Ob-Gyns and Real Moms on the 13 Early Pregnancy Symptoms to Watch for

When I was trying to get pregnant, I analyzed every symptom and mood swing. Was that little cramp actually implantation? Do I have morning sickness, or did I just chow down on too much bacon for breakfast? Although some early pregnancy symptoms can start before a missed period, it’s still a guessing game before you get that positive pregnancy test.

“[Especially] in a first pregnancy, it’s hard for a patient to tell the difference between their normal PMS symptoms versus pregnancy symptoms [before a missed period], although in retrospect they may indicate that the symptoms were worse than normal,” explains Dr. Devorah Daley, MD, an ob-gyn at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine.

So what early signs of pregnancy can you expect to experience and when? Read on for what to know about the most common early pregnancy symptoms.

Key Takeaways

• Pregnancy symptoms can show up super early—or not at all. Some people notice changes a week or two after conception, while others don’t feel anything until 4 to 5 weeks of pregnancy (often when a period is late). Either way can be totally normal.
• First 72 hours of pregnancy symptoms. The earliest pregnancy symptoms may include cramping, sore breasts, bloating and fatigue—although some people won’t notice symptoms at all.
• Most people who do get early symptoms notice them around weeks 5 to 6. That said, it’s possible to have a perfectly healthy pregnancy and not have too many symptoms throughout the first trimester. Timing and symptoms vary a lot from person to person.
• Early pregnancy signs can look a lot like PMS. Cramping, sore breasts, bloating, mood swings and fatigue can overlap with symptoms that your period’s coming—so it’s easy to second-guess what’s going on.
• A pregnancy test is the only real confirmation. Symptoms aren’t a guarantee (and each pregnancy can feel different), so if you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test—ideally on the first day of your missed period for the most reliable result.

When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start?

There’s no hard and fast rule for when early pregnancy symptoms kick in. Some pregnant people may begin noticing the first early signs of pregnancy a week or two after conception. Others will start to notice something’s different four or five weeks after, when their period is conspicuously late—or even further into pregnancy. Daley adds that if it’s your second or subsequent pregnancy, you might start to notice pregnancy symptoms earlier—you’re a pro now, after all.

In a 2023 study, researchers analyzed pregnancy symptoms logged by more than 180,000 people using a commercial pregnancy app and found the number of reported symptoms peaked between 3 and 5 weeks of pregnancy. From weeks 5 on, the amount of symptoms people logged gradually decreased overall, with smaller spikes observed at weeks 11 and 28.

Whether you start to sense early symptoms of pregnancy immediately or later on, don’t fret. “All women are different and don’t experience the same symptoms of early pregnancy,” says Dr. Michele D. Justice, MD, an ob-gyn at Inova Loudoun Hospital in Leesburg, Virginia. And of course, just because you experience something that could be chalked up as a sign of pregnancy, it’s never a guarantee there’s a baby on board. If you think you might be pregnant, Justice says, your best bet is to take a pregnancy test.

Pregnancy Symptoms Timeline

Every pregnancy is unique—which means everyone experiences a variety of symptoms on different timelines. That said, here’s a timeline of some of the most common pregnancy symptoms you might experience—along with when most people tend to first notice them.

Symptoms before a positive pregnancy test

• Implantation cramping
• Higher basal body temperature (though it’s likely you won’t notice unless you’re measuring}
• Sore breasts
• Metallic taste in your mouth
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Missed period (keep in mind, this may be the only sign you experience before you know you’re pregnant)

First-trimester pregnancy symptoms

• Increased discharge
• Morning sickness
• Food aversions
• Heightened sense of smell
• Food cravings
• Constipation
• Acne

Second-trimester pregnancy symptoms

• Weight gain (a few pounds is also normal in the first trimester—and everyone’s pattern of weight gain is different)
• Skin hyperpigmentation
• Skin tags
• Darkening areolas (though some notice this during the first trimester)
• Round ligament pain

Third-trimester pregnancy symptoms

• Nasal congestion
• Heartburn
• Frequent urination (though this symptom hits some women early in the first trimester)
• Back pain
• Braxton Hicks contractions

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

What are the early signs of pregnancy to watch out for? Read on to learn more, straight from experts and real moms who’ve been there.

