feel dizzy or even faint. The growing

 uterus compresses major arteries in your legs which causes your blood

 pressure to drop making you extremely light headed. Skipping meals or going

 too long without eating may cause you to feel dizzy or faint. When not

 eating frequently enough it causes low blood sugar. Blood sugar is the

 primary source of food for your baby so it will be depleted much more quickly.

Headaches

The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy.

Explanation: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation, eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches

 Constipation

Pregnancy hormones will slow down bowel functions to give maximum absorption time of vitamins and nutrients. Unfortunately, this symptom usually only gets worse as the pregnancy progresses

Food Cravings or Food Aversions

While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy. Some women develop aversions to certain types of food early in pregnancy and this too can last for the next 9 months.
Explanation: Poor diet, lack of a certain nutrient, stress, depression, illness or impending menstruation.
Heartburn

The uterus is very swollen and starts to push upward as it grows. The

 increasing levels of HCG will also slow down digestion making your stomach

 not empty as fast which increases the stomach acid.

Backaches

Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy; however, it is common to experience a dull backache throughout pregnancy.

Explanation: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.

Irritability

Raging hormones are the cause of this...along with having to put up with all 

the other symptoms. This symptom should decrease soon into the second

 trimester but until then, a healthy diet, moderate exercise and plenty of

 sleep should help the crabbiness somewhat.