Pregnancy symptoms can start to appear as early as one to two weeks after conception, which is around the time implantation of the fertilized egg occurs in the uterus. Some of the earliest signs include spotting or cramping, breast tenderness, and fatigue. Many women begin to notice symptoms like nausea (morning sickness), breast changes (such as tenderness and darkening areolas), tiredness, and frequent urination around 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy, which is often around the time of a missed period. Common early pregnancy symptoms include:
- Spotting or light bleeding (implantation bleeding) about 6-12 days after fertilization
- Tender or swollen breasts starting about a week or two after fertilization
- Fatigue or feeling tired, which can start early and continue throughout pregnancy
- Nausea, often beginning before the ninth week, sometimes called morning sickness, which can last throughout the day
- Missed period, a reliable early sign usually noticed around 4 weeks after conception
The timing and presence of symptoms can vary greatly among individuals; some women may experience symptoms very early, while others might not notice any until after a missed period or even later.