Cramping

Wondering if cramping is a sign of pregnancy? It’s possible for cramping to occur in the first 72 hours of pregnancy symptoms​. That said, implantation cramps aren’t noticeably different from cramps linked to ovulation or to those you might get around the imminent arrival of your period, says Dr. Daley.

When does it start?

Cramping may begin around implantation—which happens about 10 to 14 days after ovulation, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That means it might occur a few days before your expected period.

Why does it happen?

A few days after conception, the fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tubes and settles in your uterus. There, the egg will attach to the wall of your uterus—and potentially cause cramping. Early pregnancy cramps can also be due to increased blood flow to the uterus, Dr. Justice says; period cramps, on the other hand, “are due to increased prostaglandins that help the uterus prepare to shed its lining,” she adds.

It can be difficult to distinguish between early pregnancy symptoms and signs that your period is on its way, especially when it comes to cramping. Implantation cramping, however, should be less noticeable than your usual period-related cramps.

How common is it?

Most women experience at least some cramping during their pregnancy. Just remember to contact your provider if you’re worried or if it becomes severe.

What can you do to cope?

If you’re having cramps, don’t panic. Many women immediately fear a miscarriage, but according to Dr. Kimberly Harney, MD, a clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and maternal fetal medicine at the California-based Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, “mild cramping in the pelvis that’s symmetrical and generally in the center above the pubic bone could be normal in early pregnancy.”

That said, cramping shouldn’t be severe. So contact your provider if you’re doubled over in pain, if you feel intense pain on only one side or if you’re experiencing simultaneous bleeding and cramping outside of your menstrual period.

Spotting

Can bleeding be a sign of pregnancy? Sometimes. It could be what’s called implantation bleeding.

“I had implantation bleeding with my son. It was very light, pink spotting that lasted about two days. It happened exactly a week before my missed period, so toward the end of my cycle,” recalls The Bump community member catsinawindow.

Spotting can easily be confused with the onset of your period, so it’s one of those early pregnancy symptoms that’s often noticed only in hindsight. “You probably won’t know that the irregular bleeding you had was implantation bleeding until you get that positive pregnancy test and remember that you had some spotting,” Justice says.

When does it start?

In addition to cramping, some people experience light pink or brown spotting roughly a week before their period is due (6 to 12 days after conception), when a fertilized egg burrows deep into the lining of your uterus.

Why does it happen?

Spotting can happen at implantation, when a fertilized embryo sets up shop in your uterus. Since your uterine lining is rich with blood, a little spotting can often occur and isn’t cause for concern.

How common is it?

Implantation spotting occurs in about 25 percent of women, according to Dr. Justice, so you may or may not notice it. Remember, every person is unique and experiences early pregnancy symptoms differently.

What can you do to cope?

Keep your fingers crossed—this could be a good sign! Be sure to take a pregnancy test if your period is late to arrive to determine if your spotting really is an early sign of pregnancy.

If it turns out you haven’t conceived, note the date the spotting occurred and which cycle day you were on. Pay close attention to your next few cycles and see if you notice any spotting: Mid-cycle bleeding can be a sign of a medical condition that requires a doctor’s diagnosis, so be sure to visit your ob-gyn if you notice a pattern.

Higher basal body temperature

If you’ve been charting your basal body temp, you may be privy to one of the subtle signs of pregnancy that many women won’t even notice: a higher than normal reading. When you’re charting, your basal (or waking) temperature increases by 0.4 to 1 degree F when you ovulate, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Then it gradually decreases during the latter part of your cycle until your period begins. But if you get pregnant during the cycle, your basal temperature will stay high.

When does it start?

You’ll notice your temperature go up around the time you ovulate. Keep tracking it around the same time every morning, before you get out of bed and move around even the slightest bit (which can cause your temperature to rise). If you’re not pregnant, your temperature will normally noticeably drop one or two days before your expected period.

Why does it happen?

Like so many pregnancy symptoms, your pregnancy hormones are hard at work again. If you don’t get pregnant, your levels of progesterone and estrogen will decrease, signaling your period to begin. But if an egg is fertilized, the opposite happens, and these hormones begin to rapidly rise. Your basal body temp will reflect that rise, and you won’t see a dip.

How common is it?

While a sustained high basal body temperature is one symptom you’re guaranteed to see if you check—but most women don’t. “I don’t know if I’ve ever had a patient perceive this,” says Dr. Daley. You’d need to remember to check your temperature the moment you wake up, every morning, which can make this method impractical. (I tried tracking my temperature for my first pregnancy and found it so painstaking that I didn’t bother the second time around.)

