10 Early Signs of Pregnancy
What You Need to Know
- Most pregnancy symptoms don’t start until four to six weeks after conception.
- While many of the symptoms are common, it’s possible to experience no symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- The most common early symptoms include a missed period, light bleeding, breast changes or tenderness, and fatigue.
- A test done by your doctor may detect pregnancy earlier than at-home tests.
When do pregnancy symptoms start?
For most people, the four- to six-week mark, or one to two weeks after the first missed period, is when someone might begin to experience early symptoms associated with pregnancy. Some symptoms can begin as early as one week after conception, such as light bleeding, fatigue or cramping, but most symptoms occur a few weeks later. Many of the symptoms are not unique to pregnancy, and every pregnancy is different, but if multiple early signs are experienced, it might be time to take a test or reach out to your gynecologist.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Missed Period
If you experience regular periods and a week or longer passes without the start of your expected menstrual cycle, it could be a sign of pregnancy. Typically, it takes about four weeks after conception before a pregnant person will experience that first missed period. Missed periods can also occur for other health reasons. If you suspect you could be pregnant because of a missed or irregular period, consider taking a pregnancy test.
Light bleeding or spotting
One possible pregnancy symptom is light bleeding or spotting. It can occur as early as one to two weeks after conception, but some people may experience this as a notably lighter period around when their usual period would begin. When a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, which happens five to 14 days after fertilization, that implantation can cause light bleeding. This bleeding, sometimes called implantation bleeding, does not reliably happen in every pregnancy, however. If bleeding is persistent or heavy, seek medical attention for further evaluation.
Breast changes or tenderness
Breast changes usually occur between four and six weeks of pregnancy, but can begin after only two weeks. Hormonal changes that happen around that time may make breasts sore, sensitive or swollen. The areola, or area around the nipple, may also darken or grow larger.
Morning sickness or nausea
Nausea, or morning sickness, typically starts during the fourth to sixth week of pregnancy, or after one to two months. In spite of its name, morning sickness can happen at any time of day, and some pregnant people may experience it as nausea without vomiting. Nausea or vomiting can occur earlier in pregnancy, and for some people, it may never happen. If you experience extreme morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum, contact your gynecologist immediately, as this condition requires medical attention.
Increased urination
During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, which can cause several side effects. The most common is increased urination, because the kidneys are working overtime to process extra fluids in the body, which leads to more fluid in the bladder.
Fatigue
Rising progesterone levels caused by pregnancy can often result in a feeling of fatigue or prolonged tiredness. Fatigue is most often experienced during the first trimester, and is a common early pregnancy symptom.
Mood swings
Production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone increases during pregnancy, which might make people feel more reactive or emotional than usual. You might feel more easily triggered to cry or become more irritated than usual. Mood swings are also common.
Food cravings or aversions
The senses of taste and smell can change during pregnancy. You might experience a heightened sense of smell, which could affect food preferences. Changes in hormones can cause cravings for certain foods or strong feelings of aversion to others.
Cramping or bloating
In early pregnancy, some people have symptoms similar to those experienced during a period, such as cramping and bloating. Cramping due to pregnancy is usually mild and may happen around the same time as implantation bleeding (light spotting). Hormone changes can slow the digestive system, which may also cause bloating or constipation. If you have severe abdominal pain, seek medical attention for further evaluation.
Headaches or backaches
Feeling achy, especially lower-back aches or headaches, is another common symptom in the first trimester of pregnancy. Blood flow changes can affect the sinuses, causing nasal congestion or sinus headaches. Hormone changes can also trigger headaches.
Other Early Signs of Pregnancy
Some other early signs of pregnancy include:
- Constipation
- Smell sensitivity
- Heartburn
- Nasal congestion
- Increased heart rate
How to Know If You’re Pregnant
Many signs and symptoms associated with early pregnancy don’t exclusively mean you are pregnant. For example, there are a lot of similarities between some of these symptoms and the indicators that a period is about to start. People can also be pregnant without experiencing any of these symptoms.
If you are trying to conceive or if you have learned that you are pregnant, begin taking a prenatal vitamin to support a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy Tests
At-home tests generally detect pregnancy about one week after the first missed period. For some people, however, it may take longer for results to show. When using an at-home test, if you initially get a negative result but believe you may be pregnant, test again the following week. If the result is positive, make an appointment with your gynecologist or care provider. They can confirm your pregnancy and arrange prenatal care.
A medical professional such as a gynecologist might order a blood test to confirm if someone is pregnant, especially if the pregnancy cannot yet be seen on an ultrasound. Blood tests can tell if you are pregnant even sooner than a urine test, which can be helpful in this situation.
