Early Pregnancy Symptoms :

Early Pregnancy Symptoms Overview :

  Early pregnancy symptoms are caused by the pregnancy hormone hCG or "Human Chorionic Gonadotropin." Even though hCG is not usually detectable in large quantities in blood or urine until after a missed menstrual period, early symptoms of pregnancy can sometimes happen before a missed period and before a positive early pregnancy test.
  Early signs of pregnancy and pregnancy symptoms differ from one pregnant women to the next . Some pregnant women experience early signs of pregnancy within a week after ovulation, fertilization and conception. In other pregnant women, early pregnancy symptoms may develop much later, well after a missed period and / or positive pregnancy test. Other women may not have early signs of pregnancy at all.

The most significant early signs of pregnancy is a late or missed menstrual period, but the only definitive diagnosis is a positive pregnancy test.

When Do Early Pregnancy Symptoms Appear?  

Small amounts of hCG enter the blood stream several days after implantation, about 8-10 days after ovulation and before a missed period. Therefore, pregnancy symptoms do not typically appear until the hCG has reached sufficient levels, about 1-2 weeks after you miss your period (3-4 weeks after ovulation, or 2-3 weeks after implantation). Though pregnancy symptoms may suggest that a woman is pregnant, a positive pregnancy test is needed to confirm a pregnancy. 

Early Pregnancy Symptoms Timeline:  

Pregnancy Symptoms			Timing of Pregnancy Symptom
Temperature drop (dip) "See More"			Implantation day
Implantation bleeding or spotting:(a slight staining  of a pink or brown color)			8-10 days after ovulation
Lower abdominal cramps / Implantation cramps / hot  flashes			8-10 days after ovulation
A positive blood hCG pregnancy test			10 days after fertilization/ovulation
A positive urine home pregnancy test (HPT)			10-14 days after ovulation/fertilization
An elevated BBT			15+ days without a menstrual period
No period. A missed menstrual period  (Amenorrhea)			Your period is supposed to come 14-16 days after ovulation
Nausea			2-4 weeks after ovulation
Nipple or breast tenderness			3-4 weeks after conception
Fatigue and tiredness			3-10 weeks after conception
Vomiting			3-10 weeks after conception
Food cravings			1-2 months after conception
Frequent urination			Usually after 1-2 months
Softening of cervix			6+ weeks after LMP
Constipation			Later
Lower-back pain			Later
Breast changes			After 14 weeks
Fetal heartbeat on sonogram			8-9 weeks after conception
Fetal movements			18-20+ weeks

I think I'm pregnant, now what?

As soon as you think you might be pregnant, you should visit your OBGYN or a pregnancy clinic or help center for a pregnancy test. If you are pregnant it is important to:

• Learn what to expect from pregnancy and how to care for yourself and your growing baby. 
• Take a prenatal vitamin containing the recommended vitamins and minerals (including folic acid).
• Ensure your nutritional needs are being met by learning about pregnancy nutrition and what foods you should and should not eat during pregnancy. 
• If you smoke or drink alcohol, you should stop immediately — tobacco and alcohol can harm your unborn child.
• Take inventory of your prescribed and over-the-counter medications and make sure they are safe to take during pregnancy. Certain medications can harm the fetus . (See More About To-Do List)