How Early Can You Have Symptoms Of Being Pregnant

First Signs Of Pregnancy

What Are the Early Signs of Pregnancy? | WebMD

All of these early signs are a good guide to help you determine if you are pregnant, but they dont provide definitive answers. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and could be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test will help you know.

The FIRST RESPONSE Early Result Pregnancy Test is the only at-home pregnancy test that can detect an early pregnancy as soon as 6 days before your missed period.1 Schedule an appointment with your doctor to confirm the result, and always check with your physician about any issues concerning your health. When it comes to pregnancy, knowing sooner makes a difference.

1 FIRST RESPONSE detects the pregnancy hormone 6 days sooner than the day of your missed period .

Dizziness And Pregnancy Brain

Along with fatigue and nausea, many women also feel dizzy or lightheaded during early pregnancy. Symptoms such as low blood pressure, dilating blood vessels, and lower blood sugar create these lightheaded feelings. Go slowly from sitting to standing and keep your blood sugar steady with small, regular snacks.

Your Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week

Check out this week-by-week pregnancy symptom timeline so you know what to expect while carrying a baby.

Your body experiences a wide range of changes throughout pregnancy, ranging from breast tenderness in the first trimester to backaches in the third. Prepare for whats coming with our list of pregnancy symptoms by week.

Also Check: How Can I Get Pregnant Easily And Naturally

Headache Body Aches Cramping And Back Pain

We often get achy all over when we have the flu, but headaches, body aches, cramping, and pain are also all considered normal during early pregnancy.

These symptoms are related to an increase in blood volume, but if the headaches become too intense or too regular, it’s something you should discuss with your doctor, just to be safe.

How Soon Can You Get Symptoms And Signs Of Pregnancy

How soon can you get pregnant after having a baby?

Most pregnancy symptoms will start to appear around five or six weeks after your last menstrual period. Usually symptoms wont appear immediately, as it takes a few weeks to develop them. Having symptoms a few days after sex isnt usually a sign of pregnancy, and can actually be due to something else such as PMS.

However, a missed period, fatigue or morning sickness before this five-week mark could indicate pregnancy,Lesley Gilchrist, registered midwife and co-founder of My Expert Midwife, says. The most common early signs are missing a period and feeling out of sorts and not yourself- often feeling overwhelmingly tired and needing to sleep a lot.

Morning sickness is also common and can take on several forms for different people, such as feeling nauseous at certain times of the day or all day, vomiting, dizziness or a combination of all these. The need to wee a lot can also be common and is caused by changing hormones in the early days, as are tender, swollen breasts which are sensitive when touched.

Also Check: How Do I Know How Far I Am Pregnant

High Blood Pressure And Dizziness During Early Pregnancy

In most cases, high or normal blood pressure will drop in the early stages of pregnancy. This may also cause feelings of dizziness, since your blood vessels are dilated.

High blood pressure as a result of pregnancy is more difficult to determine. Almost all cases of hypertension within the first 20 weeks indicate underlying problems. It may develop during early pregnancy, but it may also be present beforehand.

Your doctor will take your blood pressure during your first visit to help establish a baseline for a normal blood pressure reading.

More Prone To Coughs And Colds

Being pregnant lowers your immunity. This leaves you susceptible to more coughs, colds, and the flu. It is common for many pregnant women to experience flu-like or cold-like symptoms during the early days of their pregnancy. However, before you pop an over-the-counter medication for a cold or flu, you should always talk to your doctor about medications that are safe to take while pregnant. Pregnant women are also more prone to developing other severe illnesses from the flu. This can cause some serious health issues for your baby. This is why you should always talk to your doctor if you notice any cold- or flu-like symptoms.

Also Check: What If You Get An Iud While Pregnant

Alternative Ways To Check For Pregnancy

If you dont want to buy a test yet, there are other ways you can find out whether its likely youre pregnant or not. But keep in mind that this is in no way accurate, and pregnancy tests are the best way to confirm your pregnancy.

