Early Pregnancy Symptoms - In the First Month
When is the first month of pregnancy, when might you get your first pregnancy symptom, and what symptoms should you expect during that first month?
As we're talking about the first month of pregnancy, it's probably quite important to define what the "first month of pregnancy" actually means.
Surprisingly, most women (and this included myself!) don't realise exactly when their first month is, until they have discovered that they are pregnant and are sitting at the doctors having their due date calculated!
The First Month of Pregnancy
To measure how many weeks pregnant you are, the convention is to count the number of weeks since your last menstrual period. This means that when people talk about the first month of pregnancy they are effectively talking about the two weeks before you conceived and the two weeks after you conceived. So although you're officially "one month pregnant", you've only actually been pregnant for two weeks! Confusing or what?
This strange convention is used because most people can't be 100% sure of their date of conception, and this method at least provides a standard starting point. Despite only having been pregnant for two weeks, by the end of your first month, you may well have experienced one or more pregnancy symptom!
However, as many early pregnancy symptoms are very similar to pre-menstrual symptoms, it can sometimes be impossible to tell during that first month whether you're heading for your period or are indeed pregnant. So until you take a pregnancy test, this can be a time of uncertainty.
First Month of Pregnancy
When might you get your First Pregnancy Symptom?
Like any month of pregnancy, this first one differs greatly from woman to woman.
And the timing of that first pregnancy symptom is also vastly different between women, and indeed, for every pregnancy.
At conception? Some women claim to have felt conception, either as a pain or as some other sensation. (This is disputed by the medical profession, but who can say for sure?)
One week after conception? The first sign for some can be as early as one week after conception, when you might notice some very light bleeding, known as "spotting". This is caused by the fertilised egg implanting in the lining of the uterus, and is often mistaken for a period, especially as it can be accompanied by mood swings, cramping and breast tenderness; although it is usually noticably lighter.
At the end of month one? The time when many people start to suspect that they might be pregnant is when they've missed a period. This is often the first symptom of pregnancy.
Months into the pregnancy? (perhaps even nine months...) However, some women may not experience any symptoms at all during the first month. And it is possible, particularly if you have irregular periods, to go several months without even realising that you're pregnant! In rare cases, unsuspecting women have discovered that they are pregnant after being admitted to the emergency ward with mysterious stomach pains...
What Symptoms might you expect during that First Month?
The pregnancy symptoms that you may experience during the first month are numerous and varied. In addition to possible spotting and a missed period, they can include any of the symptoms typical of the first trimester, as well as symptoms usually associated with pre-menstruation.
Many of these symptoms are caused by the pregnancy hormones which are released in the mother's body from the time when the embryo implants itself into her uterus, and this is why some women feel symptoms so early.
Here is a menu of possible symptoms that you may or may not have during this time:
- Spotting - light, implantation bleeding.
- Mood swings - as these may come just at the time when you're expecting your period, they are often not recognised as a pregnancy sign.
- Breast tenderness - this may be more extreme than before your period, but again, can be rather a confusing symptom. You might also notice visible veins on your breasts and your nipples becoming darker.
- Stomach cramps - as with breast tenderness, these might be worse than normal pre-menstrual cramps, and may go on for longer than normal. Together with a late period this might well signify pregnancy, but not always.
- "Feeling pregnant" - sometimes you just know!
- Tiredness - your body is working extremely hard to develop your baby.
- Frequent urination - caused by your kidneys having to work harder to process the extra body fluid accumulated during pregnancy, and also an effect of the hCG pregnancy hormone. (Later on, this is caused by the baby putting pressure on your bladder).
- Morning sickness or nausea - and as you may have heard, this is often not just confined to the morning..
- Food cravings and aversions - most people have heard about food cravings in pregnancy, but foods that you've always loved might also suddenly become repulsive to you.
- Heartburn - in early pregnancy this is thought to be caused by the hormone progesterone. (Later on it is caused by the baby putting pressure on your abdomen).
