Some women may feel pregnant soon after conception, while others may not experience any symptoms for some time into their pregnancy.
The symptoms below are some of those frequently reported by women as signs of pregnancy, but to be certain, the best option is to perform a Home Pregnancy Test or have your doctor perform a test to confirm pregnancy.
Missed period
(Amenorrhoea) This is a common sign of pregnancy but is not absolute. See your doctor or perform a home pregnancy or urine test if you have missed a period or suspect you may be pregnant. (It is possible to continue to have light periods for some months when you are pregnant.)
Morning sickness
It is possible to begin feeling nauseated as early as a few days after conception. Remember that morning sickness doesn't just occur in the morning, it can occur any time of the day.
Sore, swollen breasts
Tender, swollen breasts is a common sign of pregnancy. Many women describe the feeling as similar to breast soreness prior to a period, only more tender.
Changed appearance of breasts
The skin around your nipples (areolas) usually darkens in colour when you are pregnant and you may notice enlarged veins on the surface of the breasts.
Extreme tiredness
Extreme fatigue is a common pregnancy symptom caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone, which has a sedative effect.
Frequent urination
(Micturition) As early as one week after conception you may find yourself feeling the need to urinate (usually only small amounts of urine) more frequently.
Food cravings
You may feel an overwhelming urge to eat certain foods.
Changed tastes or strange tastes
Some pregnant women describe a metallic taste in their mouth when they are pregnant. You may also find that foods you usually enjoy taste different - to the point that you cannot bear to eat them!
Smells
You may find that common smells can make you nauseous and that you have a heightened sense of smell. Your perfume may also begin to smell different on your skin.
Of course, everybody is different, and people suspect they are pregnant based on all sorts of symptoms. Once you know you are pregnant, visit the Essential Baby discussion groups and let us know the first symptom that made you suspect you were pregnant.
Chat to other Essential Baby members about Pregnancy and Symptoms.