Introduction
If you are trying to conceive or feel that you might be pregnant, it’s natural to look out for early signs. Many women experience changes in their body even before they miss their period. In this blog, we’ll explain the common symptoms of early pregnancy, when to take a pregnancy test, and how these tests work.
At Samrudh Fertility and Urology Centre, Bangalore, Dr. Indu Madhusudan provides evidence-based guidance on lifestyle choices that support reproductive health.
What are common symptoms of pregnancy?
Early signs of pregnancy can be different for every woman, but some of the most common ones are:
1.Missed Period
This is usually the first and most common sign of pregnancy. If your periods are regular and you miss one, it might be time to take a pregnancy test. However, stress, PCOS, or sudden weight changes can also cause a delay. So missing a period doesn’t always mean pregnancy but it’s a strong reason to check.
2. Breast Tenderness or Swelling
Your breasts may start feeling sore, heavy, or fuller. The nipples may become sensitive or darker. These changes happen because your body is preparing for breastfeeding and is adjusting to rising hormone levels. This is often similar to the feeling you get before your period, but stronger.
3. Tiredness or Fatigue
Feeling tired all the time, even after rest, is very common in early pregnancy. This happens because of the increase in the hormone progesterone, which makes you feel sleepy. Your body is also using more energy to support the baby, which can make you feel exhausted.
4. Nausea or Morning Sickness
This is one of the most famous signs of pregnancy. You may feel like vomiting, especially in the morning, but it can happen anytime. Some women feel only a little nausea, while others feel it very strongly. It usually starts around the 6th week of pregnancy but can come earlier.
5. Frequent Urination
You may notice that you have to go to the washroom more often than usual. This happens because the body is making extra fluids, and the growing uterus starts putting pressure on the bladder. This can start early, even before you miss your period.
6. Mood Swings
Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can affect your emotions. You might feel happy one minute and irritated the next. You may cry easily or feel low without a clear reason. These mood swings are common and nothing to worry about, but it’s good to rest and talk to someone if needed.
7. Mild Cramping or Spotting
Some women notice light cramps or mild pain in the lower belly, similar to period cramps. A few may see light pink or brown spotting – this is called implantation bleeding and can happen when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus wall. It is usually lighter than a regular period and lasts just 1-2 days.
8. Food Cravings or Sensitivity to Smells
Many women experience unusual cravings for certain foods or start disliking some smells or tastes they usually enjoy. You may feel like eating sour, spicy, or sweet things more than usual. Some smells (like perfumes, cooking gas, or food) may suddenly feel too strong or make you feel sick.
9. Bloating and Constipation
Due to hormonal changes, you may feel bloated or notice that your stomach feels tight. Digestion slows down during pregnancy, so some women also feel constipated or uncomfortable.
These symptoms can also be caused by other things like stress or illness, so it’s important to take a pregnancy test to be sure.
What is a pregnancy test and when to take it?
A pregnancy test is a simple test that checks if a woman is pregnant. It looks for a special hormone in the body called hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), which is only produced during pregnancy. You can take this test at home using a pregnancy test kit (available at most medical stores) or visit a clinic for a blood or urine test. The best time to take a pregnancy test is after you’ve missed your period. Testing too early may give an inaccurate result because the hCG levels might not be high enough to detect. For the most accurate result, it’s recommended to take the test a few days after your missed period using the first urine of the day, as it contains the highest concentration of hCG.
What hormone levels are checked for a pregnancy test?
Pregnancy tests check for the hCG hormone. This hormone starts forming once the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. Its level increases quickly in the first few weeks of pregnancy.
What are the different types of pregnancy tests?
There are two main types:
- Urine Test: Easily available at home or in clinics. Shows result as one or two lines, or sometimes with a plus or minus sign. Quick results within 5–10 minutes.
2. Blood Test: Done at a diagnostic lab or clinic. Can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests. More accurate and shows hCG levels clearly.
Conclusion
Knowing early symptoms and using a pregnancy test at the right time can help you find out whether you’re expecting. If your test is positive, you can visit a doctor to start your prenatal care. If your test is negative but your period still doesn’t come, it’s a good idea to repeat the test after a few days or consult a doctor.
FAQ
Most home pregnancy test kits work in a similar way – they check for the presence of hCG in your urine. However, there can be slight differences in how they display the result:
Some show one line (not pregnant) and two lines (pregnant).
Wait at least 1 week after your missed period to take the test. Some sensitive tests can detect pregnancy even 6–7 days after ovulation, but results are more reliable after your period is late.
Taking the test too early can give a false negative.
Home urine tests are around 97% accurate when used correctly after a missed period.
Blood tests are even more accurate and can detect pregnancy earlier.