- Constipation - this is also caused by progesterone, a muscle-relaxing hormone, useful when it comes to giving birth, but a pain when it also acts on intestinal muscles and slows things down a little too much!
- Feeling faint - this can also be caused by progesterone, which can also relax your blood vessels, causing blood pressure to drop and dizziness or fainting to occur.
- Increased hunger - often described as "incredible" hunger; you're eating for two remember, even if one of you is very very small!
- Heightened sense of smell - it's not known for certain why this happens but one theory is hormones (again!); this time oestrogen, which also rises during pregnancy.
- Headaches - there are many reasons for headaches during the first month of pregnancy; stress may be one of them, hormones can also be a factor, as can the increased volume of blood that pregnancy brings about.
- Backache - particularly low backache; again, caused by more negative effects of that pesky progesterone hormone, this time by loosening the ligaments around your pelvis which can result in instability and pain.
- Thrush - this is an unfortunate symptom, brought about by pregnancy hormones altering the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. For some women this is a very early pregnancy sign.
- Missed period - some women may mistake spotting for their period, and this can sometimes lead to confusion with their due date!
Although these are common first month pregnancy symptoms, it's important to be aware that they may not necessarily indicate pregnancy. As well as premenstrual symptoms, they could be signs of other medical conditions or the result of factors like a change in a your diet or stress. So at this early stage even if you are experiencing symptoms, it may be unwise to conclude that you are pregnant until you've had a positive pregnancy test. That's the only way to be 100% certain.
If at the end of month one you do discover that you're pregnant, and you have already experienced some or many of these symptoms, it may be a bit depressing to think that you still have another 36 weeks to go! However, be assured that for most people, some of these symptoms (particularly morning sickness, mood swings and tiredness) will gradually ease off by the beginning of your second trimester. And console yourself with the fact that the second trimester is meant to be a time of renewed energy and a general feeling of wellbeing!
...And even if that's not the case for you, pregnancy doesn't last forever and it will all be worth it in the end!
If you've been pregnant, when did you have your first pregnancy symptom or know that you were pregnant?
See results without votingNote on poll (29/11/09):
I find it very interesting that so many women (30% of the 366 who have voted so far) realised that they were pregnant or had their first pregnancy symptom just one week after conception. I had expected a much bigger majority to say that they hadn't realised until they had missed their period.
Thanks for voting, and if you haven't voted yet please do!
Sources
(1) http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Pregnancy_test_result.jpg
Some of my other Pregnancy Hubs
- Essential items for bringing baby home
As soon as you announce that you're pregnant people will give you advice. A major area of advice is what you'll need for your baby's arrival. This shopping list could be potentially endless, however, in my experience you really don't need so much. - When Giving Birth Is The First Sign Of Pregnancy.
If you've never come across this situation before you might have some questions. For most women, if they've been through a "normal" pregnancy, it seems an impossible thing that someone wouldn't realise they were pregnant for a whole nine months... - Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?
One of the questions my midwife asked me before I left hospital having just given birth, was "have you decided what form of contraception you're going to use?" There are many amazing reasons to breastfeed, but breastfeeding as a form of contraception - How can dogs know when you are pregnant? And what are the other behavioural signs?
How can dogs know that you're pregnant (sometimes even before you do)? And how may other people also know? - Natal Hypnotherapy, Effective Birth Preparation CD
This is pretty much my favourite product ever. I rave about it frequently, and I credit it for my stress-free pregnancy and the relaxed and surprisingly easy birth of my daughter. - The First Three Months of Pregnancy - Keeping the Secret!
The first three months of pregnancy are a cruel joke for anyone wanting to keep it secret.
This Hub was last updated on April 10, 2013
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Pregnancy Warning Signs and SymptomsFollow (23)Comments 88 comments
thanks. very helpful
when i was 1 month prego, i felt quite a few of these symptoms
peenylope, thanks for your comments. Yep, it's difficult to believe that some people get symptoms in that first month. Unless you experience it for yourself!
u can get a box of 3 clear blues at walgreens for about 13 bucks just 2 give u a heads up
Thanks genette. We have similar deals here in the UK. The major supermarkets all now make their own pregnancy tests, which cost about £4 or £5 for two.
