The earliest signs of pregnancy can appear as soon as one to two weeks after conception, even before a missed period. Common early signs include:

• Spotting and cramping (implantation bleeding) around 6-12 days after fertilization, which may feel like very light bleeding and mild cramps.
• Breast changes such as tingling, tenderness, soreness, swelling, and darkening of the areolas starting about a week or two after implantation.
• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired due to hormonal changes.
• Nausea or morning sickness, which can begin as early as 2 to 6 weeks after conception, though it may vary.
• Missed period, often the most reliable early sign in women with regular cycles.
• Increased urination and changes in taste or food cravings may appear as well.

These symptoms result from hormonal shifts as the body adjusts to pregnancy, but not everyone experiences all symptoms, and some symptoms can occur for other reasons. Pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG, which rises after implantation and can be detected roughly 11 days post-conception to confirm pregnancy.