What can you do to cope?

If you haven’t been tracking your basal body temperature and are trying to conceive, consider starting a basal temperature chart to become more familiar with your cycle. The best time to start your chart is the day your period begins.

Sore breasts

Are your boobs killing you? Do they feel tender and swollen? If so, it’s possible you’ve conceived this cycle. You may start noticing differences in the way your breasts look, and it’s not uncommon for them to feel heavy and swollen. This could be an early sign that your body is gearing up to make milk.

When does it start?

Sore breasts are often among the first early symptoms of pregnancy that women experience, sometimes before a missed period—around the time you might experience other PMS symptoms.

Unfortunately, since a lot of women experience soreness as a normal part of their monthly menstrual cycle, it can be hard to tell the difference between the typical breast tenderness before your period vs an early pregnancy sign. But there’s one key difference: In pregnancy, the tenderness doesn’t go away like it normally does with PMS, Dr. Justice says. Instead, the painful, tingly sensations tend to get worse as time passes, often leveling off around the end of the first trimester.

Why does it happen?

During early pregnancy, levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones spike, which causes increased blood flow to your breasts. These hormones are also why some women experience breast tenderness around the time of ovulation and as part of PMS—but in that case, the hormones begin to plummet as you get closer to the start of your period, and the breast pain subsides. If you’ve conceived, your hormone levels will rise rather than fall and your breasts will become increasingly tender.

Many women—myself included—also find that their nipples are way more tender throughout pregnancy, especially when they’re cold. Applying warm compresses and wearing a lightweight, soft cotton bra can help.

How common is it?

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one dealing with tender breasts and sore nipples in early pregnancy—it’s one of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy. For many women it lasts just a week or so, but others experience some level of breast tenderness for their entire pregnancy. Take comfort in the fact that this pain and tenderness mean your breasts are preparing to nourish baby after birth!

What can you do to cope?

Get a supportive bra, which may help ease the discomfort. Talk to a professional who can help you with a fitting, and be sure to leave a little extra room. Trust us, your breasts are going to keep growing. And don’t be afraid to use either warm or cold compresses if things get really uncomfortable—just use whichever feels right for you.

Darkening areolas

If you’re searching for early signs of pregnancy, you may want to take a look at your areolas—aka the area around your nipples. And that’s not all: Look closely and you might see that the veins in your breasts are more visible as well. You could also notice little bumps popping up around the edges of your areolas. They’re called Montgomery tubercles, designed to help lubricate your nipples once baby is here and ready to nurse. In other words, your breasts will undergo lots of changes during pregnancy!

When does it start?

Darker areolas and veins might just be one of the first signs of pregnancy you’ll notice: Nipples can start to appear subtly darker and larger as early as one or two weeks after conception—though it may take a lot longer for the changes to become obvious.

“I’m almost at the end of my first trimester, and it’s taken pretty much the whole time to notice the darkening. They’re definitely darker now, but it was a gradual process,” says The Bump community member caitlin*marie.

Why does it happen?

Like so many early signs of pregnancy, darkening areolas and veins are likely a result of surging pregnancy hormones. Although it’s not completely understood yet what causes the darker color, the most widely accepted explanation is that estrogen and progesterone cause the pigment cells in the skin (melanocytes) to be more active. It’s thought that the more pronounced color also gives your hungry newborn—whose brand-new sense of vision is still developing—a more visible target to latch on to.

How common is it?

Darker areolas and nipples are both extremely common early signs of pregnancy. And it doesn’t stop there: Your areolas may continue to grow and deepen in color as your pregnancy progresses. Sometimes the changes are permanent, sometimes they’re not.

What can you do to cope?

There’s not much you can do other than watch these changes in wonder. The deepening color shouldn’t be a cause for concern—it’s a harmless part of the pregnancy experience.

Metallic taste

Does everything suddenly taste a bit…off? Metallic taste during pregnancy is very common in the first trimester. You might even notice it when you’re not eating. These changes can make it hard to smell—and especially taste—many things, including foods that you typically enjoy.

When does it start?

Metallic taste may be one of the first symptoms you notice in the first trimester—possibly even before you know you’re pregnant—often alongside food aversions. It tends to fade away by the second trimester.

