Signs of Fertilization

Once a woman decides to have her baby, she starts looking for pregnancy symptoms eagerly. Those who have had unprotected sex and want to avoid pregnancy also need to know the early signs of conception. You must have heard about getting pregnant even when on birth control. Those who have experienced a miscarriage, can take proper care after knowing about pregnancy. Even a nursing woman who has not started menstruating can get pregnant. Therefore, knowing the early signs of fertilization in women can be useful in various ways.

Signs of Getting Pregnant

• Implantation Bleeding and Cramping: When the fertilized egg (embryo) attaches itself to the wall of the uterus, some women notice implantation bleeding or implantation cramps. This may happen within 6-12 days post ovulation.
• Breast Tenderness: About 3-5 weeks after fertilization, a woman may notice nipple and breast tenderness if she is pregnant.
• Increased Basal Body Temperature: The egg released from the ovaries is fertilized only if it comes in contact with healthy male sperms within 24 hours after its release. Ovulation takes place approximately in the middle of your menstrual cycle. If you are keeping a track of your basal body temperature, you might be knowing that a slight rise in the temperature indicates that ovulation has occurred. If your basal body temperature remains elevated for next 18 days continuously, then it can be the earliest sign of pregnancy before missed period. Browse through another article 'basal body temperature' for more information.
• Morning Sickness: About 3-5 weeks after fertilization, a pregnant woman is likely to suffer from morning sickness. The name is morning sickness, but the woman experiences nausea throughout the day and vomiting may make her weak and tired.
• Fatigue: Owing to morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, the woman may experience excessive tiredness, sleepiness. Hormonal changes taking place in her body, not meeting the increased demand of the body for excess nutrients (owing to development of fetus, placenta, uterus) can lead to excessive tiredness.
• Missed Period: Missed period is one of the main and sure shot signs of fertilization. But women who have irregular periods cannot be sure about pregnancy until the doctor confirms it.
• Frequent Urination: Increased frequency of urination indicates pregnancy.
• Food Cravings: About 4-5 weeks after fertilization, a pregnant woman may experience food cravings. Food aversion is as common as food craving. She might start disliking her favorite dishes and she might want to enjoy those dishes which she never would have tried. A heightened sense of smell can lead to some sort of discomfort. The woman may not be able to tolerate the strong smell of garbage or even of deodorants, fruits, fish, soap, etc. Craving for pickles, ice-creams, certain fruits, sweets, chocolates, is very common. Pica craving can be harmful for health. It indicates craving for non-nutritional objects like ice, cigarette butts, dirt, paint chips and the like.
• Change in Bowel Habits: After conception, some women may notice a sudden change in bowel habits. They may experience constipation, indigestion, heart burn, upset stomach, etc. General discomfort can be experienced because of the changes taking place in the body.
• Body Pain: Some women may develop lower backache or headache after conception. Hormonal changes can affect your energy level and you can have pain in legs or back.

Remember, pregnancy cannot be confirmed with the help of these symptoms. Due to some other health conditions, these symptoms can be experienced by a woman, even when she has not conceived. And don't panic if you do not notice any of the above mentioned signs of fertilization or some of the early signs of pregnancy. Pregnancy symptoms may vary from woman to woman. It is a fact that some women do not notice any signs of pregnancy. Performing a home pregnancy test very early can give you false negative results. It is always advisable to consult your doctor for confirmation of pregnancy, after performing a home pregnancy test, whatever may be the test result.