How to Know the Earliest Pregnancy Signs

Co-authored by Jennifer Butt, MD

Last Updated: February 8, 2022 Approved

During the first two weeks of pregnancy, it can be difficult to determine whether you're pregnant. Signs may be subtle. However, if you notice any unusual changes, you may be pregnant. Taking a home pregnancy test may confirm your suspicions, but the surest way to know is to see a doctor.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Noticing Changes in Mood and Energy

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Fatigue is a common early sign of pregnancy. Even when you have not changed your routine or sleep schedule, you may feel tired throughout the day. ^{[1]
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Expert Source

Jennifer Butt, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 13 March 2020.} Unexplained fatigue can be an early sign of pregnancy. ^{[2]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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You may not experience food cravings right away. However, early on in pregnancy you may suddenly develop an aversion to certain foods. ^{[3]
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Jennifer Butt, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 13 March 2020.} You may dislike the smell of a food or drink you once enjoyed or did not mind. ^{[4]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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3
Think about whether you've been moody. Pregnancy hormones can cause changes in mood early on. You may notice you get angry or frustrated more easily or are very emotional. You may cry over sad commercials or television shows more easily. ^{[5]
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Mayo Clinic
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- These mood swings may be similar to what you experience just before your menstrual cycle.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Paying Attention to Physical Changes

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A missed period is usually the first sign of pregnancy. ^{[6]
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Expert Source

Jennifer Butt, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 13 March 2020.} You should track your menstrual cycle to know roughly when to expect your monthly period. If you do not experience your period within this time frame, this can be an early sign you're pregnant. ^{[7]
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Research source}
About a quarter of pregnant women experience nausea as the first sign of pregnancy. ^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Jennifer Butt, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 13 March 2020.} You may feel sick to your stomach at certain times of the day. Strange smells may easily trigger feelings of nausea and sickness. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
3
Note unusual bleeding or spotting. Implantation bleeding sometimes occurs just after pregnancy, possibly due to a sperm attaching to an egg. Some women may mistake this for a very light period, but it can be a sign of pregnancy if you are also experiencing other symptoms. ^{[10]
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- Implantation bleeding or spotting is much lighter than your regular period. You may only notice it when you wipe.
- The color also may differ from a regular period. It may be more pink or brown-colored than usual.
4
Evaluate if you have unusual aches and pains. Pregnancy can cause unexpected physical discomfort. Usually, this takes the form of mild uterine cramping as well as tender, sore breasts. ^{[11]
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- Like many symptoms of pregnancy, these are often similar to pains you may experience just before your period.
5
Look for changes in urination habits. During pregnancy, your kidneys produce extra fluid due to increased levels of blood in your body. Many women notice increased urination during pregnancy. If you find yourself using the bathroom more often, this could be an early sign that you are pregnant. ^{[12]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Just after you become pregnant, it's normal for your body to produce up to 25% more urine. The increase in urine will peak at 10-15 weeks of pregnancy. After that, you'll likely feel increased urges to urinate, as the additional weight of your uterus and growing baby press down on your bladder.
6
Notice breast tenderness. Breast tissue is very sensitive to your hormones, so your breasts will show signs of pregnancy early. You may start to experience tender, swollen breasts as early as 2 weeks after conception. ^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Jennifer Butt, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 13 March 2020.} It's normal to feel a tingly sensation and soreness.
- Your breasts may also start to fill full and heavy. ^{[14]
  X
  Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Seeking Medical Evaluation

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1
Take a home pregnancy test. If you suspect you are pregnant, pick up a home pregnancy test at a drug store. Follow the directions on the package and take the test at home. Usually, you pee on the stick or gather your urine in a cup and dip the stick in the test. ^{[15]
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Mayo Clinic
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- The best time to take a home pregnancy test is in the morning when your levels of the hormone HCG are highest.
- Most pregnancies tests can be taken a few days after your missed period. However, there are some tests on the market designed for early detection, like e.p.t., that you can try. Refer to the package's instructions for precise directions on when to take the test. ^{[16]
  X
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- Tests are more accurate after your missed period. If you suspect you are pregnant before missing your period, go to the doctor instead of taking an at home test.
2
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider. If you suspect you are pregnant, or have a positive pregnancy test, make an appointment with your doctor. ^{[17]
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- During your first visit, your doctor will run tests to confirm your pregnancy. A doctor may perform a urine test in the office or they may order blood work. ^{[18]
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- Your doctor will also ask you about your medical history, past pregnancies, your general lifestyle, and any medications you're currently taking.
- Your doctor will perform a basic physical exam to make sure you're in good health.
If you are pregnant, it can be an emotional experience. Waiting on the results of a test can be stressful, so talk to friends, family members, and the other parent about your emotions. You can also talk to a therapist if you have one.

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Question

What are some unusual signs of early pregnancy?

Jennifer Butt, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Jennifer Butt, MD, is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist operating her private practice, Upper East Side OB/GYN, in New York City, New York. She is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital. She earned a BA in Biological Studies from Rutgers University and an MD from Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She then completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Dr. Butt is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the American Medical Association.

Jennifer Butt, MD

Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Answer

Your tastes might change. For example, you may normally think, “I love eating salad and vegetables and everything like that,” and all of a sudden, the sight of a salad or lettuce is really unappetizing.

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Question

What are some common myths of signs you're pregnant?

Jennifer Butt, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Jennifer Butt, MD, is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist operating her private practice, Upper East Side OB/GYN, in New York City, New York. She is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital. She earned a BA in Biological Studies from Rutgers University and an MD from Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She then completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Dr. Butt is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the American Medical Association.

Jennifer Butt, MD

Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Answer

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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Question

What are the early signs of pregnancy?

Jennifer Butt, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Jennifer Butt, MD, is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist operating her private practice, Upper East Side OB/GYN, in New York City, New York. She is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital. She earned a BA in Biological Studies from Rutgers University and an MD from Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She then completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Dr. Butt is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the American Medical Association.

Jennifer Butt, MD

Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Answer

If somebody misses their period or is late, it could be a pregnancy. Other common symptoms are nausea, food aversions, and tiredness.

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Tips

Don't worry if you're not experiencing all the typical pregnancy symptoms! Everyone is different, and just because you're not having nausea or breast tenderness doesn't mean that you're not pregnant or that your pregnancy isn't a healthy one. ^{[19]
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Jennifer Butt, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 13 March 2020.}

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Many of the early pregnancy symptoms are also premenstrual symptoms. You should begin to know your own body rhythms after tracking and charting for a few months.

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Warnings

A very small percentage of women continue menstruating throughout the course of their pregnancy; having your period does not mean that you're not pregnant in all cases. You should take a test if you suspect you are pregnant.

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How to Know the Earliest Pregnancy Signs

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Noticing Changes in Mood and Energy

Paying Attention to Physical Changes

Seeking Medical Evaluation

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Expert Q&A

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Warnings

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