Healthy body and life style brings healthy pregnancy.
Healthy parents bring healthy new born.
Valuable article. Thanks Moon Daisy....
Too true! Thanks for your comment Miracolously Pregnant.
i`m about 5 weeks and have bad lower back aches and pre menstral symptoms i have a nine yearold never had these symptoms before
Thanks for your comment jazmin. Congratulations on your pregnancy :) It's funny how women can have completely different experiences with each of their pregnancies, I've heard that a lot.
You were lucky to be symptom free the first time around. And I guess it's probably quite common to get more symptoms with your second child, as your first pregnancy probably took its toll a bit on your body (my pregnancy certainly did on mine - changed my body forever!). Plus nine years on your body is probably quite different anyway from how it was the first time around.
I hope these initial symptoms calm down a bit and you go on to have a smooth, trouble-free pregnancy.
thanks for the info i experience all the symptoms you have mention above but i did not have these symptoms during my first pregnancy,it's really true that every pregnancy is different.
Thanks for your comment Anna. Yes, it's been amazing to see friends go through two completely different pregnancies. (And then in most cases go on to have wildly different babies as well!) Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Before I knew I was pregnant I was having symptoms like headaches I attributed to caffeine overload and swollen and sore feet that I didn't have a clue what that was all about.
Thanks for your comment Jevon. It's all very confusing isn't it, before you know? A friend of mine didn't realise she was pregnant for about 4 months, and had put her sickness down to a stomach bug that the rest of the family had been suffering from!
Thank you very much for this information. I would recommend your hub to my readers. More Power. :)
Thanks Daphne! Happy Hubbing :)
Hey, thanks....I will come back here for sure! This article is helpful as I do suspect I am pregnant. I will come back and post my results, I am taking the test tomorrow....I want to do it now, however the stores are closed and I have no way to purchase one. Although they do say it is the best to take it first thing in the morning.
Again,
Thanks! A lot!
Anna!
Thanks for your comment Anna. I'm glad you found the article useful, and I hope you got some good news!
two thumbs up for this... =)
Thanks w_elizabeth, that's really great!! :)
hai iam shanthi i got miscarrage for 3 times,now again iam pregnent 5weeks pls suggest me what to do,iam very worriod about my pregnency
Hi shanthi.G, I'm very sorry to hear about your miscarriages. But I'm afraid I'm not a medical professional, I just enjoy writing about pregnancy. I hope that things go well for you this time, and that your doctor will be able to reassure you.
hey i have been having many of these symptoms, is it possible that i can i be pregnant?
Hi Carla, if you've had intercourse at the right time then of course it's possible. But remember, a lot of early pregnancy symptoms are also pre-menstrual symptoms. It's only after taking a positive pregnancy test that you'll know for sure. Hope you get the result you want!
one month pregnant when should start to see the doctor thank you
Hi jane favor, thanks for stopping by. I don't know where you live, so I can only tell you what happens in the UK. Here a woman goes to the doctor as soon as she finds out that she's pregnant to have her pregnancy confirmed.
At the apt. she discusses with the doctor which hospital she will go to to have her baby, and the doctor books appointments for her with the midwife and also perhaps for her to have her first scan.
I would guess that this would be similar in most countries, and would say that if you know you're pregnant, then you should see a doctor.
Thanks for sharing this information. I knew I was pregnant when I missed my period but also had implantation signs as well that week. Morning sickness/nausea lasted for about 5 months and then chronic indigestion, but it was worth it.
Thanks for your comment nasus loops. I suppose the missed period clarifies the implantation signs, which can be a bit inconclusive! Yes, I agree it's definitely worth it. :)
I have like a bunch of these symptoms but im a virgin...what are the chances of me being pregnant somehow? Im really freaked out :(
If you are a virgin and haven't had any sexual contact then there is zero chance of you being pregnant.
