If you suspect you might be pregnant, recognizing the early symptoms can help you determine your next steps. While a missed period is the most well-known sign, there are many pregnancy symptoms that can appear before your period is due.
Summary
Wondering if you might be pregnant? Here’s what you need to know:
- Common early signs of pregnancy include missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, tiredness, and frequent urination.
- Many symptoms can occur before a missed period, and may also be caused by stress, illness, or hormonal shifts.
- If you’re unsure, the best next step is to take a lab-quality pregnancy test and talk with someone you trust.
On this page
Early Pregnancy Symptoms Before a Missed Period
Many women experience early pregnancy symptoms as soon as one to two weeks after conception. Here are some of the most common early signs to watch for:
- Tender or Swollen Breasts
Hormonal changes can make your breasts feel fuller, sore, or more sensitive even before your period is due. - Fatigue & Increased Tiredness
Feeling unusually tired? Increased progesterone levels in early pregnancy can cause fatigue even if you’re getting enough rest. - Nausea or Morning Sickness
Many women experience nausea early in pregnancy, even before missing a period. It’s often called morning sickness, but it can happen at any time of the day. - Frequent Urination
You may notice yourself needing to use the bathroom more often due to hormonal changes affecting your kidneys. - Food Cravings or Aversions
Suddenly disliking foods you normally love or craving unusual foods? Changes in taste and appetite can be early pregnancy signs. - Light Spotting (Implantation Bleeding)
Some women experience light spotting around the time of implantation, which happens 6–12 days after conception. This can be confused with an early period. - Mood Swings & Emotional Changes
Feeling extra emotional, irritable, or teary? Hormonal shifts in early pregnancy can cause mood swings similar to PMS. - Bloating or Mild Cramps
Many women feel bloating or mild cramping in early pregnancy due to increased progesterone levels. - A Heightened Sense of Smell
Some women notice that they suddenly become sensitive to smells that never bothered them before. - A Missed Period
While a missed period is a strong sign of pregnancy, some women may experience light spotting or irregular cycles, making it harder to notice.
Am I Pregnant? Take This Quick Quiz
If you’re wondering, “Am I pregnant?”, take this short quiz to check your symptoms:
- Have you missed your period or had unusual spotting?
- Are you experiencing nausea or morning sickness?
- Do you feel unusually tired or emotional?
- Are your breasts sore or tender?
- Have you noticed changes in appetite, food cravings, or aversions?
If you answered “yes” to several of these, you may be pregnant. The best way to know for sure is to take a lab-quality pregnancy test.
What to Do Next if You Think You’re Pregnant
If you’re experiencing pregnancy symptoms, here are three important steps to take:
- Take a Pregnancy Test
The most reliable way to confirm pregnancy is through a lab-quality test. At TLC of Hastings, we provide free, confidential pregnancy testing with immediate results. - Get an Ultrasound
An ultrasound helps determine how far along you are and ensures the pregnancy is developing normally. Our team offers free limited obstetric ultrasounds to confirm viability - Talk to a Trusted Advocate
It’s okay to have questions or feel uncertain. Our trained team provides judgment-free support to discuss your options, resources, and next steps.
How TLC Can Help
Use this standardized language, customized slightly for the topic:
- Free, lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasounds
- Compassionate, non-judgmental counseling
- Education about all your options: parenting, adoption, and abortion
- Parenting classes, Baby Boutique, and fatherhood programs
- Support after miscarriage or abortion
Call: 651-437-4200
Text: 651-347-1889
Schedule a Free Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
- How soon can I take a pregnancy test?
A lab-quality pregnancy test can detect pregnancy as early as one day after your missed period. - Can I be pregnant and still get my period?
Some women experience implantation bleeding, which is much lighter than a normal period. If you think you might be pregnant, take a test. - What should I do if my test is positive?
If your test is positive, we recommend confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound and discussing your next steps with a trained professional. - What if I’m not sure what to do?
You’re not alone. We offer free counseling and pregnancy options support to help you navigate your decision. - Are your services confidential?
Yes! Everything you share with us is private and confidential.