Early signs and first tests

The first signs of pregnancy differ from woman to woman. Some notice changes very early, while others feel nothing for weeks. Both are normal.

• A missed period. This is the clearest sign, especially if your cycle is regular.
• Tender, swollen breasts.
• Nausea, sometimes vomiting, at any time of day.
• Strong tiredness.
• Passing urine more often.
• Sensitivity to tastes and smells, and mood changes.
• Light spotting can happen, but tell a doctor about any bleeding.

Stress or the days before a period can cause the same signs, so do not rely on them alone.

A pharmacy test finds pregnancy hormone in urine. It gives a reliable result from the first day of a missed period, and is more accurate with morning urine. Read the instructions carefully. If the test is negative but your period still has not come, repeat it a few days later. A test taken too early can give a false negative.

Once a test is positive, book a visit with a doctor. They will work out how far along you are from the date of your last period, ask about your health and order blood and urine tests. An ultrasound helps confirm that the pregnancy is in the womb and how far along it is. Your blood group and Rh factor are checked too.

At this stage, tell the doctor about every medicine you take. Do not start new medicines, herbal teas or vitamins without checking with them first.