Are you pregnant? To confirm, a pregnancy test is needed. But right when you miss a period, there’s a hope blooming that you might be conceiving. While a missed period is the very first sign of pregnancy, some classic signs, like physical changes, can indicate pregnancy way earlier. 

The symptoms appear as soon as conception begins, and although it may be your first time, we can help you identify the early signs of pregnancy. In the first 13 weeks, you would start noticing these signs. If you do not wish to continue with the pregnancy, you can explore other options on our website. 

 

But first, this is what you should know: 

• Most symptoms don’t occur until 4 - 6 weeks after conceiving
• While many of the symptoms are common, and most of the individuals experience them, some don’t experience any symptoms in the first trimester, and that’s normal. 
• Missed period is the first of the symptoms along with light bleeding, breast tenderness, or change, and fatigue.
• A test performed by your doctor can identify pregnancy sooner than home pregnancy tests.

Look For These Earliest Signs of Pregnancy

1. Missed Period 

Irregular periods are common, but if you find your periods missing for a whole week from the due date, and you have had unprotected sex before that, chances are you might be pregnant. Hormonal changes in the body stop the uterine lining from shedding, which is why your period doesn't come. Stress, travel, or health issues could also be the reason, so alone it cannot prove the pregnancy. Check with your doctor. 

2. Swollen, Tender Breasts

Early pregnancy makes your breasts tender, heavy, and usually sensitive. This happens as hormones like estrogen and progesterone increase in the body to prepare it for breastfeeding. The fullness, tingling, or discomfort is similar to PMS, but intense and long-lasting. This symptom appears within the first few weeks of conception. 

3. Light Bleeding or Spotting

Noticing light spots of blood in the early pregnancy is common, or even light bleeding, and it’s often called implantation bleeding. There could be a slight change in the colour of blood, like light pink or brown discharge that lasts for a short time. Because this occurs when a period is expected, it can be mistaken for a period. 

4. Increase Need to Urinate

Need to pee more often is again a sign of pregnancy, even early on. This happens because hormonal changes increase the blood flow to the kidneys, which causes the bladder to fill faster. This symptom begins before your belly shows and lasts throughout the pregnancy. 

5. Mood Swings

You must be quite familiar with this symptom. Sudden emotional changes are normal in early pregnancy. You must be sensitive, tearful, irritable, or overwhelmed than usual. Hormones stir these emotions, and it does not in any way reflect your strength or decision-making; it’s simply just a physical reaction. 

6. Nausea or Morning Sickness

Most people relate nausea or morning sickness to something that only happens during the morning, but no, it can happen at any time of the day. This could cause food aversions, vomiting, or feeling discomfort. For some, there are just mild symptoms, some experience it intensely, while some do not experience it at all. 

7. Fatigue

Pregnancy and tiredness can go hand-in-hand. Your body is working hard to support all the hormonal changes, which can leave you feeling exhausted or sometimes vulnerable, even when you sleep soundly. This sign can show up before anything else; it’s one of the pregnancy symptoms before missed periods.  

8. Food Cravings or Aversions

Sudden changes in the likes and dislikes of food are a positive sign of pregnancy. You may hate the food that you once liked, and like the ones you have never eaten before. Pregnancy hormone affects the sense of smell and taste, hence the cravings and aversions. Strong cooking smells, or even everyday food can cause discomfort or nausea. 

9. Headaches or Dizziness

Mild headaches or feeling lightheaded are common symptoms of pregnancy. Hormonal shifts fluctuate the blood pressure, or suddenly increase the blood flow in the body. And if you are skipping meals, are dehydrated, or have low blood sugar, it can worsen it. Though dizziness is common, if it’s chronic or severe, get medical help.

10. Bloating or Constipation

Early pregnancy slows down digestion, hence leading to bloating, gas, or constipation. Many mistake it for PMS. Even if you haven't eaten much, your stomach may feel tight or uncomfortable. This symptom can be managed by drinking water, engaging in light workouts, and eating fibre-rich foods.

How Accurate Are Early Pregnancy Symptoms Without a Test?

Early pregnancy symptoms are the signs, but they cannot for certain confirm the pregnancy. Some signs, like missed periods, nausea, mood swings, or fatigue, can also be due to stress, illness, hormonal changes, or lifestyle shifts. 

Some people feel intense pregnancy symptoms early on, and some feel nothing at all. Every individual is different; thus, symptoms alone cannot confirm the pregnancy. The only way to be sure is to take a home pregnancy test or visit a doctor for an ultrasound or a blood test. 

If you think you might be pregnant, testing early allows you to understand your options and take the next steps as needed. The ball is in your court; be the sole decision-maker. 

Listen to Your Body, Choose What’s Right for You

Early pregnancy symptoms can raise a whirlwind of questions, feelings, and uncertainty, especially if the pregnancy was unexpected. Knowing what these changes mean is the first step towards understanding what your body is going through and learn closely about the symptoms of pregnancy. 

Give yourself time and space to decide what you need and what feels right for your life. Just know that you are alone in the process; support is available, even from miles away. We offer judgment-free, confidential and focused care if you do not wish to go on with the conception.