10 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Even before a pregnancy test will come back positive, your body can give you some subtle signs that you’re pregnant. You may notice these in the first few weeks of your pregnancy, and even as early as a few days after you conceived. Of course, these symptoms vary for everyone. Some women may not have any, and others may misinterpret the signs. But if you’re looking to tell whether you’re pregnant as soon as possible, these common signs may be your first clues.

1. Tender breasts

Breasts can become tender from all the extra estrogen your body is producing.

2. Aversion to certain smells and foods

If the smell of coffee makes you gag, or if you suddenly can’t stand the thought of a favorite food, you may be in the early stages of pregnancy.

3. Mood swings

Pregnancy wreaks havoc with your hormones, which often induces mood swings. You may find yourself feeling weepy, angry, or elated for minimal reasons.

4. Shortness of breath

Do you feel winded after a walk, flight of stairs, or jog that would usually be no problem? A growing baby uses up some of your oxygen.

5. Fatigue

Tiredness is very common in the first trimester of pregnancy – another side effect of your elevated hormone levels.

6. Needing to pee all the time

This is a classic symptom of pregnancy, and it can start early for some women. Swelling in your uterus places pressure on your bladder, leading to more frequent urination.

7. Cramps and bloating

These symptoms can be confusingly similar to PMS, but they also come with the beginning of a pregnancy.

8. Feeling lightheaded

Pregnancy hormones can lower your blood pressure. Particularly when standing up, you may feel lightheaded or even dizzy.

9. Nausea

Nausea is most common starting at about 6 weeks into a pregnancy, but some women can start experiencing it earlier.

10. Headaches

Headaches are a very common side-effect of the elevated hormone levels that come along with pregnancy. PREGNANCY TIPS TO HELP YOU CONCEIVE The time to start working toward a healthy pregnancy is before you conceive. If you are trying to get pregnant quick, our pregnancy tips are good start to get your body ready for conception process. Read more here MORE ABOUT CONCEIVE PLUS If you have just started trying to get pregnant or have been trying for a while, Conceive Plus® can help increase your chances of conception naturally! Recommended by doctors, pharmacists and fertility clinics in more than 60 countries, this is the fertility friendly lubricant approved by the FDA and a prescription is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon can I take a pregnancy test after conception UK?

Most pregnancy tests are accurate from the first day of your missed period, though some early detection tests can show results up to 6 days before. The NHS recommends waiting until your period is late for the most reliable result, as testing too early may give a false negative due to low hCG levels.

Are early pregnancy symptoms the same as PMS?

Many early pregnancy symptoms like cramps, bloating, and mood swings can feel remarkably similar to premenstrual symptoms, which can be confusing when you're trying to conceive. The key difference is that pregnancy symptoms tend to persist and may be accompanied by a missed period, breast tenderness, and nausea that intensifies over time.

When should I see my GP if I think I'm pregnant?

Once you've had a positive home pregnancy test, you should contact your GP surgery or a midwife to book

your first antenatal appointment. The NHS typically arranges your booking appointment between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, where you'll discuss your care options and arrange your dating scan.

Can I get a free pregnancy test on the NHS?

Yes, you can obtain free pregnancy tests from your GP, sexual health clinics, and some NHS walk-in centres across the UK. Many pharmacies also offer free testing services, and some local contraception clinics provide them at no cost.

How early can morning sickness start in pregnancy?

Morning sickness typically begins around 6 weeks of pregnancy, though some women notice nausea as early as 4 weeks. According to the NHS, symptoms usually improve by weeks 16 to 20, and despite its name, pregnancy nausea can occur at any time of day or night.

What should I do if I'm struggling to conceive UK?

The NHS recommends seeing your GP if you haven't conceived after 12 months of regular unprotected sex, or after 6 months if you're over 36. Around 1 in 7 UK couples experience fertility issues, so you're not alone, and your GP can arrange initial tests and potentially refer you to a fertility specialist depending on your CCG's criteria.

Is it normal to feel exhausted in early pregnancy?

Yes, extreme tiredness is one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms and is caused by rising levels of progesterone. The NHS advises getting plenty of rest during your first trimester, as fatigue usually eases during the second trimester before potentially returning later in pregnancy.