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Quick answer
The most common early sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Others include feeling sick, sore or tender breasts, tiredness, needing to pee more often and a strange taste in your mouth (NHS). Many of these overlap with PMS, so a pregnancy test is the only way to know. Most tests work from the first day of a missed period.
- Early signs often overlap with PMS – a test is the only way to know.
- Most tests work from the first day of a missed period.
- Unsure of dates? Test 21 days after unprotected sex.
- Positive results are reliable; repeat a negative if your period still doesn’t come.
The waiting is the hardest part. Lots of early pregnancy signs look exactly like PMS, so it’s easy to read into everything. Here’s what to know.
What are the first signs of pregnancy?
These usually start around 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy – roughly when a period is due or a little after.
- A missed period
- Light spotting around when your period was due (implantation bleeding)
- Feeling or being sick – at any time of day
- Feeling extremely tired
- Sore, larger breasts
- Peeing more often (without pain)
- Constipation, more discharge, a metallic taste
- Sensitivity to smells, new cravings or food aversions
- Mood changes
MythIf you feel nothing, you can’t be pregnant.
Not everyone has symptoms early on. A test is the only way to know.
When should I take a pregnancy test?
Tests detect hCG, which starts being made about 6 days after fertilisation. Most tests work from the first day of a missed period. If you don’t know when your period is due, test at least 21 days after unprotected sex.
- A positive is almost certainly correct
- A negative is less reliable, especially if you tested early
- Still no period? Wait a few days and test again
- Two negatives and still no period? Speak to your GP
- Being on the pill won’t stop a test working
Sources
Written by the Splash teamSources checked
This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.