December 8, 2021

Don’t Miss These Early Signs of Pregnancy

Plus, the best next steps to take after a positive pregnancy test

woman sick in morning

Suspect you’re pregnant? There are no shortage of signs and symptoms that supposedly signify this to be true, whether it’s a more prominent pulse in your neck or a bizarre food craving.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

However, before you start Googling symptoms or going on an anxiety-filled pregnancy watch, read on — Ob/Gyn Stacie Jhaveri, MD, offers insight into signs you’re pregnant and next steps to take if that pregnancy test is indeed positive.

5 common early signs you’re pregnant

Dr. Jhaveri says there are five common early signs that you’re pregnant:

  • Missing your period or not having a period.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Breast tenderness or breasts that swell in size.
  • Urinating more frequently.
  • Being severely exhausted or fatigued.

How early can pregnancy symptoms show?

Generally, pregnancy symptoms start after successful implantation of a fertilized egg into your uterus, which occurs roughly eight to 10 days after ovulation. “Once a fertilized egg is implanted, then you’re going to have persistent pregnancy hormones,” says Dr. Jhaveri. “That’s when symptoms usually start.”

Where it gets tricky is that some early pregnancy signs can resemble a period. For example, after implantation, you can get what’s known as implantation bleeding, which looks like spotting or a light period.

Other early pregnancy signs, including breast tenderness or swollen breasts, can resemble the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). That’s due to hormonal changes. “The hormones that get released after ovulation, when your body thinks you might be pregnant, are very similar to the ones that continue after you are pregnant,” says Dr. Jhaveri.

5 other signs you’re pregnant

In addition, there are several other signs and symptoms that you might be pregnant.

Food aversion or food cravings

Food aversions — where you can’t stand to taste, smell or even look at certain foods — are common, as are food cravings. Both of these things manifest with no rhyme or reason, says Dr. Jhaveri. “There’s no association with what your body actually needs in pregnancy, which is what’s so unusual,” she explains. “Some people crave fatty foods. Some people crave salty foods. Some people can’t eat meat. Some can’t smell meat. They’re just random.”

A metallic taste in your mouth

Having a metallic taste in your mouth is quite common, due to illness, medications or even food allergies. However, pregnancy can also cause this condition.

Changes in vaginal discharge

Your cervical mucus (which you expel as part of vaginal discharge) can get thinner or thicker depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. These changes in consistency can help you gauge fertility and pregnancy status. “It’s a thin and watery discharge before you ovulate,” says Dr. Jhaveri. “Then it becomes thicker after you ovulate — and then it gets even thicker if you’re pregnant. It just stays that way.”

Advertisement

Dr. Jhaveri stresses that this is completely normal and not something to worry about. “People say to me, ‘Why am I having this discharge? I must have an infection. I’m worried about the baby.’ But, no — it’s normal to have increased discharge.”

Elevated basal temperature

Your progesterone levels rise (and, as a result, so does your basal body temperature) after ovulation and when you’re pregnant. “If you ovulate, your temperature will go up,” Dr. Jhaveri says. “But if you’re pregnant, it will stay up. You may say, ‘I just feel warm all the time.’ We tend to get more people in the summer who think they’re pregnant.”

Gag reflex

Although many pregnant people report having an increased gag reflex, Dr. Jhaveri sees this as related to changes to your gastrointestinal system. “I think a gag reflex is more of a sign of underlying nausea and gastrointestinal slowing,” she says. “Everyone has more constipation because of hormones, and they have more reflux.”

When to worry about pain and bleeding

When you’re pregnant, bleeding and pain are two symptoms to keep an eye on.

“Spotting is normal,” says Dr. Jhaveri. “We know that 25% to 40% of people will have spotting in early pregnancy, like in the first four to six weeks.” However, bleeding is entirely different. Bleeding could be a sign of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, an extremely dangerous condition where the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus.

Pain can also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. “It’s normal to have cramping as soon as you implant, and it’s normal to have cramping from being pre-menstrual as well,” says Dr. Jhaveri. “And cramping for the first four or five weeks of pregnancy is completely normal.”

