10 Early Signs of Pregnancy and When They Start

Trying to conceive often involves a lot of waiting. Waiting to take a pregnancy test, waiting for your first ultrasound, and waiting to meet your baby face-to-face. During this time, it’s common to become more aware of every change in your body.

The period between possible conception and a confirmed pregnancy is often called the two-week wait. During this phase, many women begin “symptom-spotting,” wondering whether every twinge or sensation could be an early sign of pregnancy.¹

Here are 10 common early signs of pregnancy, when they may appear, and when to take a pregnancy test for the most reliable result.

Early pregnancy symptoms may include a missed period, tender breasts, fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, and changes in taste or appetite.
Symptoms vary widely, and some women notice few or no changes before receiving a positive pregnancy test.
Home pregnancy tests are generally more reliable after a missed period. If your result is negative but your period does not begin, test again after several days.
Contact your healthcare provider about severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, or vomiting that prevents you from keeping down fluids.

What Causes Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

Most early pregnancy symptoms are caused by hormonal changes. At four weeks pregnant, your baby is not much bigger than a grain of sand. Even at this early stage, rising levels of hormones such as progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can cause noticeable changes throughout your body.²

These hormones help prepare your body for pregnancy. Your uterus expands, your blood volume increases, and your breasts begin preparing for breastfeeding. Although the embryo is still tiny, you might experience symptoms throughout your body, all thanks to hormones.²

Related: Pregnancy Hormones: What’s Happening

When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start?

After a fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining, the developing placenta begins producing hCG. Implantation typically occurs about six to 12 days after ovulation, although the timing can vary.3

Some women notice symptoms around the time implantation occurs, while others have no noticeable symptoms this early. These symptoms may intensify, and new symptoms may emerge over time. The pregnancy hormone hCG rises quickly in early pregnancy and typically peaks around 10 weeks of pregnancy.⁴

Related: First Trimester Checklist: What to Do in Weeks 1 to 12

What Are the Early Signs of Pregnancy?

Early pregnancy symptoms can vary from person to person, but many women notice similar changes as pregnancy hormones begin to rise.

Breast Tenderness

Changes to your breasts are often one of the first signs of pregnancy. Although breastfeeding is still far off, hormones are already changing your breast tissue and preparing it for milk production. They may be swollen and feel heavier or fuller than usual. Your breasts may be extremely sensitive to the slightest touch, especially around the nipples and areolas. You may also notice that your areolas have become darker, larger, and bumpier.^5,6

Fatigue

Hormonal changes and the increased demands on your body can leave you feeling unusually tired, even very early in pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, your body increases blood volume and supports the growth of your uterus and breasts, all of which require additional energy.⁵

Related: Tips for Battling Pregnancy Fatigue

Frequent Urination

Increased blood volume and blood flow to your pelvic region can make you feel like you need to pee more often, long before the baby is big enough to put pressure on your bladder.^5,7

Dizziness and Headaches

Hormone changes, increased blood volume, and decreased blood pressure during early pregnancy can cause headaches and dizziness. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until the feeling passes, and stand up slowly when you’re ready. Contact your healthcare provider if your dizziness is severe, persistent, or causes you to faint.^7,8

Nausea

Despite the name “morning sickness,” nausea during pregnancy can occur at any time of day. Many women experience nausea without vomiting, but vomiting is possible, too. Although the exact cause of pregnancy nausea is unknown, hormonal changes are thought to play a role. For many women, symptoms improve during the second trimester.⁹

Nausea can become a problem if frequent vomiting causes dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Even without frequent vomiting, nausea can still be uncomfortable, disruptive, and difficult to hide.⁹

Related: Ways To Relieve Morning Sickness and Feel Better Fast

Food Cravings or Aversions

Certain foods you have always loved may suddenly repulse you, which could be an early sign of pregnancy. Anecdotally, many women report an aversion to meat, particularly in the first trimester.

You may also crave seemingly random or unusual foods compared to your usual preferences. It is usually fine to enjoy food cravings as part of a balanced diet. If you crave nonfood substances such as dirt, clay, or ice, contact your healthcare provider, as this may be a sign of pica or a nutritional deficiency.^10,11

Related: Decoding Pregnancy Cravings and What They Mean

Metallic Taste

Along with cravings or aversions, some women report feeling like they have the taste of a coin in their mouth, even if they have not eaten anything. This is because pregnancy hormones can change your sense of taste very early in pregnancy. If it is bothersome, maintaining good oral hygiene, chewing sugar-free gum, or sipping cold water may reduce the metallic taste.¹²

Congestion

Pregnancy congestion can begin early in the first trimester for some women, likely because of hormonal changes and increased blood flow.⁷

Cramping and Spotting

Some women notice mild cramping or light spotting around the time implantation occurs. These symptoms can make it seem like your period is coming, which can be confusing. This may happen around the time of implantation or shortly before your period is due.⁵

Missed Period

All these symptoms may make you wonder whether you’re pregnant, but a missed period is one of the most common reasons to take a pregnancy test. If your period does not arrive when expected, taking a pregnancy test can help determine whether pregnancy is the cause.

When Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?

Once your period is late, it is a good time to take a home pregnancy test. Some tests can detect pregnancy before a missed period, but testing too early increases the chance of a false-negative result. If your result is negative and your period still does not begin, repeat the test after several days and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.³

Related: What to Do in Early Pregnancy

When To Contact Your Healthcare Provider

After receiving a positive pregnancy test, contact your healthcare provider to schedule your first prenatal visit. When you’ll be seen depends on the practice and your medical history, so it is a good idea to call early.

Depending on the practice and your medical history, your provider may confirm the pregnancy, order bloodwork, or recommend other early testing.

Always contact your healthcare provider if you have any unusual or concerning symptoms. While light-headedness, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding can be normal early pregnancy signs, your doctor may want to rule out other concerns if these symptoms are severe. They may also be able to recommend techniques or medications to help you manage these symptoms.^13,14

Related: Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms To Look Out For

Speculating about early pregnancy signs can be exciting, but the most reliable way to know whether you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. If you are experiencing early symptoms and suspect you may be pregnant, it may be time to take an at-home pregnancy test.

While many early pregnancy symptoms are uncomfortable, they often peak during the first trimester before easing as pregnancy progresses. Many of these changes are part of your body adjusting to pregnancy, but contact your healthcare provider whenever a symptom feels severe, unusual, or concerning.