16 very early pregnancy symptoms—before a positive test
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Here's what happens first.
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Wondering what the early signs of pregnancy are? Whether you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a month or a year, you’re likely wild with anticipation—not only to welcome a new little bundle into the world but also to find out whether this is the month you are going to get a positive pregnancy test and possibly start experiencing early pregnancy symptoms.
Pregnancy tests use antibodies to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a substance made by the developing placenta. Using ultra-sensitive early pregnancy tests, you’re most likely able to detect pregnancy starting at four to five days before your missed period, although the tests are only about 50% to 75% accurate this early. But in some cases, the symptoms you’re experiencing might give you a clue, too.
Related: The new mama’s guide to pregnancy symptoms
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Those days between trying to conceive and looking for a missed period or getting a positive pregnancy test can be both super exciting and nerve-wracking—it’s called the two-week wait, and it’s notoriously known as the longest two weeks ever.
You may find yourself paying close attention to your body and wondering if you are experiencing any of the hidden symptoms of pregnancy before that positive pregnancy test. Can you have pregnancy symptoms before a positive test? While there’s no guarantee, there are certain changes you can look out for during this time.
Early pregnancy symptoms at a glance
Are you pregnant? Here are the early pregnancy symptoms that tend to happen first.
- Raised basal body temperature
- Breast changes
- An increase in discharge
- Nasal congestion
- More frequent pee breaks
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Cravings
- Spotting
- Dizziness
Read more about each of these very early pregnancy symptoms below.
Related: The new mama’s guide to pregnancy symptoms
An in-depth look at 9 early pregnancy symptoms before a positive test
Curious if the symptoms you’re experiencing are related to pregnancy? Here are the potential early signs of pregnancy before a positive test—or a missed period.
1. Raised basal body temperature
If you’re taking your morning temperature in order to chart your cycle, you might have noticed that your temperature often dips the day before your period arrives. If you notice that your basal body temperature is staying slightly elevated even when you are expecting your period—you might be pregnant.
2. Breast changes
If you find that your boobs are more voluminous, your areolae are changing in color or your nipples are super sensitive to touch (ouch!), this could be a major sign that you’re expecting. And maybe a sign to indulge in a new wireless bra, too.
And guess what? The amount of breast growth you experience during pregnancy may predict if you are having a boy or a girl.
Related: What does a faint line mean on your pregnancy test?
3. An increase in discharge
You might notice more vaginal discharge than usual if you’re in the early stages of pregnancy, and it will likely be white and milky in color and texture. That increased discharge is related to the thickening of the vaginal walls and the growth of the cellular lining, which happens immediately after conception.
4. More frequent pee breaks
There may not be a baby kicking your bladder yet, but that doesn’t mean the never-ending pee breaks won’t start as early as a few weeks after conception. Your kidneys are working overtime to rid your body of toxins and, yes, your hormones are playing a role, too. Keep drinking plenty of water and fondly think of your frequent bathroom breaks as a way to chill for a few minutes throughout the day.
P.S. If your increased urination is accompanied by a burning sensation when you pee, give your doctor or midwife a call—because you could have a urinary tract infection.
Read more: The surprising history of home pregnancy tests
5. Fatigue
If you’re working, going to school or already taking care of kids, you’re probably already pretty beat. But we’re not talking about the usual urge to take a quick Sunday nap. We’re talking about the overwhelming need to sleep at work, at school or at the dinner table. Progesterone produced during pregnancy can make you extra sleepy (and not at all picky about where you are willing to snooze).
Related: A nutritionist’s favorite prenatal vitamins
6. Nausea or morning sickness
When does morning sickness start? Although morning sickness (aka any-time-any-place sickness) doesn’t usually appear until around six weeks into pregnancy, it can strike as early as three weeks. Nausea before a positive pregnancy test could be a sign of early pregnancy.
Because fatigue is related to more nausea, take any opportunity you can to sleep, or at least lie on the couch and binge on Netflix. If you’re taking a pre-pregnancy prenatal vitamin, it’s possible that it might be making you a bit queasy. Try taking it at night, with food and a calcium-based tummy soother. Vitamins with extra B6 may also reduce nausea.
For more severe morning sickness, talk to your provider. There are medications they can prescribe to help you tame your upset stomach.
7. Cravings
Hormonal changes may cause new food cravings or aversions early in pregnancy. These changes in your food preferences may last throughout your pregnancy, or they may shift over time. You might also find yourself more sensitive–or revolted by–certain smells or scents you used to enjoy.
Related: A nutritionist’s guide to the best foods for pregnancy, from the early days to the third trimester
8. Spotting
You might notice some light spotting in the days after conception and before a missed period—that could be implantation bleeding, which can sometimes occur when an egg becomes fertilized and implants into the uterine wall. Implantation bleeding is usually light pink or dark brown (if it’s older blood), and doesn’t contain any clots. It usually stops on its own after a few days.
Related: Is it implantation bleeding or an early period? Here’s how to tell the difference
9. Dizziness
The sensation of dizziness could also be an early sign that you’re pregnant. Thanks to an increased rush of hormones, you may experience dizzy spells or fainting as your body adjusts to lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar.
