Early nipple signs of pregnancy
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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Video: what pregnancy symptoms are normal?
In this video, a midwife describes which symptoms during pregnancy are normal.
Media last reviewed: 20 March 2020
Media review due: 20 March 2023
Page last reviewed: 29 December 2022
Next review due: 29 December 2025
Earliest signs and early symptoms of pregnancy
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is having a missed period. There are lots of other signs, but every pregnancy is different. You may not have all these symptoms if you’re pregnant.
A missed period
A missed period is usually the most common sign of pregnancy . You can take most pregnancy tests from the first day of your missed period. Find out more about taking a pregnancy test.
If you are planning a pregnancy, it can help to keep track of your period by marking the days in a calendar or by using an app. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, this will help you plan when you are ovulating and know when you should expect your period.
If you take contraception to stop your periods, missing a period isn’t a reliable way of knowing if you’re pregnant. If you have any of the other symptoms listed on this page, you should take a pregnancy test.
Light bleeding in early pregnancy
Some light bleeding or spotting, like a light period, can be a sign of pregnancy. Some women say they also have some cramps in their lower tummy. This is called implantation bleeding and happens when the embryo plants itself in the wall of your womb.
This type of bleeding often happens around the time your period would have been due. It shouldn’t be enough to soak through pads or underwear.
If you are bleeding and know you are pregnant, call your GP, midwife or Early Pregnancy Unit. They can check you over, just in case. Find out more about bleeding in pregnancy.
Tiredness in early pregnancy
Tiredness can be one of the early signs of pregnancy. Even though your baby is smaller than a peanut, the first few weeks of pregnancy can be physically and emotionally draining.
Early pregnancy tiredness is not like ordinary tiredness. You may feel completely exhausted after a normal day's activities.
Find out more about managing tiredness in pregnancy.
Tender breasts in early pregnancy
Some women have breast tenderness or a tingly feeling in their breasts during the early weeks of pregnancy. The skin around your nipples may look bumpier than usual and the breasts begin producing an oily fluid to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding.
Your breasts may also feel heavier. The nipple may become darker and stay that way during pregnancy. Many of these changes are because of the extra hormones that you have in your body and the growth of the milk ducts.
Needing to wee more often
You may need to wee more often than usual in early pregnancy. This is because your womb is expanding and pressing on your bladder.
The hormone progesterone also makes you need to wee more, as well as sometimes causing constipation.
You may also notice more vaginal discharge than usual. This shouldn’t smell unpleasant, be sore, itchy or painful. Speak to your GP or midwife if you have these symptoms as you may have an infection.
Feeling sick or being sick in early pregnancy
Many people feel sick or vomit in early pregnancy. Most people find they start noticing this around 4 to 6 weeks into their pregnancy. Some only feel slightly queasy and others may be physically sick. And some people have no sickness at all. This is commonly known as morning sickness but it can happen at any time of the day.
Talk to your midwife or GP if you are being sick a lot and you can’t keep any food or water down. This is because there is a risk that you may become dehydrated.
Extreme sickness in pregnancy is called hyperemesis gravidarum and can be serious. It is important to seek support if you are worried.
Mood swings in early pregnancy
Hormones are natural chemicals that help your body manage your pregnancy, prepare it for the birth and produce milk for your baby. The hormones oestrogen and progesterone flood your body in the first 12 weeks. It is these hormones that can also make you feel more emotional than normal. You may find that you are laughing one minute, then crying the next. Don’t worry, this is natural.
However, if you are a feeling down or anxious for a large part of the day and it lasts longer than a couple of weeks, it is important to seek support. Try to talk to your midwife or GP if you have any concerns about your emotional wellbeing.
No one will judge you for these feelings, pregnancy brings anxieties and stresses, as well as happiness.
The idea that you will ‘glow with happiness’ during pregnancy can make those who aren’t feeling this way feel very isolated. As many as 1 in 5 women develop a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the first year after having a baby, such as anxiety or depression. So it is important to take care of your mental as well as physical wellbeing during pregnancy.
Our mental wellbeing plan can help you take steps to plan for where and how you can find support.
Funny tastes, smells and cravings in early pregnancy
Have you suddenly become more sensitive to certain smells, or do you have a strange metallic taste in your mouth? These are signs of early pregnancy.
Sometimes, this can cause you to go off certain foods you used to enjoy. Some people begin craving foods they never have before. Find out more about cravings in pregnancy.
What to do if you think you could be pregnant
If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms above, there is no harm in taking a pregnancy test. However, if you haven’t missed a period yet, it may be too early to tell, so your test result may be inaccurate.
My test was positive
If you have done a test and it was positive and you want to continue with the pregnancy, read more about 5 things to do when you find out you’re pregnant.
It’s natural to feel a range of different emotions when you find out you’re pregnant. If you’re not sure what you want to do, take some time to think about your options.
Talking to people you trust and getting information about your options can help you decide. You may want to talk to a partner, family or friends. Other people may give you some helpful advice, but ultimately this is your decision.
If you prefer to speak to someone less close to you, you can talk to your GP or a local community sexual health clinic. These services are confidential.
My test was negative
A negative result might mean you are too early for the test to pick up hormones in your system. Do another test in a few days' time if you still have not had your period. Talk to your GP if you continue to get negative results and still don't have a period.
Trying for a baby
If you are trying to get pregnant by having sex with a partner of the opposite sex, this can take time.
In the general population, more than 8 out of 10 couples where the woman is aged under 40 will get pregnant within 1 year if they have regular sex (every 2 to 3 days) and do not use contraception. More than 9 out of 10 couples will get pregnant within 2 years. Find out more about fertility.
We also have information about getting pregnant through IVF and pregnancy for trans and non-binary parents.
Trying for a baby after loss
If you are trying for a baby after experiencing loss, this can be an anxious time. You may find it helpful to connect with other people who may be going through a similar experience. Our pregnancy and parenting after loss support group is a safe space for you to connect with others, share advice and offer support to one another.
You can also talk to a Tommy’s midwife on 0800 0147 800, 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Or you can email them at [email protected]
Are you pregnant? Early signs of pregnancy.
Finally! Your period is delayed. If you want a baby, there is great hope that you will get pregnant this time. A pregnancy test will soon show you more. At the same time, you can observe yourself - perhaps you have already noticed any changes. Your body usually clearly shows you that fertilization has taken place. Most of the symptoms are associated with an increase in hormone levels.
Of course, not every sign means you are pregnant. nine0003 But the more typical symptoms you notice, the more likely it is. However, in the end, only a doctor can make the final decision: "You're pregnant - congratulations!"
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Uncertain early signs of pregnancy
The first signs of pregnancy are as varied as they are vague. Often the early signs of pregnancy appear even before the missed period. These Could Be Early Pregnancy Symptoms:
- nausea and vomiting
- “lead” fatigue and fatigue
- frequent urination
- increased craving for food and unusual food addictions
- sensitive breasts and darkened nipples
- change in the oscillation and taste
- spasms - splashes in the abdomen, slight bleeding and discharge
- Growth of hair and nails
- Skin changes
- Forgetfulness
- Mood swings
- Bloating or constipation
- Bad sleep
Nausea and vomiting
You've seen the most famous first sign of pregnancy a thousand times in the movies: the heroine runs away in a hurry, she suddenly feels sick. She doesn't know she's having a baby yet, but everyone in the movie theater has already taken the hint.
In fact, nausea is not so typical. Some women feel very ill, others tend to feel a little sick.
"Lead" tiredness and fatigue
Are you as tired during the day as if you had sat up all night? The sofa is calling you at noon, and your eyes start to close as if by magic? nine0003 A huge need for sleep is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. If you notice unusual tiredness or fatigue, you may be pregnant.
