8 Telltale Signs That You Might Be Pregnant

by Claire Nulla
October 23, 2024

While new life begins with subtle clues, the emotional moment of wondering whether you’re pregnant is anything but subtle.

Here are the telltale signs of pregnancy, including both early symptoms and those that are easier to overlook.

How can you recognize early pregnancy signs?

One of the earliest and most noticeable signs is a missed period, especially if you have a regular menstrual cycle. If this happens, it might be time to take a pregnancy test.

Aside from that, signs of early pregnancy include:

Nausea. Often called morning sickness, nausea can happen at any time of the day, not just in the morning, and it may or may not include vomiting. This queasy feeling is your body adjusting to hormonal changes.
Frequent urination. You might also notice you’re making more trips to the bathroom. Increased urination is a sign your body is producing more fluids, which is common in early pregnancy.
Fatigue. Feeling unusually tired is another clue. This fatigue comes from the hormone progesterone and the extra energy your body uses to support a developing baby. Even simple tasks might make you feel more exhausted than usual.

What are some less common signs of pregnancy?

Pregnancy can bring about some surprising signs that aren’t as well-known. Here’s a breakdown of a few less common symptoms to watch out for:

Breast changes. You might notice your breasts becoming tender or even getting bigger. This is because your body is already preparing for breastfeeding, even in the early stages.
Mood swings. You might experience mood swings similar to those before your period, due to changing hormone levels.
Light spotting (implantation bleeding). Some women notice light spotting when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. It’s often mistaken for a light period but can be a clue that pregnancy has begun.
Cramping. Like menstrual cramps, early pregnancy can cause mild cramping. This happens as your body starts adjusting to the changes ahead.

How do pregnancy signs differ from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms?

Pregnancy signs and premenstrual syndrome symptoms can look very similar, which makes it tricky to tell them apart. Here’s how they differ:

Pregnancy signs are often stronger and last longer. For example, the nausea you might feel during pregnancy (morning sickness) tends to be more intense and can stick around longer than the slight queasiness some women feel before their period. Fatigue is another big one. When you’re pregnant, the tiredness can feel overwhelming, much more so than the regular tiredness that can come with PMS.

A missed period is the biggest clue. While PMS symptoms can seem very similar to pregnancy signs, actually missing a period sets pregnancy apart.

When should you take a pregnancy test?

Taking a pregnancy test at the right time is key to getting accurate results. The best time to take a pregnancy test is after you’ve missed your period. At this point, the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or pregnancy hormone should be present in your urine, making the test more accurate.

If you’ve missed your period and are experiencing signs of early pregnancy, it’s also a good time to test. These symptoms, especially when they show up together, are strong hints that you could be pregnant.

What should you do if you’re experiencing signs of early pregnancy?

If you think you might be pregnant because you’re experiencing early signs, here is what you should do next.

Take a home pregnancy test. The first step is to take a home pregnancy test to check for the hormone hCG, which shows up when you’re pregnant. These tests are easy to use, private, and give you quick results to help confirm whether you’re pregnant.
See a healthcare provider. If your home test is positive, the next step is to visit your doctor or healthcare provider. They’ll do more accurate tests to confirm the pregnancy and guide you on what to do next.
Start prenatal care. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice to ensure both you and the baby stay healthy during the pregnancy.

Understanding false pregnancy signs

False pregnancy signs, also called pseudocyesis, can be confusing because they feel very similar to real pregnancy symptoms. Here’s what to know:

Stress and hormones. Stress and hormonal imbalances can cause your body to mimic pregnancy symptoms, like missing your period, feeling nauseous or having sore breasts. These changes can be caused by factors other than pregnancy, making it hard to tell the difference without medical help.
Bloating and weight gain. Some women experience bloating or even slight weight gain during a false pregnancy. This can happen due to hormonal shifts or digestive issues, which further mimics early pregnancy signs.
Psychological factors. Sometimes psychological factors, like a strong desire to be pregnant, can lead to physical signs that seem like pregnancy. To truly understand what’s going on, talk to your healthcare provider so they can run tests to confirm if you’re actually pregnant or if something else, like stress or hormonal issues, is causing these symptoms.

Why is early prenatal care important?

Early prenatal care is essential for both the mother’s and the baby’s health. Here’s why it matters:

Catching health issues early. Starting prenatal care early helps doctors spot any potential health problems right from the beginning. This allows for quick action to prevent complications, which can keep both you and your baby safer throughout the pregnancy.
Tracking the baby’s growth. Regular prenatal check-ups help monitor how your baby is developing. These visits give important updates on the baby’s progress and can detect any concerns early so they can be addressed right away.
Building a healthy routine. Prenatal care also helps you establish a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will guide you on things like eating well, staying active, and making smart lifestyle choices, all of which support a healthy pregnancy for both you and the baby.

Frequently asked questions

What are the early signs of pregnancy?

Early signs of pregnancy include missed periods, nausea with or without vomiting, increased urination, fatigue, and tender, swollen breasts. These symptoms can appear as soon as two weeks after conception.

Can you feel pregnant after 2 days?

Feeling pregnant after 2 days is unlikely due to the body’s need for time to produce detectable levels of pregnancy hormones. Symptoms usually appear a few weeks after conception.

How does your lower stomach feel in early pregnancy?

In early pregnancy, the lower abdomen may feel bloated, similar to the sensation before a menstrual period. Some women also experience mild cramping and pulling sensations.

Are pregnancy symptoms consistent day to day?

Pregnancy symptoms can vary greatly and are not consistent day to day for everyone. Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause symptoms to intensify or ease temporarily.

How soon can you take a pregnancy test?

A pregnancy test can be taken as soon as the first day of a missed period. For more accurate results, waiting one week after a missed period is recommended.