As a woman and a practicing gynecologist, I am frequently asked, “How soon can I tell if I am pregnant?” The truth is, pregnancy symptoms can start showing up before you even miss your period—but they can be subtle and easy to miss or mistake for something else (like PMS).
Therefore, let’s talk about those very early pregnancy symptoms that a lot of women experience, even before a positive test result. Understanding your body gives you power, whether you’re trying to conceive or just want to stay informed.
1. That hits like a truck: fatigue
If you’re feeling unusually tired for no clear reason—even if you’ve been getting enough sleep—this could be one of the earliest signs. In early pregnancy, your body produces more progesterone, which can make you feel sleepy, sluggish, or just not yourself.
💬 My tip:
Listen to your body. If you need to, take a nap. It can be surprising how exhausting early pregnancy can be.
2. Swollen or tender breasts
Many women find that their breasts seem larger, puffy, or tingling within a week or two after being pregnant. Similar to what you might experience before your period, but frequently more intense and lasting.
Pro tip:
Your hormones may be giving you an early warning if your usual bra suddenly feels too tight or uncomfortable.
3. Spotting and Mild Cramping
Around six to twelve days following ovulation, when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, some women have mild discomfort and spotting. Usually brown or pink, it is fairly light and not as substantial as a period.
Important note:
This doesn’t happen to every woman, so don’t worry if you don’t see it. And if you’re ever unsure, it’s always okay to call your doctor.
4. “That Weird Feeling” or nausea
That notorious morning sickness? It can actually start much earlier than most people think—sometimes as early as two weeks after conception. But it’s not always full-on vomiting. It’s often described as a nauseating, uneasy feeling that doesn’t go away on its own.
💬 Keep in mind:
You might notice that certain smells or foods suddenly turn your stomach. Even your favorite perfume might not be enough.
5. Changes in the digestion and bloating
Changes in hormones can slow down digestion, which can lead to gas and bloating. Some women mistake this for PMS, but if your belly feels different and you feel more gassy or have more constipation than usual, this could be another early sign.
6. Mood Swings or Feeling “Different”
You could experience the feeling of being on a roller coaster. You could feel unusually teary, irritable, or just not quite like yourself. This frequently occurs as a result of rising hormone levels, particularly in the very first weeks.
💬My advice:
Don’t ignore your instincts. Because they felt different, many women claim to have “just known” they were pregnant.
7. Constant urination
Many women are taken aback by this one! Even before your uterus grows large enough to press on your bladder, your body starts increasing blood flow to your kidneys around the second week of conception, making you pee more frequently.
8. Missed Period
This is usually the sign that sends most women running for a pregnancy test. But as we’ve just seen, many signs show up before this. If your period is late and you’ve noticed some of the symptoms above, it might be time to test.
A Final Note from Me to Other Women
Every woman’s body is different. Some will experience all of these symptoms early on, while others may feel almost nothing and still have a healthy pregnancy. That is perfectly normal. I always recommend taking a home pregnancy test about a week after your missed period for the most accurate result if you think you might be pregnant. And of course, if you’re unsure or something feels off, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor—that’s what we’re here for.