“If you’re like, ‘Well, I woke up, and I felt this twinge,’ that’s not what we mean. Severe pain is what we’re looking for. Something that would interfere with your daily functioning and last longer than 30 seconds. If you have any questions about pain, call your doctor so you can discuss whether you need an evaluation.”

Take a pregnancy test to confirm

If you’ve missed a period and are feeling any of the early pregnancy symptoms mentioned, it might be time to get tested. Home pregnancy tests can confirm a pregnancy within days of implantation, although Dr. Jhaveri recommends waiting until you miss a period before taking one.

Next steps after a positive pregnancy test

Take a deep breath! “Whether the pregnancy is desired and planned, or if it’s completely unexpected, it’s really common to get that positive test and feel a huge wave of anxiety,” says Dr. Jhaveri. “The whole process is new. There’s the thought you’re creating a new life and are responsible for it — all of that’s incredibly daunting.”

Advertisement

After the test, call your doctor and schedule a visit. However, don’t think you’ll need to get an appointment that very day — or even the next day. Usually, the first visit is between seven to nine weeks from your last menstrual period. “You don’t have to be seen right away,” says Dr. Jhaveri. “It’s okay to process those emotions, take a deep breath and know that you’ve done the right thing by calling.”

While you are waiting for your first prenatal visit, there are things you can do to start preparing for your pregnancy.

Be sure you’re taking your vitamins

Ideally, you’ve already been taking a daily multivitamin, even before conception. However, make sure your vitamin of choice has folic acid. If it doesn’t, start taking a folic acid supplement. A prenatal vitamin or multivitamin with folate can help prevent birth defects of the brain, spine or spinal cord.

Change your lifestyle habits

Assess what lifestyle habits you need to change to be healthier for your growing baby. “If you’re a smoker, you want to work on smoking cessation,” says Dr. Jhaveri. “Stop any alcohol intake, and limit your caffeine. We recommend less than 200 mg a day.”

Eat a healthy diet

Sure, when you’re pregnant, you won’t have a perfect diet, and you’ll probably splurge on ice cream or other treats. However, choosing what to eat during pregnancy is all about being sensible.

“It’s not the time to say, ‘Yeah, I’m eating for two. Yeah, I can eat whatever I want’,” Dr. Jhaveri says. “But you can say, ‘You know what? I know I’ve never eaten that great. But now I’m eating for my baby, and I need to do it right.’ Recognize what you need to eat and how you need to eat — and then avoid certain foods.”

When you are able to see your doctor, come prepared to ask questions and share important information. For example, be sure to discuss what medications you’re taking. “You want to identify if you’re taking anything that can be adjusted,” says Dr. Jhaveri. In addition, you may need to discuss any chronic health conditions you have, such as diabetes, and make sure treatment for these is going well.

Related Articles

Female swimmer in the water at edge of a pool
December 1, 2023
Can Exercise Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

Physical activity and weight management can minimize your chances of getting the disease

Two people standing in the cold.
November 29, 2023
10 Colds Not To Catch This Winter

The flu, RSV, COVID-19, pneumonia and more typically circulate during cold weather months

Parent breastfeeding baby on bed, against the headboard.
November 27, 2023
Looking for Foods To Increase Your Milk Supply? Think Big Picture

No single food will increase your milk, but an overall healthy diet will help

Parent uses manual baby aspirator to open up nasal passages of baby.
November 22, 2023
Prevent Phlegm in Your Baby’s Throat With a Nasal Aspirator

Keeping your baby’s airways clear of mucus helps with breathing and feeding

Two different vaccines and needles displayed in foreground.
November 22, 2023
Which Vaccines Can You Get at the Same Time?

Getting routine vaccinations together can save you time and may be more effective

Muffins and sweetbreads with frosting on trays at bakery.
November 22, 2023
13 Foods That You Didn’t Know Contain Dairy

Be sure to check the labels of common foods like canned tuna, bread, hot dogs and chocolate

Toddler drinking from a cup while at the table during dinner.
November 21, 2023
Toddler Drinks — What Does the Research Say About These Products?

They aren’t unhealthy, but they’re probably a waste of money

person drinking coffee at computer at night
November 15, 2023
Is It Bad To Drink Coffee Late at Night?

Depending on your sensitivity to caffeine, a late-night cup may be just fine

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad