10 EARLY SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY:

When you are enduring that endless two week wait (TWW) between conception and the time of your next period, any little twinge can feel like a significant symptom! Many women do not have any early signs of pregnancy before 4-6 weeks, but many do experience one or some of the following symptoms. Many of these symptoms are the same as those felt with PMS or other non-pregnancy related reasons. so don't take any one symptom too seriously. The best and most clear evidence that you are pregnant will be your missed period, and a positive pregnancy test, taken at the time your period is due. (Many tests can be taken earlier than this, but they are less reliable when taken before the time you expect your period...so if you get a negative, you will want to take another one several days later anyway!)

1. Implantation Bleeding

One of the earliest and lesser known pregnancy symptoms can be slight bleeding or spotting 5-12 days after conception, when the fertilized egg begins to implant itself into the uterine wall. This is known as "implantation bleeding" and can also be accompanied by some cramping that can feel like PMS symptom. Not all women experience implantation bleeding, so it is not considered a reliable pregnancy sign.

But wait! Could also be caused by: the start of your actual period, abrasion from sex, infection.

2. Tender Breasts

This can be an early (1-2 weeks after conception) sign for some women. Your breasts may feel tender, swollen, somewhat sore, or even itchy. Nipples may be sore or extra sensitive, and sometimes can darken in color.

But wait! Could also be caused by: PMS.

3. Higher basal body temperature

Many women take their temperature each morning on waking as a way to track their ovulation when trying to conceive. Normally, your temperature will spike after ovulation, then slowly decline as your period drawn near. If you are pregnant, though, your temperature does not drop, and in fact may continue to rise (sometimes called a triphasic pattern). These changes in temperature are fairly small, often only a few tenths of a degree, and must be carefully measured at the same time each day before you have gotten out of bed.

But wait! Could also be caused by: illness, not talking your temperature at the same time each morning

4. Tiredness

Feeling tired, or more easily fatigued can be an early symptom of pregnancy, starting as early as a week after conception. Your regular schedule, work, exercise or errands may suddenly seem exhausting.

But wait! Could also be caused by: Stress (especially if you have been on the ttc roller coaster for a while!), illness, depression.

5. Headaches

An increase in headache intensity or frequency can be caused by hormonal swings early in pregnancy.

But wait! Could also be caused by: Stress, PMS, caffeine withdrawal.

6. Nausea

Morning sickness doesn't always happen in the morning - nausea at any time of day can be an early pregnancy symptom, and often shows up between 2 and 8 weeks, although not for all women. If you have nausea or vomiting, try eating bland, small meals more frequently throughout the day. Many women report that their nausea disappears like clockwork at the start of the second trimester, though others do experience it throughout their entire pregnancy.

But wait! Could also be caused by: stress (again!), upset stomach from illness or food poisoning.

7. Frequent Urination

About 6-8 weeks after conception, some women notice they are making more frequent trips to the bathroom, both during the day and overnight. This will probably only get worse as the pregnancy progresses and the growing baby competes with your bladder for space!

But wait! Could also be caused by: Diabetes, Urinary tract infection.

8. Back ache

Some women experience a dull ache in their lower back, sometimes even before the baby has grown large enough to cause weight gain or spine imbalance. Later in the pregnancy, many women have back pain because they are compensating for the weight of the baby with altered posture both while awake and while sleeping. Hormones also start to cause a loosening of your ligaments and connective tissue to allow for delivery. This can lessen the support for your spine and increase your discomfort towards the end of your pregnancy.

But wait! Could also be caused by: PMS, stress, poor posture.

9. Food Cravings

Aversion to Certain Foods, or Heightened Sense of Smell

Pickles and ice cream may be a famous pregnancy craving, but the array of food and drinks that appeal to pregnant women is as varied as can be! Equally common are strong aversions to particular smells or tastes, and a heightened sensitivity to certain aromas (food, perfume, cleaning supplies, gas stations, anything!) A good pre-natal supplement can sometimes ease some of these symptoms.

But wait! Could also be caused by: PMS, Nutrient-poor diet

And finally:

10. A Positive Pregnancy Test

You can drive yourself nuts watching for the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy - of which you may experience only a few, or none! If you can make it through your Two Week Wait, a pregnancy test is the best and most straight-forward proof that you are indeed pregnant. Pregnancy tests work best when taken at or after the time you expect your period. If the pregnancy test result is negative and you still haven't gotten your period, try another one in a few days to be sure.