Pregnancy-like symptoms can be caused by all sorts of things, including stress, a hormone imbalance, or from taking medication. If you're getting worrying symptoms it's probably best to see your doctor, even if just to set your mind at rest.
hi, i've been having alot of these symptoms and believe i could pregnant. I started getting dark red and brown spotting a week before i was due to come on my period. Could i pregnant?
If you're having pregnancy symptoms and are getting spotting at this time, then it's possible you might be pregnant, but the only way to know for sure is to do a pregnancy test.
I loved this article,
I'm almost positive im pregnant, and reading this site helped me to know what to expect. I'm taking the test soon, wish me luck!
that light bleeding was what let me know everytime.
thank you for all the information and all the people comment's here
Was the light bleeding but i didn't give attention i just make the taste i found that i am pregnant.
Nice and interesting piece of information you really shared here.Yeah, I've also come to notice and realize that what you said in here about conception is exertly true about want it is because it has really happened to me ,immediately after my partner ejaculated,i felt a sharp sensation which is very usual.That was when i noticed i was ovulating.Thanks for this great teaching because till now i never understood what actually happened to me .
Valuable article you actually shared in here which am also of the believe that healthy body brings about a healthy pregnancy.Thanks for this interesting stuff.
very informtive
The "first month of pregnancy" video you have in this hub is amazing. Just thinking about that happening inside my body the two times I have been pregnant is, well, kind of mind-boggling. Great hub.
Thanks for your comment ciranoushj. I just re-viewed the video after I read your comment, it is amazing isn't it? So much is happening yet you're unlikely to feel a thing! Thank you for visiting my hub.
For child #3 I had symptoms very early on, perhaps one week pregnant. One night I fainted (thought it was from heat) and woke up the next day starving for waffles. I did not need a pregnancy test to know a new little person was on the way.
I think this is among the most important information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The site style is great, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
I can't be more than atleast 3 weeks along and I knew instantly. I have had almost all of these symptoms. I am sick in the mornings and at night. My back has hurt more than ever. My stomach cramps at random for a long time. Food I onces liked doesn't taste the same or sot right with my stomach. I have had diarrhea. I can't really eat or I get sick. My breats have been very tender. More the nipples than anything else. I can't walk around or do anything simple with out being tired. Its crazy how much your body can change in just a few weeks.
they way you presented the entire knowledge is amazing and very useful.it will help a lot to me also.
Hi, I been hAving my periods regularly and also had my period this month..... I had also Been feeling so depressed, lonely and short temper!! I feel soo dizzy and almost fainted during a diet in the morning...after my period stop and after 3 days again I start to have spotting and i was scaryed and shock!!! So I went to buy a PT to check and it was positive I couldn't believe it because I have my periods regularly and in the beginning of the month I check and it was negative.... It's so weird and Also with my first kid I would of notice because of my missed period.
Thank you very much for sharing such an informative , useful and helpful article....
Thank you for your comment mahua, I'm glad you liked the article. :)
Mrs.SuabCuaj, thanks for your comment. The bleeding you had, especially as it sounds light, was probably the implantation bleed where the sperm implanted into the egg. This is very often mistaken for a period. It's funny that some people experience this with one pregnancy but not with another, but every pregnancy is unique! Good luck with your pregnancy, and congratulations. :)
very useful
Thank you manisa. :)
Moon Daisy, Great helpful information for expectant mothers! Peace & Blessings!
I am soo relieved right now I was bursting my head trying to figure out when I conceived. But I hat 3 days of sporting and your article really helped me. Thanks alot
I am pregnant!!! I found out the first week I missed my period!!!! I was shocked because I took the plan b pill and still got pregnant!!!
I guess when god is ready for you he is ready. This will be my second child my first is 8 yrs old!! I got pregnant 1 yr ago and miss carried now Iam prego again:-/ hopefully every thing goes good with this pregnancy! Gods will. Now it's time to set up that doc's appt.
