10 Early Signs of Pregnancy

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.

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