Published on: 4/7/2025
Some early pregnancy signs may show up about a week after conception, but most reliable detection happens around the time of a missed period.
It is possible to notice some early signs of pregnancy very soon. For some, subtle symptoms like mild cramping, breast changes, or fatigue may be seen about a week after conception. However, these symptoms are very mild and can be confused with other conditions. The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) starts to increase after the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Often, regular pregnancy tests become reliable only after a missed period because that is when hCG levels are high enough to detect. Other early signs, like nausea or mood changes, might not be strong enough to notice right away. Keep in mind that every person is different, and the timing of symptoms varies. If you think you’re pregnant or have early symptoms, it is best to follow up with a healthcare provider for guidance and confirmation. They might advise retesting after a few days or using a more sensitive test, especially if you are trying to detect pregnancy very early in its development.
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