Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnancy symptoms are physical and hormonal changes that may occur after conception. Early signs can begin as soon as one to two weeks after pregnancy starts and vary from person to person. While these symptoms can indicate pregnancy, they may also be caused by other factors.
What are common pregnancy symptoms?
Common early pregnancy symptoms include (according to the Mayo Clinic):
Missed period
Tender, swollen breasts
Nausea with or without vomiting
Increased urination
Fatigue
Mood changes
Details about each are listed below. These symptoms can also be caused by other factors, like stress and medications. The only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant is by getting a pregnancy test.
Nausea (morning sickness)
Nausea can happen any time of day or night and may begin as early as three weeks after conception. Certain smells or foods may trigger nausea.
Fatigue
You may feel unusually tired even one week after conceiving. This may be due to higher levels of the hormone progesterone.
Missed Period
A missed period is often the first sign of pregnancy. However, other factors like weight gain or loss, stress and starting birth control can also affect your cycle. It’s a good idea to get a pregnancy test to find out.
Increased Urination
You may notice the need to urinate more often than usual.
Tender/swollen breasts
Hormonal changes in early pregnancy may make your breasts sore, tender, sensitive, tingly or uncomfortable.
Food cravings or aversions
Related to morning sickness, hormonal changes can cause strong cravings or make foods you normally like seem unappealing.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms and aren’t sure what they mean, talking to someone can help.
Can these symptoms mean something else?
Because PMS and early pregnancy symptoms overlap (e.g., bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness), here’s how to distinguish them:
Timing: Pregnancy symptoms often intensify instead of fading into a period.
Duration: Pregnancy symptoms persist and grow stronger.
Unique signs: Implantation bleeding (light spotting) and early (somewhat consistent) nausea are more unique to pregnancy.
Sometimes stress and medication changes can make you miss a period and feel unusual. If you’re unsure, the best way to find out is to get a pregnancy test and consult a professional.
Free pregnancy testing in Northern Virginia
We provide free and confidential pregnancy testing at four locations in Northern Virginia. You will receive accurate and reliable results with guidance from our nurses. Contact us today to schedule pregnancy testing.
How Mosaic Supports You
Mosaic is a safe and judgment-free space where you can:
Explore and understand all of your options and questions
Speak with a caring, licensed medical team
Access medical services like pregnancy testing, ultrasounds and STI testing
Join parenting classes, support groups, or one-on-one counseling
You are not alone! Our advocates and nurses are here to guide you with care and support you every step of the way. Call or text us today!
