If you’re asking, “What are the earliest signs of pregnancy and when do they start?” you are not alone. Early pregnancy symptoms can be subtle, arrive in waves, or feel different from one week to the next. This week-by-week guide walks you through what many people notice from week 1 through week 12, with practical tips for testing, self-care, and when to contact a healthcare provider.
Quick note: Everyone’s body is unique. Some people feel many symptoms; others feel few or none. The only way to confirm pregnancy is with an ultrasound and follow-up with a provider.
Table of Contents
- Week 1–2: Before a positive test (ovulation & implantation)
- Week 3: Very early signs (maybe!)
- Week 4: Missed period window
- Week 5: First trimester hormones kick up
- Week 6: Nausea and tender breasts
- Week 7: Fatigue peaks for many
- Week 8: Bloating & heightened sense of smell
- Week 9: Food aversions and mood shifts
- Week 10: More frequent urination
- Week 11: Digestive changes & skin shifts
- Week 12: Turning the corner for some
- When to take a test
- When to call a provider
- FAQs
Week 1–2: Before a positive test (ovulation & implantation)
What’s happening: In medical terms, the “first week of pregnancy” is counted from the start of your last menstrual period (LMP). Conception typically occurs around ovulation, followed by implantation ~6–10 days later.
Possible symptoms:
- Light cramping around ovulation
- Clear, stretchy cervical mucus (fertile window)
Tips: If you’re trying to conceive, track ovulation signs or use ovulation tests. Implantation signs are often subtle or not noticeable.
Week 3: Very early signs (maybe!)
What’s happening: Once implantation occurs, your body will double your hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels every 2-3 days. However, hCG levels are still low.
Possible symptoms:
- Mild spotting (sometimes called implantation bleeding)
- Very light cramping
- Feeling “off,” or warmer than usual
Testing: A highly sensitive home test may show a faint positive late in Week 3, but many results are still negative at this stage.
Week 4: Missed period window
What’s happening: hCG and progesterone are rising.
Possible symptoms:
- Missed period (most common first clue)
- Breast tenderness or fullness
- Mild nausea, bloating, or gassiness
- Increased fatigue
Testing: Home pregnancy tests detect most pregnancies by the first day of a missed period. Test with your first morning urine for best accuracy.
Week 5: First trimester hormones kick up
What’s happening: The embryo and placenta are developing quickly; hCG is rising rapidly.
Possible symptoms:
- Heightened sense of smell
- Nausea or food aversions starting
- Mood swings or weepiness
- Mild uterine cramping without heavy bleeding
Care tip: Start (or continue) a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, unless otherwise directed by your provider.
Week 6: Nausea and tender breasts
What’s happening: Rising hCG levels can make morning sickness more noticeable.
Possible symptoms:
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Strong food aversions or metallic taste
- Sore, tingly, or fuller breasts; darker areolas
- Increased urination
Care tip: Small, frequent meals; gentle, bland snacks (crackers, bananas); stay hydrated.
Week 7: Fatigue peaks for many
What’s happening: Your body is working hard—blood volume and hormones are rising.
Possible symptoms:
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea continues or intensifies
- Bloating and constipation
- Vivid dreams or sleep changes
Care tip: Prioritize rest and balanced snacks with protein + complex carbs. Add fiber and fluids to support digestion.
Week 8: Bloating & heightened sense of smell
What’s happening: hCG typically peaks between Weeks 8–11.
Possible symptoms:
- Bloating and gassiness
- Nausea or queasiness triggered by smells
- Tender gums or occasional mild nosebleeds (due to increased blood flow)
- Mood shifts
Care tip: Keep gum or mints handy if smells are triggering. Try ginger candies or vitamin B6 if recommended by your provider.
Week 9: Food aversions and mood shifts
What’s happening: Hormonal fluctuations continue
Possible symptoms:
- Strong food aversions, selective eating
- Mild headaches
- Acne flareups or changes in skin
- Emotional ups and downs
Care tip: If prenatal vitamins worsen nausea, ask about alternate formulations or taking them with the largest meal of the day.
Week 10: More frequent urination
What’s happening: The uterus is still in the pelvis but growing; your kidneys are filtering more blood.
