12 Symptoms of Pregnancy - How Early Do the Symptoms Start?

• Written by Anjali Sharma

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Pregnancy brings a variety of physical and emotional changes. Some women experience noticeable symptoms within a few days, while others may not notice them until a missed period. Understanding these early pregnancy symptoms can help you determine if you might be expecting. In this blog, we will discuss 12 common symptoms of pregnancy, including when they start, and when you should take a pregnancy test.

When do Pregnancy Symptoms start?

Pregnancy symptoms can appear as early as one to two weeks after conception, though this varies from woman to woman. Some symptoms, like implantation bleeding, occur around 6-12 days after ovulation, while others, like nausea and fatigue, may develop around week 4 or later. Hormonal changes play a significant role in when and how symptoms manifest.

What are the Symptoms of Pregnancy?

Pregnancy symptoms can vary greatly in both intensity and frequency from one woman to another. Some may experience only mild signs, while others may have more persistent symptoms. The most common pregnancy symptoms are mentioned below:

• Missed period: This is often the first and most obvious sign of pregnancy. If your period is late and you've had unprotected intercourse, it could be an indication that you're pregnant. However, some women may still experience light bleeding or spotting during pregnancy, so a missed period is not always a definitive sign.
• Nausea and morning sickness: This symptom usually begins around the sixth week of pregnancy and can last until the end of the first trimester, though some women may experience it longer.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or exhausted is another common pregnancy symptom. This is primarily due to an increase in the hormone progesterone, which can make you feel more sluggish.
• Frequent urination: As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice that you're urinating more frequently. This happens because the kidneys work harder due to increased blood flow, and as the uterus expands, it may put pressure on the bladder.
• Breast tenderness and swelling: Hormonal fluctuations are responsible for the swelling and sensitivity in the breasts. Many women experience their breasts feeling tender, swollen, or even sore. This symptom is most noticeable in the first trimester and can sometimes be similar to the discomfort some women feel right before their period.
• Mood swings: Pregnancy can trigger a range of emotions, from joy to frustration to tears. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that affect mood regulation. Some women may also experience heightened sensitivity or irritability.
• Food cravings and aversions: During pregnancy, it is not unusual to experience strong cravings for specific food items or a sudden aversion to foods you once enjoyed. These cravings can be triggered by hormonal changes or changes in your body's nutritional needs.
• Bloating: Hormonal changes, especially the increase in progesterone, can slow down your digestive system. This can lead to feelings of fullness, bloating, or gas. The feeling of being bloated can be uncomfortable but is quite common in the early stages of pregnancy.
• Constipation: Progesterone also relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, which can slow down bowel movements. This results in constipation, making it more difficult to pass stools. Staying hydrated, eating fibre-rich foods, and regular exercise can help alleviate this symptom.
• Dizziness or fainting: Hormonal changes can cause blood pressure to drop, which may lead to feelings of dizziness or fainting. Low blood sugar levels can also contribute to lightheadedness.
• Metallic taste in the mouth: Some women report a strange, metallic taste in their mouths during the early stages of pregnancy. This symptom is thought to be related to changes in hormones, particularly an increase in estrogen, and may be more noticeable with certain foods or drinks. 
• Increased basal body temperature: An increased basal body temperature can also be an indicator. After ovulation, a woman's basal body temperature (the temperature at rest) typically rises. If you have been tracking your temperature for fertility purposes, a sustained increase in temperature after ovulation, especially one that lasts beyond the usual length of your luteal phase, could indicate pregnancy

What are the Symptoms of Early Pregnancy?

Some early pregnancy symptoms can appear before a missed period, generally within one to two weeks after conception. Some of the symptoms of early pregnancy are:

• Implantation bleeding: Light spotting that occurs when the fertilised egg attaches to the uterus.
• Mild cramps: These can be easily confused with menstrual cramps as the uterus starts to adjust and expand in preparation for pregnancy.
• Breast changes: Many women experience increased breast sensitivity and noticeable changes, including darker areolas, due to hormonal shifts.
• Nausea and morning sickness: This often begins as early as weeks 3-4 of pregnancy, causing feelings of nausea, particularly in the morning or after eating.
• Heightened sense of smell: Pregnant women may notice an increased sensitivity to odours, which can lead to strong aversions or nausea. 
• Fatigue and dizziness: A sudden drop in energy levels can leave women feeling unusually tired or lightheaded, a common symptom in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

What are the Pregnancy Symptoms Before Missed Period?

Before a missed period, some symptoms may provide an early indication of pregnancy as the body begins to undergo changes to accommodate the developing fetus:

• Changes in cervical mucus: Increased vaginal discharge, often thicker and more noticeable, is due to hormonal changes that help support the pregnancy.
• Metallic taste in the mouth: Many women experience a strange metallic or bitter taste, which is often linked to hormonal changes in early pregnancy that affect taste receptors.
• Slight nausea: Commonly occurring in the early weeks, nausea can be particularly noticeable in women who are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations and is often an early sign of pregnancy.
• Basal body temperature rise: If a woman’s body temperature stays higher than usual for more than 18 days, it could be a sign of pregnancy. This happens because the temperature rises after ovulation and stays elevated if pregnancy occurs.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test?

For the most accurate results, take a home pregnancy test after a missed period. Some early detection tests claim to detect pregnancy 6 days before a missed period, but waiting until the first day of your missed period ensures a more reliable result. If the test is negative but symptoms persist, repeat the test after a few days.

To Sum up

Pregnancy symptoms can vary widely and appear at different times. Some women notice changes within days of conception, while others may not experience symptoms until a missed period. If you suspect pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test at the right time and consulting a healthcare professional can provide clarity and guidance.

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Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.