Signs of Pregnancy After Sex

Many people wonder about signs of pregnancy after sex, especially when trying to conceive or after unprotected intercourse. While some hope to see immediate signs, the reality is that pregnancy symptoms don't appear right away. Your body needs time to undergo the complex process of conception and implantation before showing any noticeable changes. Some women experience pregnancy signs as quickly as one week after having sex. On the other hand, others do not become aware of pregnancy symptoms until several months into their pregnancy. So, read on to understand some of the early signs of pregnancy after unprotected sex, such as spotting, bloating, cramping, fatigue, swollen or painful breasts, etc.

What Happens After Conception?

Fertilisation, often known as conception, happens when a sperm fertilises an egg released by the ovary (ovulation). Although this can vary from person to person, it can occur approximately 14 days after the beginning of a normal 28-day menstrual cycle.

About 5 to 6 days after conception, implantation starts. At this point, the fertilised egg sticks to the uterine lining. This process may cause mild bleeding and cramping due to ruptured blood vessels in the uterine wall. Some other common signs after conception include: 

• Changes in Basal Body Temperature (BBT),
• Increased vaginal discharge in some women,
• Breast tenderness,
• Fatigue,
• Nausea or food aversions.

Early Signs of Pregnancy after Unprotected Sex

Hormonal changes in the fetus happen quickly after conception. They induce a variety of physical changes, which result in a variety of pregnancy symptoms. The first signs of pregnancy to watch for include the following:

Spotting & Light Vaginal Bleeding

During the first trimester, spotting, also known as mild vaginal bleeding, is a symptom of early pregnancy. The embryo implants into the uterine wall after fertilisation, causing vaginal bleeding or spotting throughout pregnancy without cramping or pain in the abdomen. However, a few pregnant women have light vaginal bleeding or spotting.

Headache & Dizziness

Early pregnancy symptoms include headache and lightheadedness, which are brought on by the body's hormonal changes and increased blood flow. Headaches and dizziness can occur more or less unequally throughout pregnancy, depending on the physical condition. Those experiencing frequent headaches during pregnancy should see a doctor for a comprehensive checkup.

Frequent Urination

One of the early pregnancy signs observed after a missing period is frequent urination. Pregnancy causes the body to produce more blood and fluid to support the growing fetus, which puts greater strain on the kidneys to filter a great amount of blood and eliminate waste into the urine, increasing the frequency of urination. The urine could have a deeper colour, such as brown or orange.

Bloating

Pregnant women frequently suffer bloating, which is caused by an increase in the progesterone hormone and interferes with the digestive system's ability to function. This change causes the stomach to produce more gas, which causes bloating and feelings of fullness. The symptoms, including abdominal discomfort and pressure, are similar to those experienced before menstruation.

Cramping

One of the early indications of pregnancy is cramping, which happens one to two weeks after fertilisation. Similar to menstruation cramps (dysmenorrhea), there will be pain, severe pain, or cramping in the lower abdomen near the uterus. This results from the body producing hormones more quickly to support the growing embryo and the uterus growing along with the baby.

Food Aversion & Cravings 

A pregnant woman may experience changes in her appetite, such as constant hunger, as well as unexplained cravings or an unwillingness to eat certain foods, like sour food or sour fruit, or an unexplained desire to eat strange foods or non-food items, like paper or soil. These symptoms are known as food aversion or food cravings.

Acute Sense of Smell

Due to hormonal changes, one of the earliest indications of pregnancy is an acute sense of smell. Similar to how food tastes, a pregnant woman's sense of smell will change or become more sensitive to smells quickly. Additionally, certain smells, such as those of food, perfume, or household items, might cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness in some pregnant women.

Backache

One of the physical symptoms of pregnancy after intercourse is backache. This occurs as the body begins to adapt to pregnancy. The central muscles expand, tendons and the synovium loosen, and the pelvis relaxes to accommodate the growing fetus. Instead of self-medication, those with severe backaches should seek out a pain reliever recommended by their doctor.

Mood Swings

Changes in hormones in the body cause pregnancy symptoms such as mood swings. These results in unpredictable mood swings, emotional rollercoasters, frustration, sensitivity, and frequent anger. Conversely, the production of chemicals in the brain that include pleasant emotions may cause some pregnant women to feel joyful, delighted, and satisfied.

Vaginal Discharge

An increase in estrogen in a pregnant woman's body causes excessive vaginal secretions, moisture, and the buildup of bacteria or vaginal yeast infection in the birth canal, which results in abnormal amounts of vaginal discharge rather than menstruation. This is why vaginal discharge is a sign and symptom of pregnancy. 

Also Read: Sleeping positions during pregnancy

How Soon Do Symptoms of Pregnancy Appear?

The timing of pregnancy symptoms after intercourse varies from woman to woman. If you're wondering how soon you can feel pregnancy symptoms after sex, the answer isn’t the same for everyone. Some women may feel the above-mentioned symptoms as soon as a few days after having sex, but it's equally common for others to feel them after a few weeks. 

Pregnancy after-sex symptoms typically appear two weeks after conception, around the time of the missing period. However, it's important to keep in mind that each woman's body is unique, and some may eventually develop symptoms.

Final Steps to Take!

Every person experiences different signs of pregnancy after sex. Some women may have symptoms, including headaches or spotting in the first week of pregnancy. For others, it can just be a missed period. Others won't have any symptoms at all. Pregnancy tests are the best way to find out if someone is pregnant, regardless of symptoms. Visit Apollo Spectra for a comprehensive evaluation test and receive support and guidance from our qualified doctors. Book an appointment today!