Implantation Bleeding:

Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About 6-12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping.
Other Explanations: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.

Delay/Difference in Menstruation:

A delayed or missed menstruation is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.
Other Explanations: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast-feeding.

Swollen/Tender Breasts:

Swollen or tender breasts is a pregnancy symptom which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. Women may notice changes in their breasts; they may be tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.
Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to be swollen or tender.

Fatigue/Tiredness:

Feeling fatigued or more tired is a pregnancy symptom which can also start as early as the first week after conception.
Other Explanations: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.

Nausea/Morning Sickness:

This well-known pregnancy symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with morning sickness at all, while others will feel nauseous throughout most of their pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.

Backaches:

Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy; however, it is common to experience a dull backache throughout an entire pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.

Headaches:

The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation, eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.

Frequent Urination:

Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.
Other Explanations: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics.

Darkening of Areolas:

If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.
Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or may be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

Food Cravings:

While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Poor diet, lack of a certain nutrient, stress, depression, or impending menstruation.

Information provided by www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/earlypregnancysymptoms.htm

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, and have any of the following physical problems, call your doctor or go to the emergency department right away.

• Vaginal bleeding of any amount
• Abdominal pain with a fever
• Cramping and abdominal pain more than your period
• Burning with urination
• Puffiness in your hands or face
• Excessive vomiting

Citation: Mayo Clinic – Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/std

You will meet your doctor who will review your health history. You will be asked a lot of questions about you and your partner’s health. Make sure you know the date of your last menstrual period (LMP). This date will be used to determine your due date. If you’re not sure of your LMP , other methods can determine your due date as well.

At each doctor’s visit you will have your weight, blood pressure and urine checked. At the first visit you may have an internal exam done to check for any problems. The doctor will also check the size of your womb to be sure you have the right due date.

Routine tests will be performed during your pregnancy to rule out other complications.
It is normal to visit your health care provider once a month during the first 7 months, twice during the 8th month and then weekly until your baby is born.

Each of these visits to your health care provider gives you the opportunity to discuss the normal changes you go through during pregnancy and allows you the chance to share your feelings and concerns as you prepare for your baby.

Week 1 – Last Menstrual Period
Week 2 – Conception
Week 3 – Baby attaches to the uterus
Week 4 – Nerves, brain and spinal cord begin to develop
Week 5 – Baby’s heart begins to beat
Week 6 – Eyes, arms, legs, lungs, and stomach begin to form
Week 7 – Hands and feet are forming
Week 8 – Upper lip, teeth, fingers and ears begin to form
Week 9 – Toes and genitals are forming
Week 10 – Baby has permanent fingerprints
Week 11 – Baby starts to produce urine
Week 12 – Fingernails are forming

Week 13 – Baby flexes and kicks
Week 14 – Hormones gear up
Week 15 – Skin begins to form
Week 16 – Facial expressions are possible
Week 17 – Fat accumulates
Week 18 – Baby begins to hear
Week 19 – Lanugo covers baby’s skin
Week 20 – The halfway point
Week 21 – Nourishment evolves
Week 22 – Taste buds develop
Week 23 – Lungs prepare for life outside the womb
Week 24 – Sense of balance develops
Week 25 – Exploration continues
Week 26 – Eyes remain closed
Week 27 – Second trimester ends

Week 28 – Baby’s eyes open
Week 29 – Movement is more forceful
Week 30 – Baby packs on pounds
Week 31 – Reproductive development continues
Week 32 – Downy hair falls off
Week 33 – Baby detects light
Week 34 – Protective coating gets thicker
Week 35 – Rapid growth continues
Week 36 – Baby can suck
Week 37 – Baby is full-term
Week 38 – Organ function continues to improve
Week 39 – Placenta provides antibodies
Week 40 – Your due date arrives

Citation: Mayo Clinic – Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fetal-development

• Take prenatal vitamins
• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Eat small frequent meals
• Eat crackers in the morning and before bed
• Do not try to lose weight during your pregnancy
• Take plenty of calcium
• Good sources of calcium: milk, cheese and yogurt
• Drink fortified juices
• Take plenty of iron
• Avoid alcohol
• Try to quit smoking
• Get plenty of rest
• Do not take any medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor

Citation: Mayo Clinic – Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fetal-development/PR00114