Early signs of pregnancy

The most common sign is a missed period. Many women also notice extreme tiredness, sore breasts, nausea or needing to wee more often. These signs usually start around 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy, but not everyone has all of them, and every pregnancy is different.

The only way to know for sure is a pregnancy test.

The most common signs

A missed period

If your cycle is regular and your period does not arrive on time, this is often the first sign. If your cycle is irregular, you may notice later.

A very light bleed

Some women have spotting or a little blood around the time their period was due. This is called implantation bleeding, and it is much lighter than a normal period.

Nausea and vomiting

It is called morning sickness, but it can happen at any time of the day or night. It usually starts between weeks 4 and 7. Read more about morning sickness.

Tiredness

You may feel exhausted even after an ordinary day. This kind of tiredness is common in the early weeks.

Sore breasts

Your breasts may feel swollen, heavy or tender, much like the days before a period.

Needing to wee more often

You may need the toilet more often, including at night, without pain or burning.

Other changes

• constipation
• more vaginal discharge, without itching or soreness
• a metallic taste in your mouth
• a stronger sense of smell
• craving new foods, or going off foods you used to like
• mood changes

When to take a test

Pregnancy tests are sold in pharmacies and do not need a prescription. Most give a reliable result from the first day of a missed period. If the test is negative but your period still does not come, test again a few days later.

If the test is positive

• Make an appointment with a gynaecologist or your family doctor. See what happens at your first appointments.
• If you are not already taking it, ask a doctor or pharmacist about folic acid, which is taken every day until week 12.
• Stop drinking alcohol and smoking, and read about foods to avoid in pregnancy.
• If the pregnancy was not planned, or you are not sure how you feel, talk to a doctor. They can help you look at your options.

When to get help

Most early signs are normal and nothing to worry about. Contact a doctor straight away, or go to emergency care, if you have:

• vaginal bleeding
• tummy pain
• pain in your pelvis

You can ask for help at any time if you are worried about your health or your baby’s.

Sources we consulted

• NHS: Signs and symptoms of pregnancy

Written by the mam.al editors as general information. It does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.