Q: Are there any physical symptoms of pregnancy in the very early stages, i.e., before a period would normally be due? I have read that bloating, sore breasts, tender nipples, fatigue and nausea can all appear even as early as the week following conception. Is that true?
Answer from Dr. Peter H. R. Roberts, medical director of obstetrics and gynecology at Providence Portland Medical Center: Remarkable changes take place in a woman’s body during the first weeks of pregnancy. New hormones are released, blood circulation increases and the digestive system adjusts to support the growing fetus. Because each woman’s body is unique, your early pregnancy symptoms will likely differ from those of other women. Some notice considerable changes in the way they feel shortly after conceiving, while others notice little change at all.
Breast tenderness and fatigue are the two physical signs women report most often in the weeks immediately following conception. Some also experience headaches, nausea or bloating during this time. These symptoms can be misleading because they closely resemble those associated with premenstrual syndrome, stress-related illnesses and other conditions unrelated to pregnancy.
A missed period is often a strong indicator of pregnancy, yet that too can stem from other circumstances (i.e., emotional stress, thyroid disorders). If you miss your period and believe you might be pregnant, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Home pregnancy tests examine urine for the presence of a hormone produced during the early stages of pregnancy.
- The timing of this hormone’s release into the body varies; the hormone could be detected before a period is due, or might not appear until a full week or more after a missed period.
- Home pregnancy kits differ in their sensitivity to smaller hormone concentrations present in the very early days of pregnancy.
This means a home pregnancy test taken on or around the first day of a missed period could yield a negative result when you are actually pregnant. Positive results from home pregnancy tests are usually accurate, regardless of how early the test is taken.
To avoid a false negative result it is best to wait 7 to 10 days after your missed period before trying a home pregnancy test. If you prefer not to wait, your health care provider can perform a blood test capable of detecting the pregnancy hormone earlier and in smaller amounts.
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June 2003
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