Frequent urination
You constantly have to run to the toilet, even if you do not drink more than usual. This can be another early sign of pregnancy: once the embryo is implanted, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is released, which makes you go to the toilet more often. nine0005
Food cravings and unusual eating habits
Is your body just screaming for chocolate or would you get up at night to buy greasy chips at the gas station? Or do you have other unusual eating habits ? Bingo! It is possible that you are pregnant. Many women report strange eating habits as early signs of pregnancy : for example, they pour hot salsa straight out of a can or, being vegans, feel an irresistible craving to bite straight from a stick of hearty salami. nine0005
Sensitive breasts and darkened nipples
Your breasts may also show early signs of pregnancy. Pay attention to the following symptoms: the breast begins to thicken and fill up, as before menstruation. To the touch, the mammary glands are more plump and large and very sensitive to touch. Your areola often looks darker than usual. The opposite symptom - discoloration - can also be caused by a hormonal imbalance or a previous pregnancy.
Changes in smell and taste
Every day you find that detergent smells unbearably . Or you complain to your husband that he has been bathing in cologne lately. Are you familiar with this? Hypersensitivity to odors is commonly observed in early pregnancy. Some women get a strange metallic taste in their mouths . Another early sign of pregnancy can also be a sudden aversion to alcohol or tobacco. nine0005
Abdominal cramps, slight bleeding and discharge
Pulling in the abdomen, as if menstruation is about to begin. You think disappointedly: "It didn't work out with the child again!". Or you even notice a small spot or highlights. But day after day passes, and there are still no periods. Then these symptoms may be early signs of pregnancy. These symptoms are usually harmless and are caused by the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. If you want to be on the safe side, try not to strain yourself and avoid exercise. If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor. nine0005
Elevated basal body temperature
You can find out if you are pregnant by regularly measuring your basal body temperature: if in the morning after waking up for eighteen days your temperature is higher than usual , then most likely you are pregnant.
When do the early signs of pregnancy appear?
It is impossible to say exactly in which week of pregnancy certain symptoms of pregnancy appear. When the first signs of pregnancy appear and whether they appear at all depends on the individual woman. However, the early symptoms of pregnancy can be roughly attributed to the following weeks. nine0005
4th week: implantation pain and slight bleeding, breast tenderness.
5th and 6th week: mood swings, fatigue, hunger, nausea and vomiting
7th and 8th week: nausea, circulation problems, dizziness, low blood pressure, insomnia , frequent urination,
9th and 10th weeks: breast changes, nausea, shortness of breath
11th and 12th weeks: bloating, constipation
The three surest signs of pregnancy
There are many early symptoms of pregnancy, but the surest signs of how to understand that you are still pregnant:
1. Cessation of menstruation.
This is the surest sign of pregnancy. Sometimes stress, hormonal fluctuations or an organic disease are to blame, but it is better to take a pregnancy test.
2. You suffer from nausea.
A few days after conception, you may feel slightly unwell. Some women experience nausea only in the morning (morning sickness), others more frequently during the day. This is caused by the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). nine0005
3. Your pregnancy test is positive.
Congratulations! - then rather contact your gynecologist and start looking for an obstetrician-gynecologist for childbirth.
Remember: If anything seems unusual, see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if the pregnancy test is positive, make an appointment with your doctor.
The first symptoms and signs of pregnancy: how to understand that a miracle is near
There are many signs that may indicate pregnancy. These first signs of pregnancy are individual for each woman and the case of pregnancy. During pregnancy, you may find one or more of these signs. Don't worry, it's unlikely you'll have all the symptoms at the same time. In addition, you should not worry in their absence. It is possible to be pregnant and not see any signs of pregnancy. Regardless of whether you show the first signs of pregnancy or not, the only reliable way to determine pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test. nine0005
1. Missed period
If you normally have a regular menstrual cycle, this is the first physical sign of pregnancy. Remember that during pregnancy, light bleeding or discharge is possible both during the expected period and when the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus. If your cycle is irregular, you may notice other pregnancy symptoms before you notice the absence of your period.
