This entry is re-posted from 2009.
Worried that you may be pregnant? There are often symptoms that occur after conception. Some women will notice changes in their bodies very quickly and some will say that they have very few.
Symptoms can include:
- Missed or unusually light period If your periods are irregular it may be difficult to know you’ve missed a period but not having a period for several months when you are sexually active deserves some attention. Also, it is not unusual for some pregnant women to continue to have some very light bleeding around the time of their normal period.
- Breast swelling or tenderness This can also be a sign of an impending period but it is very common to have very tender breasts or a darkening of the nipple area early in pregnancy due to an increase in hormone levels.
- Morning sickness In spite of its name, morning sickness is mild or severe nausea can occur at any time of day. This symptom often begins around week 8 and usually goes away after the 12th week of pregnancy. Some women find that morning sickness lasts, to some degree, for a longer period of time.
- Fatigue Pregnant women often complain of being “very tired” or noticing a drop in their energy levels. A combination of hormones and the demands of the rapidly growing fetus can result in this common complaint of pregnant women.
- Headache Hormone changes also cause this common symptom of pregnancy. If you start to experience frequent headaches, especially if headaches are a rare occurrence for you, you may be pregnant.
If you are sexually active and are experiencing one or more of these symptoms you may be pregnant. The only way you can be sure is to have a blood or urine pregnancy test or ultrasound. The more sensitive urine tests can detect pregnancy hormone as soon as a week after conception. Ultrasound can give you valuable information about your pregnancy as soon as 4-5 weeks after conception.
Caring Network provides very accurate tests for free. Please call to schedule an appointment at one of our four offices.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.