Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Missed period

One of the most obvious early pregnancy symptoms is a missed or late period. If you have a regular cycle, being late could be a sign that you are pregnant, but there can be other reasons for having a late period, such as stress or being unwell. Additionally, some very light bleeding or ‘spotting’ can happen in the early weeks of pregnancy, known as implantation bleeding, which can be confusing very early in pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting

Feeling nauseous or vomiting is a common symptom in early pregnancy and can happen at any time of day. This symptom often begins around 4-6 weeks of pregnancy and is caused by hormonal changes in the body. For most women, this does settle at around weeks 12 to 13 of pregnancy. Sickness can occur in a more severe way causing extreme nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss. It is advised to seek medical advice from your GP or midwife if vomiting occurs more than 2-3 times a day or you are unable to function normally.

Breast tenderness and soreness

A feeling of tenderness in the breasts is sometimes the first change noticed, sometimes as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy. Pregnant women report feelings of tenderness, swelling, or bruising in their breasts. Visible changes can also occur, with a darkening of the areolas and more noticeable veins. Tenderness in the breasts will often settle down as your body adapts to the hormonal changes happening throughout your body.

Fatigue

Tiredness during early pregnancy is a common experience. Your body is working hard to support your baby’s development with lots of hormonal changes, as well as growing the placenta. It is encouraged to rest when you can, eat well and drink plenty of water to keep up your energy levels.

Urinating more often

Frequent trips to the toilet are one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms, sometimes as early as 4 weeks, due to increases in the pregnancy hormone known as hCG. This often eases off by weeks 12 to 13, but makes a comeback in the third trimester when your baby can press on your bladder.

Cravings

Food cravings and food aversions can occur during early pregnancy. Hormonal changes that change taste and smell can result in craving specific foods or a sudden distaste for others. Although less common, women can develop cravings for non-food items, a condition known as pica. Pica may be linked to underlying nutritional deficiencies, such as iron or zinc. If you experience unusual cravings for items like dirt, clay, or chalk, it is important to speak to your GP or midwife.

Mood swings

Sudden changes in mood, such as feeling emotional or irritable is a common response to the many changes happening around the body. Whilst some tearfulness or feeling down are normal, if these feelings persist or become overwhelming, it’s important to speak with your GP or midwife. Mental health is just as important as physical health during pregnancy, and you may need some extra support.

Heightened sense of smell

Changes to your sense of smell is common in early pregnancy and can make certain scents overwhelming or even make you feel sick or nauseous. Foods and smells that you usually like can become off-putting, and some women report a metallic taste in their mouth. These changes are both linked to hormonal changes. Changed smells can be an unpleasant addition, but luckily these usually improve as the pregnancy progresses and are usually gone once the baby is born.

Each pregnancy is unique, and you may experience very few, or even no symptoms during your early pregnancy. However, it’s important to remember that if anything feels unusual or worrying, don't hesitate to speak to your GP or local midwife service.

It’s important to seek immediate medical advice from your midwife or maternity unit if you experience:

Do not wait for your next appointment if any of these symptoms arise.