In the first weeks after conception, you will likely experience at least some signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Listed below are the earliest and most common of them.

  • 1. Late menstrual period. This is usually the first hint that you are pregnant. However, many other conditions can delay your period. A late period is not a reliable sign of pregnancy until at least two weeks after the date you would normally expect it.

  • 2. Fatigue. There's good reason for you to feel unusually exhausted during early pregnancy. Your body is much busier than usual. It's producing hormones, including progesterone, which naturally depresses the central nervous system and causes drowsiness. And your blood volume and blood flow also increase, causing your heart to pump harder and faster.

  • 3. Nausea or vomiting. That queasy feeling known as morning sickness can begin a week or two into pregnancy. It typically occurs in the morning, but you can feel it at any time of day. Rapidly rising hormone levels produced by the placenta are to blame--as well as your heightened sense of smell. About two-thirds of all pregnant women experience this type of discomfort.

  • 4. Breast changes. Among the first changes after conception are those in your breasts. They can feel tender, tingly, heavy, and full. As early as two weeks into your pregnancy, your breasts will begin to enlarge and prepare for producing milk. The areolae (the dark areas around the nipples) darken even more due to hormonal changes.

  • 5. Slight bleeding. During the first month of pregnancy, you may notice very slight bleeding or light brown vaginal discharge at the time of month when you would normally get your period. This sign is known as implantation bleeding and is caused by the placenta attaching to the inner wall of the uterus. If you notice any bleeding after the first month of pregnancy, immediately report it to your doctor.

  • 6. Frequent urination. As your uterus enlarges during the first trimester of pregnancy, it pushes against the bladder and decreases the bladder's capacity to hold urine. That means you'll need to urinate more frequently, usually in smaller amounts. The urge to "go" may even awaken you at night.

The signs and symptoms of pregnancy described above are just the first of the enormous physical and emotional changes you will experience as your pregnancy progresses.

Helpful tip:
If you go to your doctor when your period is two weeks late, he or she may see other signs and symptoms of pregnancy that you can't see on your own. Your vagina and cervix, for instance, may appear blue to purplish blue because of increased blood flow. This is known as Chadwick's sign. And your uterus may feel softer, larger, and more round.