Some women, after having had perfectly regular periods for many years, may experience prolonged absence of menstruation. In this case, the first step is to exclude the possibility of pregnancy by performing a home pregnancy test. The medical term for not having a period for more than 6 months is amenorrhea. There can be many reasons for the unexpected cessation of periods, including rapid weight gain and loss, excessive exercise, and stress. If you are experiencing hot flashes and a decrease in interest in sex, these may be the first signs of menopause (perimenopause). Whatever the symptoms, it's a good idea to check with your doctor if your periods change or stop. nine0005
2. Changes in the mammary glands
The main hormonal changes occur differently for everyone, depending on the individual characteristics of the organism. The timing of when such restructurings begin to occur is also individual for each.
Breast volume
Breast swelling is the first and earliest sign of pregnancy. Usually, the breasts begin to increase in volume in the first 10 weeks, as well as in the period before childbirth. Sometimes the breast in the process of carrying a baby does not increase much. It all depends on the initial size and characteristics of the woman's body. But it also happens that the breast begins to gradually increase only by the sixth or seventh month, at the moment when the body begins to prepare for the upcoming birth. The growth of the milky tract occurs due to estrogens, while the glandular tissue begins its active growth thanks to progesterone. nine0005
Glandular tenderness and pain
Discomfort and pain can accompany a woman throughout her pregnancy. But it is chest pain that women begin to feel at the very beginning of pregnancy. The glands can hurt or itch even when the nipples come into contact with underwear. At the same time, expectant mothers note swelling, weighting, tingling of the chest.
Discoloration of the nipples
Nipples and areolas in women at an early stage darken, increase in diameter. Such changes are an important step in preparing for the birth of a baby and breastfeeding. It is believed that it is thanks to the dark color of the areolas that it is easier for a newborn to find his source of nutrition. In addition to changes in color and diameter, small pimples may also appear on the areolas. nine0005
Discharge from the nipples
Colostrum is the first food of a newborn. Thanks to him, the baby in the first minutes of its existence receives useful substances that help strengthen the immune system and protect it from the negative effects of the environment. Colostrum is a thick, sticky yellow mass that is released before milk appears. In early pregnancy, a drop of colostrum can also be released from the breast, which indicates the preparation of the breast for birth and future feeding of the baby. To ensure breast hygiene at this stage, it is recommended to purchase special liners that are applied to the nipples in a bra. This will keep the underwear clean and prevent colostrum from getting onto the bra. nine0005
Stretch marks and venous mesh on the chest
All these changes occur due to the increase in the volume of the mammary glands, as well as increased blood circulation in the woman's body. With sufficient levels of collagen, stretch marks can be avoided. With the right care, stretch marks can be less noticeable.
3. Fatigue
You may feel unusually tired during the first few weeks of pregnancy. This may be due to an increase in the level of progesterone in the body, since it maintains the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity in the state necessary for the development of pregnancy. For the same reason, some patients experience fainting. By the beginning of the second trimester, ailments usually disappear without a trace. However, it is important to be examined and make sure that there are no other health problems. nine0157 Also in the early stages of pregnancy, women experience a decrease in blood pressure. Due to the expansion of blood vessels, small capillaries are included in the blood circulation process. This is necessary for the proper nutrition of the pelvic organs and the proper development of the fetal egg.
If you have low blood pressure (hypotension), you may experience headache, tinnitus, flies before your eyes. What to do in this case, the doctor will tell. Most often, it is enough to adjust the diet and spend more time in the fresh air. Low blood pressure is considered less dangerous during pregnancy than hypertension. nine0005
4. Toxicosis / morning sickness
Between the 2nd and 8th weeks of pregnancy, you may experience nausea and vomiting. As a rule, improvement occurs by the 16th week. Despite the name “morning sickness,” bouts of nausea can recur at any time of the day and it is possible that you will experience it all the time.
