Early signs of pregnancy and what to do next

Learn about early signs of pregnancy and when to make an appointment with your OB.

When you first get pregnant, your body goes through many physical and hormonal changes that can lead to noticeable symptoms.

Whether you’re recently pregnant, trying to get pregnant or aren’t sure what’s happening, we’re here for you. Need pregnancy care but not sure where to start? Search for OB/GYNs near you.

Early signs of pregnancy

Every person and pregnancy are different. That means you may have all, some or very few of these early pregnancy symptoms.

Missed period

A missed period is the main sign that you’re pregnant according to the Office on Women’s Health.

If you of are sexually active and of childbearing age, you should take a pregnancy test if you are one or more weeks late for your menstrual cycle.

Know that missing a period doesn’t always mean you’re pregnant. You may have an irregular cycle. Or other factors like health conditions and medications can also affect your period schedule. Either way, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience a missed period, so you can see if you’re pregnant or are experiencing another health issue.

Tender or swollen breasts

Sore breasts are common, especially early in pregnancy. As your body responds to an increase in hormones, blood flows to the breasts, which can make them extra tender.

Nausea

Morning sickness is nausea that happens at any time of day. You may start to feel nauseous or experience some vomiting about a month into pregnancy.

Fatigue

Many people feel extremely tired when pregnant, especially in the first 12 weeks. Hormones, such as progesterone, increase a lot early on, making you extra sleepy. Your body also gets tired as it works to grow and protect the fetus.

Pregnancy discharge and light spotting

You may see light bleeding, also called spotting, throughout the first trimester, along with an increase in white discharge throughout your pregnancy. Call your doctor right away if you have vaginal bleeding, which is a heavier blood flow and more serious.

Other pregnancy symptoms

Pregnancy hormone changes can lead to other symptoms, including (but not limited to):

• Food cravings
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Increased urination
• Lower backaches
• Mood swings
• Urge to avoid certain foods or smells
• Weight changes

Note that there are other possible causes for these symptoms — from food poisoning to anxiety. It’s always best to talk to your provider if any symptom is severe.

When to schedule your first pregnancy appointment

Do you think you’re pregnant? Start by taking a pregnancy test at home. Most drug stores and pharmacies sell pregnancy tests, which measure human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone levels in your urine. At-home pregnancy tests often are accurate, though accuracy improves the further along you are in your pregnancy.

You’ll also want to schedule an appointment with a prenatal care provider. As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, our extensive network is home to everyone from OB/GYNs and midwives to high-risk pregnancy doctors and neonatologists. Find an OB/GYN here.