Early pregnancy guide: common symptoms, testing & support.
Are you experiencing unusual changes in your body and wondering if it could mean pregnancy? If you think you may be pregnant, it is important to equip yourself with accurate information and understand what common early signs of pregnancy look like.
What Are the First Signs of Pregnancy?
Below are some of the most common pregnancy symptoms women notice in the first few weeks. While symptoms vary, these are widely recognized indicators of early pregnancy.
7 Common Pregnancy Symptoms
1. Missed Period
A missed period is often the earliest and most noticeable sign of pregnancy. Stress, hormonal changes, and certain health conditions can also delay your cycle, but if your period is late and you’ve been sexually active, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test (American Pregnancy Association).
2. Morning Sickness or Nausea
Nausea—sometimes with vomiting—typically starts around the sixth week of pregnancy. Despite the name, “morning sickness” can happen at any time of day (Mayo Clinic).
3. Extreme Fatigue
During early pregnancy, your body produces higher levels of progesterone, which can make you unusually tired. Feeling exhausted from normal daily activities is a common experience for many women (Hopkins Medicine).
4. Tender or Swollen Breasts
Hormonal changes can make your breasts feel sore, tingly, or heavier. You may also notice that your nipples look darker or more pronounced (StandupGirl).
5. Bloating
Many women feel bloated in early pregnancy, similar to premenstrual symptoms. This is caused by hormonal changes that slow digestion (American Pregnancy Association).
6. Frequent Urination
If you suddenly find yourself needing to use the bathroom more often, it may be due to pregnancy. Hormones increase blood flow to your kidneys, and as your uterus grows, it puts more pressure on your bladder (Mayo Clinic).
7. Constipation
Rising progesterone levels can also slow down your digestive system, sometimes leading to constipation. Drinking more water and eating fiber-rich foods may help.
Do All Women Experience Symptoms the Same Way?
Not every woman experiences the same symptoms—or the same level of intensity. Some may have only one or two, while others notice many. It’s also possible to be pregnant without any of the common signs (Cleveland Clinic).
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
Most store-bought pregnancy tests are very reliable, but timing is key. Taking a test too early or incorrectly can affect accuracy (Cleveland Clinic).
At CPC we offer no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing. Our medical-grade, urine-based tests are similar to what you would receive in a doctor’s office. They are administered by a licensed medical staff who can answer your questions and help you determine if it’s the right time to test.
Contact us today to schedule for your no-cost appointment. Visit our pregnancy services page to learn how CPC can help you in this time of uncertainty.