A positive result on a pregnancy test is the best way for a woman to determine if she really is expecting. However, many women who are actively trying to get pregnant have a hard time waiting until that test can be taken. A pregnancy symptom here and there may appear long before the next menstrual period is late for some. While these signs are not a sure fire way to predict a positive pregnancy test, they may provide some insight into what is going on with the conception process.

Changes to the Breasts

As the earliest pregnancy symptom many women will begin to experience swollen breasts that are tender. These first signs of pregnancy can occur as early as a couple of weeks after conception has taken place, and is the result of hormone fluctuations that occur in the early stages of pregnancy. This early pregnancy symptom will often continue well into the first trimester and then ease up a bit until the end of the term.

Spotting

Some women have implantation spotting about ten days to two weeks after conception, as the fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus. This pregnancy symptom is much different from a regular period, because it occurs earlier and the blood tends to be lighter in color. It also doesn't last as long as a normal period and it is generally not as heavy. Some women also experience some mild cramping with this pregnancy symptom, similar to period cramping.

Fatigue

Most women get tired once in a while, but if you are dead tired more often than not, it may be a pregnancy symptom. Fatigue is often the result of the rising levels of progesterone that take place during the early stages of pregnancy. Most women find that fatigue tends to improve during the second trimester and then pick back up again in the later months as the extra weight takes its toll on the body and it is harder to sleep soundly with a protruding belly in the way.

Morning Sickness

The term "morning sickness" is a bit of a misnomer, since the nausea of this early pregnancy symptom can take place at any time of the day. Sickness like this can be caused by rising estrogen levels that keep the digestive tract from working as efficiently. It may also be due to an increased sensitization to smells during this time that can make some women feel nauseous.

These first signs of pregnancy may be the earliest pregnancy symptoms that a woman experiences, but they are not a definite diagnosis of pregnancy until the tip of that stick definitely turns pink. If you suspect that you are pregnant, talk to a doctor.