When you’re trying to conceive, every little change in your body can feel significant. The anticipation of seeing those two pink lines can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, making it hard not to interpret every sensation as a potential sign of pregnancy. But what are the early signs of pregnancy you should actually pay attention to? Will you really start craving strange food combinations, or is that just a myth? And what about morning sickness—does it affect every expectant mother the same way?
In this article, we’ll explore the most common early signs of pregnancy, why they happen, and what you can do to manage any discomfort they might bring. While the symptoms of pregnancy aren’t always pleasant, understanding them can help you navigate this exciting time with greater ease.
When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start?
There’s no definitive answer to when early pregnancy symptoms begin. Some women notice changes as soon as a week or two after conception, while others may not experience symptoms until closer to four or five weeks—often when their period is notably late. According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 59% of women reported experiencing symptoms by the fifth or sixth week, while 71% noticed them by week six, and 89% by week eight.
Remember, every woman’s journey to pregnancy is unique, and the timing and intensity of symptoms can vary. Whether you notice signs early on or later, don’t worry. “All women are different and don’t experience the same symptoms of early pregnancy,” says Dr. Michele Justice, an OB-GYN at Inova Loudoun Hospital in Leesburg, Virginia. Additionally, symptoms may differ from one pregnancy to the next. However, it’s important to note that experiencing certain symptoms doesn’t guarantee you’re pregnant. If you suspect you might be, the best course of action is to take a pregnancy test.
Some Signs of Pregnancy
Below are some common sings of pregnancy:
1. Sore Breasts
One of the earliest and most common signs of pregnancy is breast tenderness. Your breasts may feel swollen, heavy, or achy, and your nipples might be particularly sensitive. This change is due to your body beginning to prepare for milk production, even at this early stage.
Why Does It Happen?
During early pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels spike, increasing blood flow to your breasts. This hormonal surge is similar to what some women experience during their menstrual cycle, but in the case of pregnancy, the tenderness doesn’t subside as it usually does with PMS. Instead, the discomfort may intensify until the end of the first trimester.
Is It Common?
Yes, breast tenderness is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy. For some women, the discomfort lasts only a short time, while others may experience it throughout their entire pregnancy. It’s a sign that your body is preparing to nourish your baby.
What Should You Do?
Invest in a supportive bra to alleviate discomfort. A professional fitting can ensure you have the right size, and it’s wise to choose a bra with a bit of extra room since your breasts will continue to grow. Warm or cold compresses can also provide relief—use whichever feels best for you.
2. Darkening Areolas
A lesser-known but noticeable early sign of pregnancy is the darkening of your areolas—the area around your nipples. This can happen as early as one or two weeks after conception. You may also see more pronounced veins in your breasts and small bumps called Montgomery tubercles appearing around the edges of your areolas, which will later help lubricate your nipples during breastfeeding.
Why Does It Happen?
The darkening of areolas is likely due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, which activate pigment cells in your skin.
Is It Common?
Yes, this is a very common early pregnancy symptom. Your areolas may continue to darken and enlarge as your pregnancy progresses, and these changes can sometimes be permanent.
What Should You Do?
This symptom doesn’t require any specific action. However, if your nipples become more sensitive, applying warm compresses and wearing a soft, cotton bra can help ease discomfort.
3. Cramping
Cramping is another early sign of pregnancy that can be confusing, as it feels similar to menstrual cramps. However, pregnancy cramps are typically milder and result from the increased blood flow to the uterus.
Why Does It Happen?
Early pregnancy cramps occur as your uterus adjusts to accommodate the growing embryo. This is different from menstrual cramps, which are caused by prostaglandins helping your uterus shed its lining.
Is It Common?
Mild cramping is quite common in early pregnancy, but if the pain becomes severe or is accompanied by heavy bleeding, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.
What Should You Do?
If you experience mild cramping, try not to worry—it’s usually normal. However, if you’re concerned or the pain intensifies, seek medical advice to rule out any complications.
4. Spotting
Light spotting, often called implantation bleeding, can be an early sign of pregnancy. This usually occurs about a week before your period is due, as the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterine lining.
Why Does It Happen?
Implantation bleeding happens when the fertilized egg burrows into the lining of your uterus, causing a small amount of blood to be released. This is a normal part of early pregnancy.
Is It Common?
Spotting occurs in about 25% of pregnant women. However, it’s often mistaken for the start of a menstrual period, so many women don’t realize it’s a sign of pregnancy until later.
What Should You Do?
If you notice spotting and suspect you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test after your period is due. If the test is positive and you continue to experience spotting, consult your doctor to ensure everything is progressing normally.
5. High Basal Body Temperature
For women who track their basal body temperature (BBT), a higher-than-normal reading can be an early sign of pregnancy. After ovulation, BBT rises slightly and then drops just before your period begins. However, if you’re pregnant, your BBT will remain elevated.
Why Does It Happen?
The hormone progesterone, which rises after ovulation, continues to increase if you become pregnant, keeping your BBT elevated.
Is It Common?
Yes, a sustained high BBT is a reliable sign of pregnancy for women who track it.
What Should You Do?
If you’ve been charting your BBT, continue to do so, and enjoy seeing those elevated temperatures. If you’re trying to conceive and haven’t been tracking your BBT, consider starting a chart to better understand your cycle.
6. Fatigue
Extreme fatigue is a hallmark of early pregnancy. It’s more than just feeling tired—it’s an overwhelming exhaustion that can make it difficult to get through the day. This is due to the physical demands of early pregnancy, as your body works hard to support your growing baby.
Why Does It Happen?
During pregnancy, your body produces more blood to deliver nutrients to your baby, while your blood sugar and blood pressure levels drop. These changes, along with high levels of pregnancy hormones, can leave you feeling extremely fatigued.
Is It Common?
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in early pregnancy and often continues throughout the first trimester.
What Should You Do?
Listen to your body and rest as much as possible. Prioritize sleep and consider light exercise, which can help boost your energy levels. Eating small, frequent meals can also help maintain your energy throughout the day.
