Could it be that you are pregnant? Are you wondering what the first week signs of pregnancy are? Some women encounter signs of pregnancy within a week of conception. For other women, pregnancy symptoms may develop over a few weeks, months, or maybe not at all. Interpreting the signs of pregnancy is important because each symptom may be akin to something other than pregnancy.

Signs of pregnancy can start before you miss your first menstrual cycle. Keep in mind that symptoms differ for each woman and can be different for each pregnancy. Being a mother of 7 myself, I can attest to this whole heartedly. Consider these age old body clues for early symptoms of pregnancy.

Missing Your Period

This is the first sign many women look for as a clear sign of pregnancy. However, have you missed your period, is it just late, or out of whack?

There can be other reasons as to why you might be experiencing a late period. Too much tension in your life, fatigue, hormonal changes due to extreme weight gain or weight loss, even stopping your birth control pill. So keep these considerations in mind as you move forward.

Slight Bleeding or Cramping

A small amount of light vaginal bleeding or spotting is one of the first signs of pregnancy. This is known as implantation bleeding. It usually takes place very early in the pregnancy, around 7 to 14 days after the conception; the fertilized egg (embryo) attaches to the lining of the uterus. This type of bleeding is typically more spottier and lighter in color than a normal period, and doesn't last very long. Some women will have abdominal cramping early in pregnancy as well. These cramps are a lot like menstrual cramps. This is normal and no reason for concern.

Fatigue

Fatigue was the first thing that always hit me when being pregnant. This can start as early as the week after conception! You may experience extreme tiredness and sleep more than usual. This is a good indication of first week signs of pregnancy that you should be looking for. This symptom can be hard for a lot of women to recognize with their busy day to day lives. Of course, there can be other reasons for fatigue as well... such as stress, depression, the flue, insomnia. Any of these medical conditions and more can cause fatigue.

Nausea

Morning sickness is something that most women do experience during their pregnancy. It can hit as early as two weeks from conception and can attack you at any time of the day or night. I am not sure why it is known as "morning sickness" as that is far from the truth.

The reason for the nausea seems to be caused at least in part from rapidly rising levels of estrogen. Also, beware of the heightened sense of smell that a pregnant woman has to various odors, such as foods being cooked, cigarette smoke, the smell of perfume or cologne. These can all send waves of nausea in early pregnancy.

Sensitive Breast

Your breasts may provide one of the first week signs of pregnancy clues. This symptom can strike after only a few weeks after conception. Due to hormonal changes your breasts may become tender, tingly or sore.

Headaches

Early weeks in your pregnancy, increased blood circulation caused by hormonal changes in your body may trigger mild headaches.

Food Cravings

Food cravings are a common symptom of the very early signs of pregnancy. However, it may be that you are just hungry! This may very well be the body's way of getting more nourishment that it may be lacking such as needed vitamins and minerals. Food cravings can come and go and may occur all the way through your pregnancy.

Constipation

Constipation is another early sign of pregnancy. An increase in progesterone causes food to pass more slowly through the intestines - which causes constipation.

Mood Swings

Again, your hormones diligently at work! You may feel emotional and weepy at times. This seems to attack mostly in the first trimester.

Faintness and Dizziness

Some women experience being lightheaded, dizzy or even pass out.

Low Back Pain

Early pregnancy symptoms of low back pain can happen due to your weight change or uterus growing bigger. This will usually be a more significant factor as you baby grows larger and as you progress through your pregnancy. With the baby growing bigger each week this may put a strain on your back muscles as it now needs to support both you and the baby.

So there you have it... the most common first week signs of pregnancy. If you miss a period or notice any of the signs or symptoms on this list, you might want to take a home pregnancy test just to be sure. If the test proves positive, then it's time to start reading everything you can on having a good pregnancy and healthy baby. See your doctor and start creating your birth-plan. Good luck and I wish you the best!