“After having a metallic taste in my mouth for a few days, I thought I should take a pregnancy test as I heard it was a symptom—plus, I was two days late on my period. I took one and it was negative, but I thought I’d try again today…and it’s positive!” shares The Bump community member SRodi811.

Why does it happen?

Is there any pregnancy symptom that doesn’t have to do with your hormones? The same hormones that cause you to feel nauseous can also cause foods to taste off. It’s likely the body’s way of protecting you from potentially harmful foods when you (and baby) are most vulnerable.

How common is it?

Very! One small study of 70 pregnant women found that a third changed their diet due to a change in their taste perception (particularly an aversion to foods like fish, beans and vegetables).

What can you do to cope?

While a metallic taste in early pregnancy is very likely linked to your hormones, if it’s bothersome it’s still a good idea to check in with your doctor that there isn’t another potential culprit (such as gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections or medications you’re taking).

In the meantime, try brushing your teeth, using mouthwash and eating acidic foods (like lemonade), all of which can help mask or reduce that metallic taste.

Bloating

Is bloating a sign of pregnancy? It can be! A boost in progesterone and estrogen is one of the common early pregnancy signs, causing many women to experience bloating early on—and with it often comes pregnancy gas. Abdominal pain or tightening, bloating, belching and passing gas all accompany pregnancy, sometimes for the entire nine months.

When does it start?

Bloating can begin at any point in the first trimester, including soon after conception. It’s hard to know if it’s a sign of conception before a positive pregnancy test, though, since bloating is also a super-common symptom of PMS. While you may start to feel less bloated toward the end of the first trimester, many people feel a bit puffier than usual throughout pregnancy.

Why does it happen?

Progesterone is relaxing smooth muscle tissues all over your body, including in your gastrointestinal tract. This makes your gut work slower, giving your body more time to snatch up nutrients from your food and take them to baby—and that translates into gas in early pregnancy (and beyond).

How common is it?

Consider this among those pregnancy symptoms that are par for the course, especially in early pregnancy. Nearly every mom-to-be will likely feel bloated at some point during her pregnancy (even if she doesn’t feel it right at the beginning).

What can you do to cope?

Eat small, regular meals and stay away from gas-causing foods like fried foods, sweets, cabbage and beans. Eating and drinking slowly will keep you from swallowing excess air (you’ll later use this technique when feeding baby), and loose clothing will keep you comfy.

Yoga classes might also help settle things down. If your pregnancy gas is really intense, talk to your provider.

Morning sickness

Feeling queasy? “Morning sickness” is a bit of a misnomer. While you are more likely to feel nauseous on an empty stomach (like, in the morning before you’ve had breakfast), queasiness can pop up at any time of day.

When does it start?

The one-two punch of nausea and vomiting are pregnancy signs that strike some women very early on, but for many sufferers the fun begins around week 6. For me, nausea started about two weeks or so after my missed period, although it was most intense around weeks 9 to 10 (at which point I subsisted on pasta and frozen peas).

Fortunately, for the vast majority of women, nausea eases at the end of the first trimester. (But it can last longer: In my second pregnancy, I felt slightly green around the gills up until the day I delivered.)

Why does it happen?

The dramatic rise in the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) after implantation can result in early pregnancy symptoms like nausea and vomiting. But why do some pregnant women heave at the mere thought of food, while others can put away a six-course meal? It has to do with their brain chemistry. “The nausea center in their brain is more sensitive. Women who suffer from extreme nausea during pregnancy are the people who get motion sickness more easily, vomit more easily with stomach flu, etc.,” explains Dr. Harney. This may be only part of the story, though, since some women experience morning sickness with one pregnancy but not another.

How common is it?

Experts think anywhere from 50 to 90 percent of pregnant women suffer from some form of morning sickness, so if you’re one of them, you’re in good company.

What can you do to cope?

Dr. Yvonne Bohn, MD, an ob-gyn with Santa Monica Women’s Health, suggests eating small meals more frequently, nibbling on some crackers before getting out of bed, taking vitamin B6 or B12 or ginger tablets and drinking low or non-caffeinated tea or ginger ale.

If you’re losing significant weight, can’t keep anything down or have relentless vomiting, you may be suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a serious condition that requires treatment. Be sure to let your provider know.

Heightened sense of smell

If your favorite dish suddenly smells like dead fish, you may be experiencing one of the more bizarre early signs of pregnancy. Often associated with morning sickness and all the lovely things that come with it, having a super sniffer isn’t exactly a blessing. Most of the time, any strong smells will seem nauseating to the mom-to-be.

