Symptoms of Conception:
Find out if you might be pregnant

The symptoms of conception will vary from woman to woman. Some people may experience many symptoms, and some may not even realize they are pregnant.
If you are wondering if you have conceived, find out below by assessing all the most common signs and symptoms. Just remember you could have one or many of the symptoms, always check with your doctor to confirm:

Symptoms of Conception:

Missed Period

This is one of the most obvious signs you could be pregnant. Especially if your cycle is quite regular.
Some women have thought they are pregnant before when a period has come late, but sometimes this can also happen if you have had a very stressful month too.
Find out what the most common reasons for having a missed period are.

High Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Your body temperature elevates after ovulation each month as your progesterone levels rise in a bid to make your uterus a comfortable and inviting place for an embryo to grow.
This is one of the common symptoms of conception and will happen to any woman who is pregnant.
If you don't get your period, and are indeed pregnant, your temperature will remain elevated, and maybe even peak at a third elevated level.
You can learn more about using a Basal Body Thermometer (BBT) to monitor your cycle here.

Morning Sickness

Funnily enough, morning sickness doesn't just happen in the morning, you can be sick at any time of the day.
This is one of the symptoms of conception you will be hoping and praying to avoid! Not everyone experiences morning sickness, but only time will tell if you do!
Basically the hormones in your body are changing, so your body is trying to adapt and it can really send your body into a bit of shock, so... you get sick!
It's normal, so don't worry about it, but if you are violently ill and can't even keep food or fluids down, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor.
Read more about morning sickness symptoms in depth here.

Breast Changes

Your breasts can be one of the first signs that show you may be pregnant. There can be changes in the appearance of your nipples and aureola (surrounding the nipples).
As one of the more common symptoms of conception, you might get little white goose bumps on the aureola, and your skin pigment may darken over time as pregnancy hormones take over your body! Also, your breasts may become very tender and sore.
Get more of an in-depth insight about sore breasts here.

Fatigue

You may feel that you can never get enough sleep, and when you are awake, everything might be an effort! Your body is working overtime to create and grow a baby, so it can be quite a tiring process!
Find out more about fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Increased Cervical Mucus

You may not notice any change, but for some women the pure surge of progesterone can result in an increase in your cervical mucus.
Find out more about Cervical Mucus here.

Frequently Urinating

As your growing embryo starts secreting hCG it sends blood to the pelvis area which can irritate your bladder making you go for more regular pit stops!
Unfortunately, you'll probably notice you only have to go for a little bit each time, as your bladder won't be full! It's very annoying, but another early tell-tale sign of pregnancy.

Cramps And Pains

Early on you may get cramps and pains. It can be very worrying for some mothers-to-be, with the worry of miscarriage in the back of their minds, but a lot of the time cramping can be normal.
It's just all the changes happening in your uterus. Sometimes you may have a little bit of bleeding, and this can be associated with the embryo burrowing into the side of your uterus. If you have significant bleeding, or if you are unsure and concerned, see your doctor.
Find out more about implantation & cramping pain here.

Constipation Or Gas

Constipation is another annoying part of being pregnant and one of the not so enjoyable symptoms of conception.
Your body is trying to make as much room for the baby as possible so your intestines will relax so they can flatten out more. You may be a lot more gassy too.
There's so much to look forward to!! If you are experiencing constipation that has become really uncomfortable, don't panic, there are things you can take while you're pregnant, just discuss which ones are right for you with your pharmacist.

Sense of Smell

Your sense of smell will be heightened when pregnant, so you might notice everything! Are there some things setting you off? This is one of the most common symptoms of conception.
For some their sense of smell is so heightened that it's enough to literally make them feel sick! A lot of women will find there are just some things they can't be around without feeling nauseous, again, welcome to pregnancy!

Changes In Taste/Onset of Cravings

Got a craving for chalk, dirt or clay? You could be pregnant! Your desire for certain foods can change as hormones will alter your saliva perhaps even leaving you with a metallic taste in your mouth.
Some women will even find the food they loved before pregnancy just won't taste the same now. It won't give them the same satisfaction! Cravings whilst pregnant are normal, just try to make good nutritional choices where possible.
Find out more about making the best nutritional choices here.

Spotting

If you are in the two week wait stage of pregnancy (that is from ovulation to when your next period typically comes), you may find from about 7 to 10 days after ovulation that you have some very light pinkish bleeding.
This is usually a result of the embryo implanting itself in your uterus and is one of the most normal symptoms of conception. The embryo is just trying to burrow into the lining (that normally sheds each month in your period) to get comfortable for developing into a baby!

Acne or Breakouts

Just when you thought the symptoms of conception couldn't be any worse along comes outbreaks and acne to add to the mix!
Unfortunately for some women in the early stages of pregnancy you may get some pimples or a flare up acne. Your body is raging with pregnancy hormones, so it's just a side-effect of your body adjusting.
Once your body settles into a pattern any break-outs should die down. Just try not to pick or pop them, you don't want scarring left behind as a permanent reminder!

Colds And Sickness

One of the other fun signs of pregnancy can be getting a cold. Yes, you read right! Because of all the hormonal changes going on in your body, you are more susceptible to colds and flu.

Vaginal Color

Your vagina might look purplish. This is because there is alot more blood flow going into your pelvic region to nourish the pregnancy.

So if you aren't pregnant yet, you now know what signs of pregnancy to look out for! And if you are, good-luck! I hope you only experience mild symptoms and that pregnancy is an enjoyable and wonderful experience for you.I'm sure everything else will far outweigh some of the less desirable signs of pregnancy you may experience.