Alright so, if you’re here reading this, you’re prob wondering “am I pregnant??” or maybe you’re just curious about what early pregnancy feels like. Either way, this article’s gonna go over all the common signs and symptoms of pregnancy — especially the early ones.
Just remember tho, every woman is different, and so is every pregnancy. Some ppl get like all the symptoms at once, and others barely feel anything. Some don’t even realise they’re pregnant until weeks later.
So, let’s go through the most common symptoms (and a few weird ones too).
1. Missed Period
This is like the #1 thing that makes people go “wait… am I pregnant??”
If your period is late and you usually have regular cycles, that’s a big sign. But missed period alone doesn’t always mean pregnancy, especially if you’re stressed or sick or have irregular periods.
2. Tired all the time
Feeling like you wanna nap 24/7? Early pregnancy can make you feel totally wiped out. This is cause of high levels of progesterone, which makes you sleepy. Plus, your body is working overtime to start growing a baby sooo yeah. Rest up.
3. Sore or Tender Boobs
One of the first signs for many women. Your boobs might feel heavier, fuller, sore, or just plain weird. Nipples can also get more sensitive or darker in color. Fun times lol.
4. Nausea (aka Morning Sickness)
Ugh. This one sucks.
Nausea can start as early as 2-3 weeks after conception. And despite the name, it can hit any time of day. Some ppl just feel queasy, others throw up constantly. And weirdly, some lucky people never get it at all.
5. Peeing More Often
If you’re suddenly making way too many bathroom trips, it might be pregnancy. Your body starts producing more blood and your kidneys gotta process more fluid = more pee. It starts early and just keeps going tbh.
6. Mood Swings
Thanks, hormones.
You might find yourself crying over a sad dog commercial or snapping at your bf for breathing too loud. It’s normal (but annoying).
7. Bloating
Feel like your jeans don’t fit even though you haven’t ate that much? Bloating is super common early on. Hormones slow down digestion and that causes gas, bloating, etc. Lovely.
8. Implantation Bleeding
Some ppl get light spotting (like pinkish or brownish discharge) around the time the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Usually it’s way lighter than a normal period and doesn’t last long. But not everyone gets this.
9. Cramping
Mild cramps similar to period cramps can happen early on. This sometimes gets confused with PMS, but if your period never comes… well
10. Food Cravings (or Aversions)
Suddenly craving pickles and peanut butter?? Or your fav food now makes you gag??
Changes in taste or smell are real during pregnancy. Some smells might make you feel sick, and some random foods will taste amazing.
11. Metallic Taste
Kinda weird but true — some ppl say they taste metal in their mouth during early pregnancy. Like they been sucking on coins. Not cute, but apparently it’s from hormone changes too.
12. Headaches
Thanks again, hormones. Headaches in early pregnancy are common and can also be from dehydration or changes in blood pressure. Drink water!
13. Constipation
Slower digestion = things move slower. And that means constipation for a lot of people. Make sure you’re getting enough fiber if this happens.
14. Feeling Dizzy or Lightheaded
This is cause of lower blood pressure or blood sugar during early pregnancy. Can happen especially if you stand up fast. Be careful!
15. High Basal Body Temperature
If you’ve been tracking your BBT (basal body temp) and it stays elevated for more than 18 days after ovulation, that’s a good sign of pregnancy. But not everyone tracks it so don’t stress if you don’t.
Wait… What If I Have No Symptoms?
Honestly? That’s also normal. Some people don’t feel anything at all until they’re 6-8 weeks in. Every body is different. Lack of symptoms doesn’t mean anything’s wrong either. So try not to panic if you feel totally normal.
When to Take a Test?
If you think you might be pregnant based on symptoms, best thing is to wait until the first day of your missed period and then take a test. Or wait 14-21 days after the last time you had unprotected sex.
Testing too early might give a false negative and just stress you out more. If the test says negative but you still have all the symptoms and no period, wait a few more days and test again. Or go to a doc for a blood test.
Final Thoughts
Early pregnancy symptoms can honestly feel just like PMS — it’s super confusing. One person might feel everything, and another might feel nothing. Your body’s doing a LOT, so go easy on yourself.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, fingers crossed for you
If you’re not, and you’re stressing — hang in there. Whatever happens, there’s support and options out there.
Good luck & take care of urself