Thanks for the article. I loved reading it. I didn't know we could experience so many pregnancy symptoms within the first month, like lower back pain. This was very helpful. Tks again.
great info i just took a pregnancy test last night and it said "pregnant" yaaay! I felt I was at implantation, i paid close attention and believe it or not i felt a few minor cramps and said "yep that's the egg" lol but i still wasn't sure then the lower back pains came, and I took a test about 4 days before my period and the test gave me a veeeery faint positive to the point where I said "i think it's negative" then about 4 or 5 days after my missed period i got a digital test and it says "pregnant" so I think it's very positive to tell if you are pregnant before your missed period, or it could have been coincidence who knows
im one month pregnant and i have had some of the regular symptoms but havent experianced any spotting :/ x
Thanks,its really helpful, My periods are not due for next 1 week, but I think I am pregnent because feeling some of the symptoms given above....so..........I am waiting for confirmation.
I am 18 years old and pregnant.. I went to the er with bad stomach cramps and found out I was pregnant.. My stomach has been hurting me and everyone I ask says they didnt have stomach cramps during pregnancy.. Is it normal?
Hi Alexandrea, if you are in pain it's always best to get checked out by your doctor. But presumably when you were in the ER they would have checked that everything was ok?
Some people do have some pain in early pregnancy. I did have some cramping before I realised I was pregnant, and in the following month or so I had some pulling pain, (not the 'official name' for it I'm sure!) But this happens when your ligaments get stretched as your stomach begins to grow. I think it is reasonably common.
But like I say, it's always useful to get these things confirmed by proper medical people. Good luck with your pregnancy.
Moon Daisy, I read you article and I have 14 of the 18 symptoms. I just got off my period 2 weeks ago, my boyfriend and I did have protected sex the week before and then last week, the condom ripped both times(poor luck). I am only 15 and he is only 16. Could I be pregnant....
MRW, if you had your period two weeks ago, then it's likely that you are only just ovulating now. In which case it would be unusual for the symptoms you're having to be due to pregnancy. Like I say above, these kinds of symptoms can have other causes, such as hormonal problems, a change of diet or stress. (Including the stress of worrying that you might be pregnant!)
However, that's not to say that you're not pregnant. If the condom ripped then of course pregnancy is always a possibility. Plus if you ovulate at a "non-average" time in your cycle, then the symptoms you are feeling may be due to pregnancy after all.
But this is all speculation; over the internet this is all I can do I'm afraid. I'm sure you know what I'm going to say, but the only way you're going to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. Wait until your next period is due and do a test. I wish you good luck.
Hi im 18 and I have a four month old little boy. I was told two months before I was pego that I couldnt get prego I hVe unprotected sex all the time and I had my period 3 weeks ago but now I been feeling sick all the time. I Lso have back pain but im not sure if its from the epidural is it possible that I could be pregnant again?
Hi Lohgans mom, you said that you were told you couldn't get pregnant before you had your son. And then you got pregnant, so they were obviously wrong there weren't they? It happens sometimes. Given that you can have kids after all, having unprotected sex gives you the same risk of pregnancy as anybody else. Plus, just after having a baby, women tend to be super-fertile. So it possible that you are pregnant again.
But it's also possible that your body is doing strange things because of the exhaustion of having and caring for a young baby. Wait another week and then do a pregnancy test. It's the only way to know for sure. I wish you good luck.
i was 3 months prego before i knew i was prego
Thank you for this article. I just found out yesterday (11/19/11) that I am pregnant with my 3rd child. My period was suppose to come a few days ago but I was late and I took the test and it said positive. I've been having some of these symptoms around the time I thought my period was coming and thought that was the case until I saw the days were increasing and no period. Not even spotting. The 1st time I had sex with my new partner was Nov. 1st 2011 and today is Nov. 19th, 2011. Already pregnant.
im 21 years old and just found out i was pregnant. I do not have a alot of knowledge on pregnancy or early signs of being so. This article was extreemly helpful.Thank you
I thank you for making this easier on me. Because it's so hard to find all that information in one place
Thank you, I'm really glad that you found it helpful.
