Early signs of pregnancy

Am I pregnant? Sometimes it's difficult to know. Pregnancy signs differ from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy. Some women spot early pregnancy signs within a week of conception and others may not get any pregnancy symptoms at all.

There is no better guarantee to tell if you're pregnant than by taking a pregnancy test and confirming it with your doctor but if you think you might be pregnant, have a look at our guide to early pregnancy signs.

Early pregnancy signs

Pregnancy symptom: Bleeding or 'spotting'

About a week after conception, the embryo pushes itself into the wall of the uterus (or womb). This causes some light bleeding or spots of blood to appear in your knickers. You may even get stomach cramps while the embryo is moving.
What else could it be? Your period (although some women still get light periods throughout their pregnancy), changes with the Pill; such as forgetting to take it or taking it during your seven-day break, an infection, or bleeding from sex.
- Get more info about bleeding during pregnancy

Pregnancy symptom: Tender breasts

As early as 1-2 weeks after conception you might notice a difference in your breasts. Your nipples might be sensitive to the touch, they may be sore or they may change shape and become swollen - meaning your bra might not fit as well as normal.
What else could it be? It could be your pill or you might be due on your period - many early signs of pregnancy are similar to when you're having a period or are due on.

Pregnancy symptom: Missed period

Around 4-5 weeks after conception, this is the most common symptom, and is usually the first one you might pick up on. After the embryo has attached itself to the wall of the uterus, the wall builds itself up so the embryo is well cushioned - rather than break down and cause a period.
What else could it be? Stress, changing your contraception or excessive weight gain or loss.

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