You’ve got one question on your mind: Could I be pregnant?
A pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure. But if it’s too early to take a test, you may be on the lookout for early signs – or maybe you think you’re already experiencing some early pregnancy symptoms.
Is it too early to tell if you’re pregnant? What symptoms may be the earliest signs of pregnancy? Below, we answer those questions and more.
How early can you tell if you’re pregnant?
Again, you’ll need to take a pregnancy test at the right time to confirm your hopes or suspicions. But when it comes to the first symptoms of pregnancy, everyone is different. Some people start to notice changes within a week after conception. Others might not notice anything until they miss their period.
When should you take a pregnancy test?
It’s usually recommended that you take a pregnancy test after you’ve missed your period. This is because pregnancy tests measure the level of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in your body, which is a hormone that starts to build up when you conceive. It can take around three to four weeks from the first day of your last period for there to be enough hCG in your body to show up on a test.
What are the first symptoms of pregnancy?
The most common sign of early pregnancy? A missed period.
Your menstrual cycle is your body’s way of preparing for a possible pregnancy each month. Part of that is the thickening of your uterine lining, which is where a fertilized egg would implant to begin a pregnancy.
If you’re not pregnant, your period is how your uterus sheds that extra lining. If you are pregnant, that lining stays put and you don’t get your normal flow. This is why a missed period is often the earliest sign of pregnancy.
Of course, a delayed or missed period doesn’t always mean you’re pregnant. If your body is under a lot of stress or you have a hormonal imbalance, you could be experiencing an irregular menstrual cycle.
What other symptoms can be early signs of pregnancy?
Every person – and every pregnancy – is different. So, if you are pregnant, you’ll likely experience a unique combination of common, not-so-common and sometimes overlapping symptoms. And, they may show up earlier or later than expected. Here are more than a dozen possible symptoms of early pregnancy.
1. Missed Period
A missed period is often the first sign of pregnancy. If your cycle is regular and you miss a period, it’s time to take a pregnancy test.
2. Nausea and Morning Sickness
Nausea, often referred to as morning sickness, can occur at any time of the day and is a common early pregnancy symptom.
3. Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired and exhausted is common in early pregnancy due to increased levels of the hormone progesterone.
4. Frequent Urination
Increased urination, even before a missed period, can be a sign of pregnancy as your kidneys process extra fluid.
5. Tender, Swollen Breasts
Hormonal changes can make your breasts sensitive, sore, and swollen, similar to premenstrual symptoms but more intense.
6. Food Cravings or Aversions
You may experience strong cravings for certain foods or an aversion to foods you usually enjoy.
7. Mood Swings
Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings, making you feel more emotional or irritable than usual.
8. Light Spotting and Cramping
Light spotting, known as implantation bleeding, can occur when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Mild cramping may also accompany this.
9. Bloating
Hormonal changes can cause bloating, similar to what you might experience before your period.
These symptoms can vary from woman to woman and can also be caused by other factors. If you suspect you might be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test and consult with your healthcare provider for confirmation and guidance.
Could you have early pregnancy symptoms and not be pregnant?
Yes. As we’ve mentioned, many early pregnancy symptoms can overlap with symptoms of other conditions, especially premenstrual symptoms. So, the best way to know if the symptoms you’re experiencing are pregnancy related is to try to relax and patiently wait until it’s time to take a pregnancy test.
When should you see a doctor about a new pregnancy?
If you’ve taken a pregnancy test and it’s positive, go ahead and make your first prenatal visit right away.
At the first prenatal visit, you’ll get a physical exam and other tests to make sure everything is looking healthy, and you’ll learn about your pregnancy timeline. You’ll also get to talk through any expectations and questions you have about your pregnancy.