When does it start?

Most people notice a heightened sense of smell in the first trimester, around the time nausea and food aversions kick in. While it’s often worst in the middle of the first trimester (around week 7 or so), it might appear earlier and can be one of the first pregnancy symptoms you notice.

Why does it happen?

No one knows the exact reason why pregnant women have such a strong sense of smell. Like most pregnancy signs, most physicians just chalk it up to the increase in pregnancy hormones. One theory: A super-sensitive nose could be a protective mechanism that keeps you from getting too experimental with the foods you eat, which can be riskier with a baby on board.

How common is it?

It doesn’t happen to everyone, but if you’re able to smell your boss’ lunch from all the way down the hall, rest assured, you’re not alone. Even better news? While it can be among the more annoying early pregnancy symptoms, it tends to subside after the first trimester.

What can you do to cope?

If it’s really bothering you, try to stay away from strong odors. Consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator so you’re not overwhelmed by someone’s perfume. Change lanes if you find yourself stuck behind an exhaust-heavy truck. At home, wash your clothes often (since odors cling to fibers) and switch to unscented cleaners and toiletries to curb those unpleasant smells.

Fatigue

Fatigue can be one of the more difficult early signs of pregnancy to deal with. It’s not just a loss of energy we’re talking about here—it’s more of a can’t-keep-your-eyes-open-another-second total exhaustion that you may deal with throughout the first trimester. “I’m almost 8 weeks pregnant, and by about dinner time each day my entire body shuts down!” says The Bump community member cholmstrom.

When does it start?

Pregnancy fatigue might be one of the first symptoms you notice; it tends to peak in the first trimester, at around weeks 6 to 8 of pregnancy. You’ll likely feel a lot less tired (potentially even energized) by the second trimester but may feel extra tired again in the third trimester, as your due date approaches.

Why does it happen?

This mind-numbing fatigue sets in thanks to those pregnancy hormones and, more importantly, from your body’s efforts to nurture baby’s development. Your body’s working overtime to make sure baby has everything they need to grow for the next nine months, and boy, will you feel it! Your body is producing more blood to carry nutrients to your growing baby, and your blood sugar levels and blood pressure are lower. These factors, combined with high levels of the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone, can all make you feel super sleepy.

How common is it?

Excessive fatigue is (unfortunately) among the common pregnancy symptoms during the first trimester and isn’t a cause for concern. The good news: You’ll probably enjoy a dramatic bump in energy as you round the corner of the second trimester.

What can you do to cope?

Don’t be afraid to press snooze or take that early-evening nap you’ve been daydreaming about. Basically, prioritize your sleep needs. There are also certain energy-boosting foods for pregnancy that can help you cope with first-trimester fatigue.

Mood swings

Giddy about your weekend plans one minute and stifling back tears because of a colleague’s offhand comment about your PowerPoint deck the next? Mood changes—both highs and lows—are a common symptom throughout pregnancy.

When does it start?

You might start to experience mood swings similar to those you feel in the days leading up to your normal period, at around the same time—although if you’re pregnant, you may continue to feel extra moody throughout the first trimester.

Why does it happen?

These uncontrollable shifts in your emotions occur due to changes in your hormones, especially in the first trimester when the levels of estrogen and progesterone change dramatically. Of course, mood swings can also be chalked up to the multitude of things on your mind these days. It’s normal to experience mounting anxiety throughout your pregnancy. Having a baby is a life-changing event!

How common is it?

Mood swings are incredibly common, impacting most pregnant people you’ll talk to on some level. Depression, however, impacts about 7 to 9 percent of expecting moms, according to Mayo Clinic.

What can you do to cope?

Make sure to practice self-care and self-compassion. Talk it out with a friend, maintain a healthy pregnancy diet and get all the rest you need. If you have severe mood changes that impact your ability to function (sleep, eat or otherwise go about your daily life) for more than two weeks, check in with your doctor.

Frequent urination

Peeing more than usual? Having to urinate more often is definitely among the standard pregnancy signs.

When does it start?

People generally notice they’re heading to the toilet more often about two to three weeks after conception. “I work in an office and get up at least two times an hour! Wondering if my co-workers have noticed yet!” says The Bump community member J.Riedner17.

Why does it happen?

