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Pregnancy, a phase of immense transformation and joy, is a condition when a fetus grows inside the uterus. Pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks and is split into 3 trimesters each lasting around 13 weeks. This phase of transformation involves significant lifestyle changes along with the transformation in the body. It’s natural to expect some physical changes after intercourse and many people start to notice differences. Well, it is important to understand that pregnancy symptoms do not appear immediately and it may take a minimum of one week for the symptoms to show up. Additionally, there are various factors that play a key role here and it varies from person to person.
Pregnancy begins when a sperm fertilizes an egg, this can happen within 24 hours after ovulation. This can lead to various symptoms and noticeable changes in the body. Some of the symptoms of pregnancy after sex include mild abdominal pain, breast tenderness, bloating, and more.
Also Read: Nutrition During Pregnancy
Pregnancy doesn’t start the moment you have sex. It begins when a fertilized egg implants in your uterus, usually about 6 – 10 days after ovulation. After this, your body begins to produce the pregnancy hormone hCG, which causes many of the early symptoms. The symptoms also vary from person to person, some of the early pregnancy symptoms include:
It is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy. Females with a regular cycle, missing one cycle after intercourse can be a strong indicator of pregnancy. Additionally, some women may also experience light spotting (does lighter period than usual indicates pregnancy?), which at times is mistaken as light period.
Another significant sign of pregnancy is the breast feeling tender, heavier, and more sensitive. Breast changes occur due to hormonal changes and can begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception.
Fatigue or tiredness (how to manage fatigue & dizziness in hot weather?) is very common in early pregnancy days. It is due to high levels of progesterone that support early fetal development.
This can start a few weeks after conception and can occur any time of the day and is not just limited to the morning. This is usually linked with rising levels of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and oestrogen levels.
Frequent urination is also common during the initial weeks of pregnancy. Rising hormones lead to an increase in the blood flow to the kidneys.
Implantation bleeding (bleeding during pregnancy) is light spotting that occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus wall. It can last for 1-2 days.
Also Read: Ovulation – Symptoms, Calendar & Tips
It’s a common misunderstanding, people often take pregnancy tests right after having sex. However, it’s crucial to know that if we take a test immediately after, it will almost always show a negative result. This is because the test detects hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), a hormone that only shows up after implanting.
Missed period is the most significant sign of pregnancy, though if the test is still negative retest after 2-3 days, and avoid drinking too much water before the test. Consult a specialist if the tests are negative and the period hasn’t started in a week.
Also Read: Premature Labour – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
| Aspect | Details |
| Best time to test | After a missed period. |
| Earliest time to test | 10 to 12 days after ovulation. |
| Time of day | First morning urine is best for pregnancy tests. |
| What to look for | 1 line – negative, 2 lines – positive. |
| What to avoid | Avoid drinking too much water before testing. |
| How to use | Use a clean container, hold the strip & wait as per instructions. |
There are numerous misconceptions are myths about early pregnancy symptoms, some of the most common ones include:
One of the common misconceptions around early pregnancy days is linked to morning sickness as just a morning issue. Though the fact is nausea and vomiting can occur in any part of the day or night. The severity can vary from person to person.
There’s another very common myth around pregnancy symptoms that is related to symptoms getting noticeable right after sex. However, symptoms only appear after fertilisation and implantation take place.
This is another common belief people have, though symptoms during early pregnancy can vary significantly from person to person. Some women may feel & notice a lot of changes while others might not feel anything.
A missed period being considered pregnancy is very common. However, a missed period can also result from stress, weight changes, PCOS, or other health issues.
Another common misconception is related to light bleeding during early pregnancy. However, light bleeding results from implantation and is normal during early pregnancy.
When will I get pregnant after sex?
Pregnancy typically starts a few weeks after sex and can take 2-3 weeks to get officially recognized.
How to know if you are pregnant?
A pregnancy test can help detect pregnancy.
When do pregnancy symptoms start?
Pregnancy symptoms start between 4 to 6 weeks after conception.
Is white discharge a sign of pregnancy?
Yes, a white discharge can be a sign of pregnancy, especially during the early stages.
Can I take a pregnancy test after 5 days?
No, a pregnancy test after 5 days of intercourse is unlikely to be accurate.
Is stomach pain a sign of pregnancy?
Stomach pain can be a sign of pregnancy, though it can also result from other conditions.
How many days does it take to get pregnant after sex?
It can take 2 to 3 weeks from the time of intercourse for a person to become pregnant.