Hi Moon Daisy,
I wrote a comment on here last night but it doesn't look like it went through so i will try again. I was on birth control for about 6 years and recently stopped 4 months ago ( in September). My fiance and i have been trying to conceive since i stopped but have had no luck.. as far as my ovulation goes, I have had a positive reading every month so shouldn't my egg be there?
Hi Elly, thanks for your comment. It's good that you've been monitoring your ovulation. Yes, if the test shows that you're ovulating then it's likely that you have an egg there. But there's no guarantee that the egg will be fertilised!
Apparently there is a 20-25% chance of getting pregnant each month, assuming that everything is in good working order with you and your partner (and that you've picked the right time).
Four months isn't very long to have been trying. If you're under 35, it's usually recommended that you try for a year before seeking a medical opinion, and if you're 35 or over, then it's recommended to see a doctor after you've been trying for six months. Good luck with your baby-making!
Elly, I wanted to also add: try not to worry about it too much or put pressure on yourselves. I know that's hard, but stress is known to reduce your chances.
Thanks! Very informative. I also experience stuffy nose with each of my 3 pregnancies. Thanks again!
Thanks kelleyward. I'm glad it was informative for you. Yes, I've heard of the stuffy nose thing before. It could possibly be due to the increased blood flow, or from increased oestrogen levels which can lead to various swellings. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you for all your wonderful advice! The hardest part of all this is the "waiting game" we are so anxious to find out if it worked this time... trying to read my body for any early symptoms.. It still might be too early, but you always hope for the best! :)
I have been prego 3 times and with the 3rd I was breastfeeding and had extremely sore nipples and cramping while feeding....found out a few weeks later I was expecting #3.....and am now thinking I am expecting #4 as I have had the sore nipples and cramping while feeding #3......that was 2 weeks ago, so will see how it turns out in about a week I will be testing again (tested a few days ago and it was neg. but it is still early).
really this is very very informative specially for young mother and as well as who are gone be first mother and father.
Ur words r ray of hope 2 many women like us thank u great work
Just to note a mistake made to a coment 3 months ago: Implantation is when the fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus not when the sperm implants into the egg-the coming together of egg and sperm is fertilization.
Another symptom not mentioned is excessive saliva. Just 6 days after ovulation, I felt like a drooling puppy! And everywhere I went I felt like it smelled terrible. Another 10 days later I found out I was pregant!
Dis is insighful and informative. Thanks very much
I had most of the symptoms but still didn't realize I was pregnant until I was 21 weeks. be aware if you have PCOS and doctors tell you you can't conceive on you own or that you cant have kids don’t always believe them because you might ignore the signs of pregnancy DOCTORS AREN'T ALWAYS RIGHT .
Wow...i am reading these symptoms..i believe i have experienced alot of these symtoms. I have been gettn nauseated in the mornings n at night. I really am confused though, it has been terrible here lately. The other morning my husband was cookn eggs n i got sick....i jumped up and ran to the bathroom.ughhh...i have two daughters who r ages 17 and 19...i had a misscarriage too. So now im feeln nervous now though....after reading this, i just might be prego....thank u for all the info.
I felt it couple days after conception. I told my husband that i might be pregnant due to the random weird changes in my body like bloated, tiredness, increased hunger, light nauseous in the afternoon. He thought my mind was playing trick with my body. But now, after a month, the test shows positive. I wasn't imagining things afterall.
I know this sounds weird, but every time I break out in shingles, I have a positive pregnancy test about a week later. I never met anyone else like that, but there you go. My husband and I are trying for our third pregnancy, (hopefully it sticks) and let's find out if the shingles reappear, lol.
Thank you very much for this information. A friend of mine found it very useful...
Thank you for your kind comment PurpleHubs. I'm glad your friend found it useful.
thanku for giving ths important information.Really i need ths.Thanxxxx a lot......
You're very welcome poojabrij. Thank you for your kind comment.
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Cure Morning Sickness 4 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing such great information!!