Once an egg has implanted in your uterus, the hormone hCG ramps up production and begins to rise dramatically. One of the side effects? It can make you feel like you’ve got to use the restroom every five minutes.

How common is it?

Every pregnant woman has increased hCG levels, but not everyone will have that frequent urge to pee. If you do, there’s no cause for concern, since higher hCG levels are a good thing. As your pregnancy progresses, baby will get bigger and put more pressure on your bladder, so you might as well get used to making multiple trips to the bathroom.

What can you do to cope?

If you’re slipping away to visit the ladies’ room all night and it’s not because you’ve been on top of your hydration game, pick up a pregnancy test and call your provider.

Missed period

If you’re hoping to start the journey to motherhood, your heart probably races every time you visit the bathroom around the time your period is due. So it’s only natural to feel pretty excited if you’re late, even by a day!

A missed period is often one of the telltale symptoms of pregnancy. In fact, for some women, it’s the first sign that you may have conceived. While the accuracy of a pregnancy test increases the longer you wait to take one, many pregnancy tests these days detect hCG levels up to five days before your period is supposed to start.

When does it start?

On average, most people get their period every 28 days, give or take a few days—but a “normal” cycle varies from 21 to 36 days. “Every month may not be exactly on the dot either,” says Dr. Daley—a few days of variation is normal.

Up to one in four women have irregular periods—meaning their period doesn’t come at the same time every month, or it may not show up at all. Sometimes irregular periods are linked to a treatable condition that can make it harder to get pregnant, like endometriosis or PCOS, so be sure to check in with your doctor if your cycles vary by more than a day or two.

That means if you’re TTC and don’t already track your cycles, now’s the time to start. Cycle tracking can help you to figure out the right time to have sex to boost your odds of conceiving (around ovulation, or generally about 14 days after the first day of your last period), as well as the best time to take a pregnancy test for the most accurate results (the first day of your missed period).

Why does it happen?

Here’s a little refresher: You get your period every month when your egg isn’t fertilized. The egg breaks apart, causing hormone levels to drop and your body sheds the lining of your uterus. If you skip your period, it’s a good sign there’s a baby on board, busy nestling into your uterine wall.

How common is it?

A missed period is one of those pregnancy symptoms that all expectant women will have (does the phrase “I’m late” sound familiar?). Keep in mind, it isn’t uncommon to have a bit of spotting around the time your period would have arrived, which is related to the implantation of a fertilized egg (see above).

What can you do to cope?

If your cycle is regular, missing your period is one of the first early signs of pregnancy, so try taking a pregnancy test (or calling your provider) to confirm.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

If you’re actively TTC, the dreaded two-week wait—the time between conception and a positive pregnancy test or your period—can feel excruciating. While many “early” pregnancy tests may be able to detect pregnancy five days or so before a missed period, your best bet is to wait to take a test until the day of your missed period. False negatives are especially common if you test early, since your body may not have yet produced enough of the hormone hCG (which is what pregnancy tests measure) before a missed period.

In the meantime, Daley recommends distracting yourself by planning activities you enjoy with family and friends, along with anything that helps you feel less stressed—a bath, a cup of hot tea, yoga, meditation or vibing to music you enjoy. “The process isn’t controllable in any way, so try not to cause extra anxiety by hyperfixating,” she advises.

When to Reach Out to Your Doctor

Try to schedule a preconception visit before you start trying to conceive, suggests Daley—especially if you have a complicated medical history or history of ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages.

As soon as you have that big fat positive pregnancy test, call your doctor’s office to plan your first prenatal visit, which is usually scheduled around week 8 of pregnancy. “This is when a viable pregnancy should be easily seen by ultrasound,” Daley explains.

Throughout your pregnancy, also be sure to check in with your doctor if you:

• Can’t keep down food and fluids
• Experience vaginal bleeding (i.e. it’s heavier than spotting, which can be normal)
• Have severe abdominal pain
• Experience any other symptoms that are concerning to you, or you have questions about

To Sum It Up

When it comes to your pregnancy, the only way to confirm it is with a test. “Pregnancy can present in so many ways, and it’s easy to rule out with urine or blood testing. So always be sure, and never rely on just symptoms,” Dr. Jackson advises. And remember that no two women are the same. Your journey may be different from your best friend’s pregnancy or even your own previous pregnancies. Be kind and patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to contact your provider if you’re ever unsure about your symptoms.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.