What Are Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

The most common early pregnancy symptoms include:

A missed period
Sore or tender breasts
Nausea (often called morning sickness)
Increased urination
Fatigue

You might be pregnant if you’re experiencing any or all of the above symptoms. However, these can also be symptoms of other things going on in your body, so it’s important to take a pregnancy test and receive a follow-up ultrasound to be sure.

Keep reading to learn more!

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Each woman’s pregnancy experience will be different, but there are symptoms common to many women. Here are the ones that are most common.

A Missed Period

Is your period late? Did you miss it entirely? This is the most tell-tale sign of pregnancy. However, if your cycle is not regular, a missed or late period could be a false alarm or a symptom of another hormonal issue.

It’s a good first symptom, but you should evaluate if you’re experiencing other pregnancy symptoms.

Sore or Tender Breasts

Early in your pregnancy, hormonal changes produce new breast tissue that can make them feel sore. As the pregnancy progresses and your body adjusts, this discomfort usually decreases.

Morning Sickness/Nausea

Did you know you can experience morning sickness at any time of the day or not? The cause of morning sickness isn’t 100% clear to experts, but many believe changing hormones during early pregnancy play a role.

Increased Urination

The amount of blood in your body increases during pregnancy, causing your kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in your bladder. This results in a need to urinate more frequently than when you’re not pregnant.

Fatigue

In the early weeks of pregnancy, your body produces more progesterone. This is believed to cause the fatigue often felt at the beginning of pregnancy. It can make you feel sluggish and sleepy, even if you’re getting a good amount of sleep at night.

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

Did you know you can take a pregnancy test too early? This can result in a false result. It’s best to wait until a week after your missed period. If your at-home test is positive, confirm the results and learn about your possible next steps by getting an ultrasound referral.

Schedule a No-Cost Pregnancy Test

We offer pregnancy testing at Birthright of Winston-Salem, so you don’t have to wonder. We also offer information about abortion (though we do not offer abortions) so you can make a fully-informed decision about your unplanned pregnancy.