Possible symptoms:
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Round ligament twinges when standing quickly
- Continued nausea (for some)
- Subtle belly changes (bloating more than bump)
Care tip: Stay hydrated; limit evening fluids if nighttime bathroom runs disrupt sleep.
Week 11: Digestive changes & skin shifts
What’s happening: Many people begin to notice digestion and skin changes as hormones level out.
Possible symptoms:
- Constipation or heartburn
- Dry, itchy skin or a “glow”
- Lightheadedness if standing quickly
- Reduced nausea for some
Care tip: Gentle movement, fiber-rich foods, and hydration can ease constipation. Talk to your provider before starting any medication or supplement.
Week 12: Turning the corner for some
What’s happening: As the first trimester wraps up, many people feel a bit more energy and less nausea—though timelines vary.
Possible symptoms:
- Nausea easing up
- Appetite slowly returns
- Bloating may persist
Care tip: If nausea is still severe or you’re unable to keep fluids down, reach out to a provider to discuss options.
When to take a pregnancy test
- For most accuracy, test the day your period is due or later.
- If negative and your period hasn’t started, retest in 2–3 days.
- Use first-morning urine and follow the instructions closely.
When to call a provider
Seek care promptly if you experience:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or severe one-sided abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration (can’t keep fluids down for 24 hours, dizziness)
- Fever, painful urination, or unusual discharge
Ava Health offers pregnancy confirmation appointments, medically accurate education, and supportive consultations. Ava Health does not perform or refer for abortions.
Practical tips for the early weeks
- Nutrition: Aim for small, frequent meals with protein, produce, and whole grains.
- Hydration: Keep a water bottle nearby; add lemon or ice if that helps.
- Rest: Schedule short naps or earlier bedtimes as needed.
- Movement: Gentle walks or stretching can help with energy and digestion.
- Track symptoms: A simple note on your phone can help you notice patterns.
Quick reference: Early pregnancy symptoms list
- Missed period
- Nausea or vomiting (morning sickness)
- Tender or swollen breasts; darkening areolas
- Fatigue and sleep changes
- Bloating, gas, constipation, or heartburn
- Heightened sense of smell; food aversions
- Frequent urination
- Light cramping or twinges
- Mood swings, weepiness, or anxiety
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FAQ:
What are the earliest signs of pregnancy before a missed period?
Some women notice light cramping, breast tenderness, or spotting around implantation, but many feel no symptoms until after a missed period. The most reliable sign is a positive pregnancy test.
Can PMS feel like early pregnancy?
Yes. PMS and early pregnancy share symptoms like bloating, mood changes, and breast tenderness. If you’re unsure, test when your period is due, then retest in a few days if negative.
When does morning sickness start—and end?
Nausea can start as early as Week 5–6, often peaks around Weeks 8–11, and eases for many by Week 12–14. Timelines vary widely.
Is implantation bleeding normal?
Light spotting around the time your period is due can happen. Heavy bleeding, clots, or severe pain isn’t typical—contact a provider.
I’m 6 weeks pregnant with no symptoms. Is that normal?
Yes. Lack of symptoms can be normal. Every pregnancy is different. If you’re concerned, check in with a provider.
Can I have early pregnancy symptoms and still get a negative test?
Yes. If you test too early, hCG may be too low to detect. Retest in 48–72 hours or schedule a pregnancy confirmation appointment.
Not sure what your symptoms mean? Book a pregnancy confirmation appointment with Ava Health for a professional-grade pregnancy test, education, and supportive, judgement-free care. Ava Health does not perform or refer for abortions.
Sources
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. ACOG, 2021, https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy.
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American Pregnancy Association. Early Signs of Pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association, 2023, https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/early-pregnancy-symptoms/.
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Cleveland Clinic. Early Signs of Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic, 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant.
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Mayo Clinic Staff. Pregnancy Symptoms: 10 Early Signs That You Might Be Pregnant. Mayo Clinic, 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/pregnancy-symptoms/art-20043853.
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National Institutes of Health. “Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Levels and Pregnancy.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2023, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003510.htm.
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Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Pregnancy Symptoms. womenshealth.gov, 2022, https://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what.