All of the symptoms listed above can be early signs of pregnancy, but dont always mean that you are. If youre experiencing several of them at once, it could be a sign that its time to take a test.

Clearblue has a free online quiz which asks you about any symptoms, as well as what contraceptives youve been using, if applicable. It takes minutes and they can give you advice on whether or not to use one of their tests.

You also know your own body better than anyone, so you might identify significant changes to your mood, physical changes to your body especially around the stomach. If you have regular periods, any changes to that routine could indicate youre expecting too.

When Should You See A Doctor About A New Pregnancy

Your Pregnancy: Early Pregnancy Symptoms Most Women Experience | Parents

If youve taken a pregnancy test and its positive, go ahead and make your first prenatal visit right away.

At the first prenatal visit, youll get a physical exam and other tests to make sure everything is looking healthy, and youll learn about your pregnancy timeline. Youll also get to talk through any expectations and questions you have about your pregnancy.

Questions or concerns about your symptoms? Our 24/7 nurse line is free for our members and patients.

Positive pregnancy test? Schedule a visit.

You May Like: What Is Normal Blood Pressure In Pregnancy

When Can You Accurately Test For Pregnancy

As tempting as it can be to take pregnancy tests early and often, it may not be helpful. At 5 DPO, there is no reliably accurate way to check for pregnancy.

Most tests check for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin , which the placenta makes. This hormone starts building up in the body after implantation.

While implantation may occur early on in some womens menstrual cycles, it does take time for the hormone to build up to a level in the blood that will make it detectable in a blood or urine test.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, blood tests for hCG levels should be accurate 11 days after conception, while it would be best to wait 1214 days before taking a urine test.

Taking a pregnancy test too early may give inaccurate results. It is possible that a pregnant woman could still get a negative result if the level of hCG has not yet built up in her body.

A false positive is also possible, which is a positive result on a pregnancy test when the woman is not pregnant. This can happen when a woman performs the test incorrectly, has a chemical pregnancy, or is taking certain hormonal medications as part of fertility treatment.

Raised Basal Body Temperature

Many women keep track of their basal, or baseline, body temperature while trying to conceive because it changes throughout the menstrual cycle. The temperature increases after ovulation and may stay higher than usual until the period begins.

A basal body temperature that remains unusually high beyond the typical length of time may indicate pregnancy.

However, these signs are not unique to pregnancy and can be due to another hormonal or lifestyle factor.

Also Check: How Common Is Getting Pregnant With An Iud

Similarities Between Pms Vs Pregnancy Symptoms And Signs

For many women, the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy can resemble those of her approaching menstrual period or PMS. In fact, it is not possible to tell from early symptoms alone if a woman is pregnant or having symptoms related to her upcoming menstrual period.

The most similar common signs and symptoms that these conditions share include:

  • Headaches:Headaches can be a symptom of pregnancy, but many women also experience headaches or migraines prior to the menstrual period or with PMS.
  • Back pain: This symptom can be if your period is approaching, but it also can be a symptom that you are pregnant.
  • Mood changes : Mood changes are common in both PMS and early pregnancy. These changes can include depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
  • Constipation: The hormone progesterone can lead to digestive disturbances including constipation. Because levels of progesterone rise during the second half of the menstrual cycle, constipation can be present in women with PMS or an approaching menstrual period. Likewise, the hormonal changes of early pregnancy may also cause constipation.
  • Increased urination: You may have increased urination if you are pregnant or your about to have your period.
  • Breast pain and tenderness:Breast pain, tenderness, breast swelling, or enlargement, can occur in early pregnancy as well as prior to your period. The breasts may feel heavy, sore, or sensitive in both conditions.
  • We Know You’re Wondering: Is It Possible To Be Pregnant And Still Have A Period

    Am I bloated or pregnant?

    Nope, experts say. Some people may experience bleeding or spotting, but those are different bleeding patterns from the cyclical menses your body experiences in absence of a pregnancy.

    Dr. Michele Hakakha, an OB-GYN and author of Expecting 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Pregnancy, told Parents that people definitely can experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, but that “when they bleed, they are not having a ‘period.'” That’s because your body needs to reserve the uterine lining as nourishment for the growing pregnancy.

    Although bleeding during pregnancy doesn’t always mean cause for concern, it can indicate something more serious like a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    In the earliest stage of pregnancy, however, some very light bleeding is totally normal and leads us to our first pregnancy clue: implantation bleeding.

    Implantation bleeding usually doesn’t last more than a couple of days, and it’s much lighter than most people’s periods .

    Don’t Miss: How To Get Your Abs Back After Pregnancy

    Other Causes Of Bleeding During Pregnancy

    Many things can cause bleeding in pregnant women, some of them harmless and some serious. If youre bleeding a lot, with or without pain or cramping at any time, call your doctor.

    Continued

    If youre pregnant and see blood in your underwear, it may be caused by:

    Sex. Hormonal and physical changes may be to blame for this. It should stop on its own.

    Fibroids and polyps. Your doctor might do some tests to check for these growths on your uterus.

    Cervical problems. Conditions like infection or growths on your cervix can also cause bleeding.

    Infection. Sexually transmitted diseases like trichomoniasis can cause light bleeding as well as more serious problems. Starting treatment as soon as possible will keep your baby healthy.

    Ectopic pregnancy. This is when an embryo implants outside your uterus. You may have bleeding with pain and cramps. Its dangerous and needs medical care right away.

    Miscarriage. About 15% of known pregnancies end during the first few months. Most women bleed and cramp afterward. Call your doctor right away if you know that you’re pregnant and you have these symptoms.

    Sickness Nausea And Vomiting

    If youre sitting in meetings fighting the urge to vomit, youre definitely not alone. About 50% to 80% of pregnant women will throw up or feel nauseous . That can start happening any time from two to eight weeks after you conceive your baby.

    The most likely cause is fluctuating levels of pregnancy hormones .

    Oh, and the term morning sickness is a bit misleading too. Nausea or vomiting can happen at any time during the day .

    A small number of women might find themselves with a severe form of nausea and vomiting called hyperemis gravadarum . HG can lead to pregnancy complications like dehydration, weight loss and electrolyte imbalance so you might need to be admitted to hospital .

    Also Check: Can You Get Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant

    What Are The Most Common Early Signs Of Pregnancy

    In a poll on pregnancy symptoms conducted by the American Pregnancy Association:

    • 29% of women surveyed reported a missed period as their first pregnancy symptom
    • 25% indicated that nausea was the first sign of pregnancy
    • 17% reported that a change in their breasts was the initial symptom of pregnancy
    • While implantation bleeding is often considered the first pregnancy symptom, our survey reveals that only 3% of women identify implantation bleeding as their first sign of pregnancy

    Early Pregnancy Signs And Symptoms

    Early signs of pregnancy | Mumsnet

    A number of symptoms begin in the early stages of pregnancy:

  • Missed period: A missed menstrual period is the hallmark symptom of pregnancy, and menstruation is absent throughout the pregnancy. Sometimes, the mild cramping and spotting experienced at the time of implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus can be mistaken for a menstrual period. Women whose menstrual cycles are irregular may also not immediately notice the absence of a menstrual period. It is uncommon for signs and symptoms of pregnancy to appear before the missed period, but if a womanâs cycles are irregular, this may happen.
  • Implantation bleeding or cramping: Mild bleeding or spotting may occur when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, anywhere from 6 to 12 days after fertilization. Mild cramping can also occur at this time. Implantation bleeding may sometimes be mistaken for a menstrual period, although it is usually much lighter than a regular period.
  • Vaginal discharge: Some women may notice a thick, milky discharge from the vagina in early pregnancy. This occurs in the first weeks of pregnancy as the vaginal walls thicken. This discharge may occur throughout the pregnancy. If there is an unpleasant odor associated with the discharge, or if it is associated with burning and itching, this is a sign of a yeast or bacterial infection. You should contact your health-care professional if this occurs.
  • Darkening of the areola: The areola, or area around the nipple, may darken in color.
  • You May Like: Can Urgent Care Do Pregnancy Ultrasounds

    Days 710 Past Ovulation

    When the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus, around one-third of women will notice light bleeding or spotting, which is called implantation bleeding.

    This spotting typically lasts only a day or two and is very light in flow. Implantation bleeding is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy since it happens around the time the woman becomes pregnant.

    However, even when a woman notices bleeding around the time of implantation, they may still not get a positive pregnancy test. They may have a very early miscarriage called a chemical pregnancy, or the bleeding might be due to something else.

    At implantation, the body begins producing a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin . Known as the pregnancy hormone, hCG along with progesterone and estrogen is responsible for early pregnancy symptoms. It is also the hormone that pregnancy tests identify.

    However, it can take several days for hCG to reach to a detectable level, so pregnancy tests may not pick up the hormone, and symptoms may not develop immediately.

    Blood And Urine Tests

    Pregnancy tests check for the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin . A person might take an over-the-counter test at home, or they might visit a clinic and provide a urine or blood sample for testing.

    The body produces hCG after implantation. Some rare conditions and diseases can also raise levels of this hormone. It is a good idea for anyone who has received a positive test result to have this confirmed by a healthcare professional.

    Recommended Reading: Can You Still Get Pregnant With The Nexplanon

    Late Or Missed Period

    Being late or missing your monthly period is the most well-known early sign of pregnancy and for 1 in 3 women, says the American Pregnancy Association, a missed period is still their 1st pregnancy symptom.

    There are plenty of other symptoms in our list that you may notice before you miss your period but, as Dr Larisa Corda says, this is the one that prompts most women to get a pregnancy test.

    Be warned though that not all missed or delayed periods mean youre pregnant. Sometimes weight changes, hormone problems, stress or recently coming off contraception can affect your periods and possibly lead to you missing a period or having a delayed period.

    And of course, for many of us, late and irregular periods can be the norm which is why its useful to know other symptoms.

    Saying all that, if your period is unusually late, its time to take a pregnancy test.

    Pregnancy Sign: Lower Pelvic Cramping

    12 early signs that you might be pregnant

    Pelvic cramping as an early pregnancy sign? Yep, it can be, according to Nordahl. That might seem counterintuitive, as cramps are super-typical symptoms of Aunt Flow. You were probably hoping that being pregnant meant you could kiss cramps goodbye, but sadly thats not the case. Light cramps can be caused by early pregnancy hormonal shifts and implantation of the fertilized egg on your uterine lining.

    Read Also: When Am I More Likely To Get Pregnant

    Early Signs Of Pregnancy Before A Missed Period

    Although every woman is different, these early symptoms can first appear before you even miss your period.

    Raised basal body temperature

    If you’ve been using a special basal body thermometer to track your first morning temperature, you might notice that it rises around 1 degree when you conceive and stays elevated throughout your pregnancy.

    Though not a foolproof early pregnancy symptom , it could give you advance notice of the big news.

    Smell sensitivity

    A heightened sense of smell is an early pregnancy symptom that makes previously mild odors strong and unappealing. Since it’s one of the first symptoms of pregnancy many women report, babies might be in the air if your sniffer’s suddenly more sensitive and easily offended.

    Breast changes

    Tender, swollen breasts and darkening, bumpy areolas are among the breast changes you might experience early in pregnancy. The hormones estrogen and progesterone deserve most of the credit for this early pregnancy symptom. The breast tenderness is pain with a gain, though, since it’s part of your body’s preparation for the milk-making to come.

    Your areolas may get darker and increase in diameter. You’ll also likely start to notice tiny bumps growing in size and number on your areolas. These bumps, called Montgomery’s tubercles, were always there, but now they’re gearing up to produce more oils that lubricate your nipples once baby starts nursing.

    Fatigue

    Implantation bleeding

    Changes in cervical mucus

    Frequent urination

    Mood swings

    Related Posts

    Recent Stories