Signs and symptoms of pregnancy

Early signs of pregnancy

Every pregnancy is different and not everyone will notice all of these symptoms.

If you're worried about any symptoms you're having, talk to a GP or your midwife.

Missed or lighter period

If you have a regular monthly menstrual cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period.

In the first few weeks of pregnancy you may have a bleed similar to a very light period, with some spotting or only losing a little blood. This is called implantation bleeding.

Feeling sick during pregnancy

You may feel sick or be sick. Although commonly known as "morning sickness", vomiting and morning sickness can happen at any time of the day or night.

Symptoms usually start when you’re around 4 to 6 weeks pregnant.

If you're being sick all the time and cannot keep anything down, see a GP.

You may have hyperemesis gravidarum, a serious condition in pregnancy that causes severe vomiting and needs treatment.

Feeling tired is common in pregnancy

It's common to feel tired, or even exhausted, during pregnancy, especially during the first 12 weeks or so.

Hormonal changes in your body at this time can make you feel tired, sick, emotional and upset.

Sore breasts in early pregnancy

Your breasts may become larger and feel tender, just as they might do before your period. They may also tingle.

The veins may be more visible, and the nipples may darken and stand out.

Peeing more can suggest pregnancy

You may feel the need to pee more often than usual, including during the night.

Other signs of pregnancy you may notice are:

• constipation
• more vaginal discharge (without any soreness or irritation)

Strange tastes, smells and cravings

During early pregnancy, you may find you no longer like some foods or drinks you used to enjoy.

You might notice:

• a strange taste in your mouth, which some describe as metallic
• you crave new foods
• you lose interest in certain foods or drinks you used to enjoy, such as tea, coffee or fatty food
• you lose interest in smoking
• you're more sensitive to certain smells, for example the smell of food or cooking

Home pregnancy tests

If you do a home pregnancy test, a positive test result is almost certainly correct, as long as you have followed the instructions correctly.

A negative result is less reliable. If you get a negative result and still think you may be pregnant, wait a week and try again.

If you're pregnant, use the pregnancy due date calculator to work out when your baby's due.

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