7 less common early signs of pregnancy
There are several other less common symptoms to look out for that may signal pregnancy, including:
- Constipation
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Nasal congestion
- Bloating
- Food aversions
Related: 10 hidden pregnancy signs you may not know about
How soon can you take a pregnancy test?
Your provider could always run a blood test, which can typically detect pregnancy as early as one week after conception.
Of course, if you can be slightly more patient, home pregnancy tests can let you know pretty early, too.
Some of the more advanced early home pregnancy tests can be used as soon as five days before your missed period (although their accuracy maxes out at 50% to 75%). If you can wait until the day of your missed period, the accuracy of these tests usually hits 99%. Hmm… maybe that’s why they
put two tests in the box.
Additional Insights on Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Beyond the commonly discussed symptoms, there are additional subtle cues that may hint at pregnancy before a positive test result. For instance, a heightened sense of smell is a less talked about but significant early sign. Some women report an increased sensitivity to odors, which can contribute to nausea or food aversions. This heightened olfactory sensitivity can occur alongside the more noticeable symptoms like morning sickness or unusual cravings, offering an early clue to potential pregnancy.
Furthermore, emotional fluctuations and heightened emotions can also be an early sign of pregnancy due to the surge of hormones preparing the body for gestation. While mood swings are often associated with the later stages of pregnancy, they can also emerge early on, even before a missed period.
Understanding Early Pregnancy Tests
When discussing the timing and accuracy of pregnancy tests, it’s essential to note advancements in early detection. While the article mentions the possibility of testing up to five days before a missed period with certain sensitivity levels, it’s crucial for readers to understand that the technology behind these tests is continually evolving. Some brands now offer even more sensitive tests that claim to detect pregnancy even earlier, although accuracy before the missed period can vary.
Holistic Approaches During the Waiting Period
While waiting for the right time to take a pregnancy test, adopting a holistic approach to health can be beneficial. Engaging in gentle exercise, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and ensuring a nutrient-rich diet can support your body’s health and potentially ease the emotional rollercoaster of the two-week wait. These practices not only support physical well-being but can also provide emotional grounding during a period filled with anticipation and uncertainty.
Trying to get pregnant? Find our favorite products for your new journey.
FAQ: Early Signs of Pregnancy and Testing
Q1: How early can I start feeling pregnancy symptoms?
A1: While every individual is different, some may start experiencing early pregnancy symptoms as soon as a week after conception, even before a missed period. However, more commonly, symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue become noticeable around two to three weeks after conception.
Q2: Can I trust early pregnancy tests?
A2: Early pregnancy tests are designed to be highly sensitive to hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the pregnancy hormone. Tests claiming to detect pregnancy five days before a missed period can offer a first indication, but they are more accurate after a missed period, with accuracy rates jumping to around 99% on the day of the missed period.
Q3: Why do I feel pregnant even when the test is negative?
A3: Feeling pregnant when the test comes back negative can be confusing. This could be due to a very early stage of pregnancy not yet detectable by the test, the presence of symptoms similar to pregnancy due to other reasons (like hormonal fluctuations), or the test being taken too early. If you still suspect pregnancy after a negative test, wait a few days and test again.
Q4: Are certain symptoms more indicative of pregnancy than others?
A4: While no single symptom can confirm pregnancy, some are considered more telling when experienced together. These include a missed period, nausea (especially morning sickness), breast tenderness, and fatigue. However, a positive pregnancy test is the most reliable indicator.
Q5: How soon should I see a doctor after a positive pregnancy test?
A5: It’s recommended to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider soon after receiving a positive pregnancy test. This initial visit, typically around 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy, will confirm the pregnancy through an ultrasound and establish your due date. It’s also a crucial step to starting prenatal care.
Q6: Can emotional changes be an early sign of pregnancy?
A6: Yes, emotional fluctuations and heightened emotions can be an early sign of pregnancy, attributable to hormonal changes. These emotional changes can occur even before a positive pregnancy test and might include increased sensitivity, mood swings, or feelings of heightened anxiety or joy.
Q7: Is it possible to have menstrual-like bleeding and still be pregnant?
A7: Some women experience light spotting or bleeding around the time their period would have been due, which can be mistaken for a light period. This is often implantation bleeding, which occurs as the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If you’re unsure, it’s important to take a pregnancy test or consult with your healthcare provider.
Q8: How reliable are the symptoms of pregnancy before a missed period?
A8: The reliability of early pregnancy symptoms before a missed period can vary greatly among individuals. Some may experience clear and unmistakable symptoms, while others may not notice any changes. Symptoms alone are not a reliable indicator of pregnancy; a positive pregnancy test followed by a healthcare provider’s confirmation is needed for accuracy.
Understanding these FAQs can provide clarity and guidance during the early stages of suspecting or confirming a pregnancy, aiding in the navigation of this transformative journey with greater awareness and preparedness.
A version of this post was originally published on August 21, 2019. It has been updated.
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