The “two week wait” is the time period between intercourse and when you can take a pregnancy test and expect accurate results. This is a stressful time whether you’re waiting for a positive test or hoping for a negative one. However, before you even take a test, look out for some potential early pregnancy symptoms that can show up even before you miss your period.
Many early pregnancy symptoms are similar to those you might experience right before getting your period, which can be confusing. No two women are alike when it comes to early pregnancy symptoms – some have none at all!
So what are some early pregnancy symptoms you should look out for? Read on to find out.
NAUSEA
One of the most well-known symptoms of early pregnancy is nausea and morning sickness. Morning sickness typically occurs about four weeks after conception, but it can also happen before a missed period. Although the name suggests vomiting, morning sickness can involve food aversions and/or nausea.
SORE BREASTS
Another common early pregnancy symptom is sore or tender breasts. You might experience swollen breasts before your period as well, so like many symptoms on this list, it’s hard to know if it’s a pregnancy related symptom until you take a test. However, tender breasts are one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms to look out for.
CRAMPING AND SPOTTING
While some women experience cramping during ovulation, if you have some spotting or mild cramping during the two week wait, you might be pregnant. Implantation bleeding occurs after a fertilized egg moves down from the fallopian tube into the uterus and attaches to the uterine wall. This process happens anywhere between 7-10 days after intercourse. Cramping may or may not accompany implantation bleeding.
FREQUENT URINATION
Have to go to the bathroom more frequently than usual? Increased urination is a well-known symptom of early pregnancy. Pay attention to any new changes in urination patterns. It could be all that water you’re drinking, but don’t rule out pregnancy either.
MISSED PERIOD
Finally, if you notice that your period is several days or even weeks late, there is a good possibility that you are pregnant. Your period occurs when your endometrium lining sheds if sperm does not fertilize an egg. If you are pregnant, the embryo attaches and receives nutrients from the uterine lining, so it does not shed as it would during a period. Take a pregnancy test at least a week after your missed periods for the most accurate results if you think you might be pregnant.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY
Think you might be pregnant? Call us to schedule your free pregnancy test today. We can even confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound at no cost to you.