5. Hyperemesis gestation (excessive vomiting)
1 in 100 women suffer from hyperemesis gestation. Usually, hyperemesis goes beyond the first trimester (12-13 weeks) and causes such frequent bouts of uncontrollable vomiting that no food or liquid is retained in the body. As a rule, it is treated, and only in very severe cases can lead to pregnancy complications. In case of severe vomiting, consult a doctor for advice. nine0005
Anti-nausea drugs are prescribed by a doctor only for women who are dehydrated - symptoms include increased dryness of the mouth and concentration of urine (dark yellow).
6. More frequent urination
From the first days of pregnancy, a woman's body produces hCG, a hormone also known as human chorionic gonadotropin, which increases the need to empty the bladder. As the pregnancy progresses, the body naturally begins to retain more fluid. This happens under the action of the hormone progesterone. nine0005
You may also need to urinate more frequently 6-8 weeks after conception. This is due to the fact that the uterus increases in size and puts pressure on the bladder. At the end of the first trimester, your uterus rises into your abdomen, which will take some of the pressure off your bladder.
If frequent urination becomes too much of a problem early in pregnancy, follow our advice:
- Avoid coffee or tea as they are considered diuretic drinks.
- Lean forward when you urinate. This simple action will help you better empty your bladder to the last drop. Sometimes the slopes should be repeated 2 times.
- Do not reduce the amount of liquid you drink per day (water, compote, juices, dairy products), thinking that this is a way out of this situation. Your body and baby need constant hydration. Dehydration can lead to the development of a urinary tract infection. nine0209
- Try to drink more during the day, and in the evening and before going to bed, reduce fluid intake to a minimum.
- Do not abuse salty, spicy, fatty foods, alcohol, do not eat smoked meats and other foods that cause increased thirst.
- Constipation can also trigger urination by putting pressure on the bladder, so increase your fiber intake to keep stool regular.
- Daily perform a special set of Kegel exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor. Such gymnastics is also recommended for stress urinary incontinence in pregnant women. Many exercises can be done while watching TV, driving a car, or sitting at a computer. nine0209
- Treat toilet visits as a normal process, not as a pathology. Don't dwell on the problem.
7. Mood swings
Hormonal changes can cause mood swings in early pregnancy. You may even cry for absolutely no reason.
There are several versions of this condition:
- this is due to an increased surge of progesterone, which causes excitability. Similar to the state during the menstrual cycle. This also adds increased sensitivity of the mammary glands, early toxicosis, which cause not the most pleasant sensations; nine0209
- experts also explain the change in mood by the fact that this is a kind of defensive reaction and the ability to prepare for changes and accept them. A woman needs a lot of time to understand that now she is not alone, that a new life and a new person are developing inside;
- another version, at this moment the primitive instincts of procreation have influence, the expectant mother is trying in this way to protect the child from the negative effects of the environment;
- The main and most common version of nervousness at the initial stage is a sharp change in hormonal balance. But experts disagree and there is no consensus on this matter. nine0209
8. Changes in food preferences (“wishlists”) and sensitivity to smells
You may stop liking some things, such as tea, coffee and fatty foods, while you are drawn to foods that you usually do not eat. The smell of foods such as coffee, meat, or alcohol can also make you feel nauseous.
9. Cramps
During the first trimester and sometimes later in pregnancy, you may experience pain in your legs or feet. This is due to the fact that the body changes the way calcium is absorbed. nine0005
10. Heartburn
This symptom is due to hormonal changes and can occur at the very beginning of pregnancy, not disappearing until the very birth. The feeling of discomfort is provoked by the reflux of the acidic contents of the stomach and usually does not indicate a serious pathology. The use of chocolate, strong tea and coffee, as well as citrus fruits, increases the frequency of heartburn attacks.
11. Heaviness and pulling pains in the lower abdomen
Pregnancy symptoms such as heaviness and pulling pains in the lower abdomen in the early stages are observed in almost every pregnant woman and are associated with increased blood circulation in the pelvic area during the attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall.