One of the most common very early signs of pregnancy in the 1st week is a missed period. But a missed period alone doesn’t always indicate you’re pregnant; there can be other reasons, too. Stress, diet changes, or hormonal imbalance can also delay it. The only accurate way to confirm pregnancy is by running a test, especially if you’re romantically involved.

Pregnancy symptoms may begin within 1 to 2 weeks after your last period when an egg is released from your ovary and meets a sperm in the fallopian tube. If fertilization occurs, the tiny embryo enters your uterus and sticks to its wall; that’s when conception officially starts.

Around this time, your body may start showing you early signs, such as tender breasts, mild cramps, and fatigue. Some women also notice light spotting or nausea. These changes are not harmful but are your body’s way of adjusting to new hormones and preparing you for the proper growth of your little one.

The 10  Signs of Early Pregnancy

The symptoms of pregnancy can differ from person to person. That depends on individual factors, including the stage of pregnancy. Some women start to have symptoms soon after conception, while others don’t notice symptoms until later in the pregnancy.

Here are some of the common earliest signs of pregnancy that you can notice: 

• Missed Period (Very 1st Symptoms of Pregnancy)

This can happen because of rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, a hormone that is produced in the placenta 8–10 days after conception). This prevents the menstrual cycle from continuing.

• Breast Changes: Tenderness or Enlargement

Swollen or tender breasts can happen due to increased estrogen and progesterone. They help prepare the breasts for milk production.

• Morning Sickness (Nausea & Vomiting)

It can generally occur between 2 and 8 weeks after conception. This can be brought about by high hormone levels, especially hCG and estrogen, influencing the stomach’s function and sense of smell.

• Fatigue

Fatigue can occur in the 1st week after conception due to increased progesterone and higher energy demand for digestive and other processes during early pregnancy.

• Frequent Urge to Pee

It can be noticed after a period is missed because the body generates additional blood and fluid to support the developing fetus. The growing uterus presses on the bladder and makes the kidneys work harder to filter more volumes of blood to discharge waste products into the urine. This leads to more frequent urination

• Spotting (Light Vaginal Bleeding)

This is known as implantation bleeding. It occurs because the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, leading to mild bleeding or spotting.

• Bloating

The female reproductive hormone (progesterone) relaxes digestive muscles, slowing digestion, leading to bloating and sensations of fullness.

Other symptoms due to the body’s digestive system may include abdominal fullness, discomfort, etc.

• Mood Swings (Sign of Hormonal Fluctuations)

Hormonal fluctuations, especially estrogen and progesterone, affect neurotransmitters (messenger chemicals) in the brain. This leads to mood swings, emotional roller coasters, increased irritability, sensitivity, and frequent anger.

• Food Cravings or Aversions

Changes in hormones and sense of smell and taste can cause sudden likes or dislikes of certain foods. Women can experience unexplained cravings or a willingness to eat certain foods, like sour food or sour fruit, or an unexplained desire to eat strange things that are not food, such as soil or paper.

• Headaches and Dizziness

Hormonal changes, increased blood circulation, and fluctuating blood sugar levels can lead to headaches and dizziness.

Also Read: 12 Essential Nutrients and Their Sources for a Healthy Pregnancy

Some Other Symptoms of Early Pregnancy

1. Cramping
2. Backache
3. Vaginal discharge
4. Constipation
5. Shortness of breath
6. Heartburn
7. Acne

All these signs show that your body is changing to maintain a healthy pregnancy and support the growing embryo.

What Should I Do if I Think I’m Pregnant?

If your symptoms indicate that you might be pregnant. First, run a pregnancy test for confirmation. The best time to conduct the test is with your first-morning urine, as the pregnancy hormone (hCG levels) is at its peak at this time. Wait for at least 1 week to 10 days after a missed period for accurate results.

Then visit your doctor for the right guidance, and then follow their advice, like:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Get regular, moderate prescribed exercise
• Do not drink or smoke
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Have a quality sleep
• Take the doctor’s recommended prenatal vitamins

Why Do These Early Pregnancy Symptoms Happen?

These early pregnancy symptoms arise due to:

• Rapid hormonal and physiological changes to support embryo implantation and growth. 
• A rise in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone to meet the pregnancy requirement. 
• Increased blood flow, energy demands, and uterine expansion lead to frequent urination, bloating, and mild cramping to adjust your body to sustain the implanted embryo.

Conclusion

These early pregnancy changes may feel uncomfortable or annoying; however, they are not harmful. They’re the indication for the new journey of your life, and your body is working beautifully to support and nurture little life. Hormonal fluctuation, increased blood flow, and bladder expansion are simply preparing you for your baby’s growth.

Just as your body adapts to sustain pregnancy, you can safeguard your baby’s future health by preserving their cord blood stem cells, an invaluable step many Singaporean parents take with Cryoviva Singapore (successfully stored over 10,000 umbilical cord blood). This step will protect your child against potential future diseases.

Also Read: Can Cord Blood Help Treat Autism, Leukemia or Cerebral Palsy?

FAQs

• How soon can pregnancy symptoms start?

Pregnancy symptoms can vary based on individual factors. But they can start as early as 1–2 weeks after conception when hCG, estrogen, and progesterone levels start rising​

• Am I pregnant or just overthinking?

Common PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and early pregnancy symptoms overlap. That’s why you run an hCG-based pregnancy test or ultrasound to confirm pregnancy.

• What are 100% signs of pregnancy?

A missed period with a positive blood pregnancy test detecting the hCG hormone is the only 100% valid sign of pregnancy.​

• When do pregnancy cravings start?

Cravings generally show up by 5–8 weeks of pregnancy as hormonal fluctuations change your sense of taste and smell.​

• What are the first 72 hours of pregnancy symptoms?

In the first 72 hours post-fertilization, most women experience no noticeable symptoms as early implantation begins silently.