Early signs of pregnancy
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.
Every pregnancy is different and not everyone will notice all of these symptoms.
Feeling sick during pregnancy
You may feel sick or be sick. This is commonly known asmorning sickness, but it can happen at any time of the day or night.
Morning sickness symptoms usually start when you’re around 4-6 weeks pregnant
If you're being sick all the time and cannot keep anything down, see a GP.
You may havehyperemesis 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 often suggests 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
- morevaginal 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 have a more sensitive sense of smell than usual – for example, the smell of food or cooking
If you're worried about any symptoms you're having, talk to a GP or your midwife.
If your pregnancy test is negative
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 thepregnancy due date calculatorto work out when your baby's due.
Get Start4Life pregnancy emails
Sign up forStart4Life's weekly emailsfor expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Video: what pregnancy symptoms are normal?
In this video, a midwife describes which symptoms during pregnancy are normal.
Media review due: 20 March 2023