Early pregnancy often shows up as a missed period, light implantation bleeding, changes in food preferences, breast tenderness, and nausea. These signs vary by person and don't replace a pregnancy test; confirm with a home or clinical test and start prenatal care if positive.

Five early signs of pregnancy

Wondering whether you might be pregnant? Early signs vary, but several common changes often appear in the first weeks after conception. These signals do not confirm pregnancy on their own, but they can prompt testing and early prenatal care.

1. A missed period (or lighter bleeding)

A missed period is often the first clue. Some people, however, have light spotting when the embryo implants in the uterine lining. That bleeding can occur around the time a period is expected and may be mistaken for a light period. If you miss a period after unprotected sex, consider taking a pregnancy test or seeing a clinician.

2. Food cravings

Many pregnant people notice new or stronger cravings for specific foods in the first trimester. Cravings are common and may reflect changing hormones, taste sensitivity, or nutritional needs. Cravings alone don't diagnose pregnancy, but they are a frequent early symptom.

3. Food aversions and smell sensitivity

Just as cravings appear, so can aversions. Foods that were once enjoyable may become unpleasant or trigger nausea. Heightened sensitivity to smells is also common and can make certain environments or foods difficult to tolerate.

4. Breast changes and tenderness

Breast soreness, fullness, or tenderness can start within days to weeks after conception. The breasts may feel heavier, more sensitive, or tingly as hormone levels shift. Not everyone experiences this, but it is a well-known early sign.

5. Nausea ("morning sickness")

Nausea with or without vomiting can begin as early as a few weeks after conception and may occur at any time of day. Many people experience some nausea in early pregnancy, though severity varies widely - from mild queasiness to the more serious hyperemesis gravidarum. If nausea prevents you from keeping food or fluids down, seek medical care.

What to do next

If you notice one or more of these signs and think you might be pregnant, take an over-the-counter pregnancy test after a missed period or contact your healthcare provider. Home tests are reliable when used correctly, but blood tests at a clinic detect pregnancy earlier and are more sensitive. Early prenatal care improves health outcomes for both the parent and the developing fetus.

If you have severe bleeding, persistent vomiting, or sudden severe pain, get urgent medical attention.

  1. Verify the estimated prevalence and timing of implantation bleeding and update the text with a sourced percentage if appropriate.
  2. Confirm the typical prevalence range for nausea/morning sickness in early pregnancy and add a sourced statistic if available.

FAQs about Sign Of Pregnancy

What is the earliest sign of pregnancy?
A missed period is a common early sign. Some people also notice breast tenderness or mild spotting a few days to weeks after conception.
Can I have a period and still be pregnant?
It's possible to have light bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy (implantation bleeding), but a true menstrual period usually means you are not pregnant. If bleeding is unusual, test or consult a clinician.
When should I take a pregnancy test?
Take an over-the-counter pregnancy test on or after the day your period is due for the most reliable result. For earlier detection, or if you need confirmation, a blood test at a clinic is more sensitive.
Are cravings and aversions normal?
Yes. Many people experience new cravings or aversions in early pregnancy. These are common but not universal and don't confirm pregnancy by themselves.
When should I see a doctor?
If a pregnancy test is positive, schedule prenatal care as soon as possible. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe pain, or persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.

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