Early pregnancy symptoms: what to look out for

A late period, unusual tiredness, more sensitive breasts: in early pregnancy the body often sends quiet signals, sometimes even before a test turns positive. These signs are useful, but they can also be misleading, because many of them look like the ones that come before a period.

This article covers the common early symptoms, how to confirm a pregnancy and, above all, the warning signs that should lead you to see a doctor quickly. If you have any doubt, your gynecologist in Fes is the right person to ask.

The signs that usually come first

After fertilisation, the embryo implants in the uterus and starts producing a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This is the hormone that pregnancy tests detect, and together with progesterone it explains many of the early symptoms.

A missed period

This is the classic sign, and often the first thing that suggests pregnancy when cycles are regular. If your cycles are irregular, it is a less reliable clue: a late period can also be caused by stress, a change in weight or a hormonal imbalance.

Tender, sensitive breasts

The breasts may feel heavier, fuller and sometimes painful to the touch. The areolas can become slightly darker. These changes gradually prepare the body for breastfeeding.

Tiredness

Many women describe marked fatigue from the first weeks, with a need to go to bed earlier or take a nap. It is linked to hormonal changes and often eases during the second trimester.

Nausea

Nausea, with or without vomiting, usually starts a few weeks after conception. It does not only happen in the morning and can be triggered by certain smells. It is common and generally harmless, but it should be reported if it stops you from drinking or eating.

Other possible symptoms

Other signs may come with early pregnancy, and they vary a great deal from one woman to another:

• needing to pass urine more often, including at night;
• a stronger sense of smell or a sudden dislike of certain foods;
• bloating and slower digestion;
• mild cramps in the lower abdomen, similar to period pain;
• light pink or brown spotting, sometimes called implantation bleeding;
• mood changes and stronger emotions.

It is worth knowing that some women feel almost nothing at the start, and that having no symptoms does not mean something is wrong. In the same way, strong symptoms do not mean that a pregnancy is more secure. Every pregnancy is different.

How to confirm a pregnancy

Symptoms alone are not enough: only a test can confirm a pregnancy.

• A urine test from the pharmacy is reliable if you take it from the day your period is due, ideally with the first urine of the morning. A negative test taken too early can be a false negative: repeat it a few days later if your period still has not come.
• A blood test (hCG level) is more sensitive and can be repeated 48 hours apart to follow how the level changes, which is helpful in some situations.
• An ultrasound scan then checks that the pregnancy is inside the uterus, dates it, and shows the embryo’s heartbeat at the right stage.

To know when each scan is usually planned, you can read our article on the pregnancy ultrasound schedule.

Symptoms that need a prompt medical visit

The usual discomforts of early pregnancy are normal. Some signs, however, mean you should see a doctor without waiting, especially if the location of the pregnancy has not yet been confirmed:

• sharp pain in the lower abdomen, particularly on one side;
• heavy bleeding, with or without clots, or bleeding with pain;
• shoulder tip pain, feeling faint or dizzy;
• a fever;
• vomiting that stops you keeping down water and food, with weight loss;
• burning when you pass urine or unusual, unpleasant smelling discharge.

One-sided pain with bleeding can point to an ectopic pregnancy, meaning a pregnancy that has implanted outside the uterus. This is a medical emergency: go to the emergency department or call the center straight away.

Your first pregnancy appointment

Once the test is positive, it is a good idea to book a first appointment. It confirms the pregnancy, reviews your medical history, current treatments and lifestyle, and starts the first blood tests.

It is also the right time to ask all your questions: diet, physical activity, work, travel, medicines to avoid. If you are not yet taking folic acid, the doctor will tell you whether you should start. To learn more about how follow-up works, see our page on pregnancy (page in French).

Things to mention from the start

At the first visit, mention any long-term condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorder), a previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy achieved after fertility treatment, or any medicine you take regularly. This information helps adapt your follow-up.

Support from the very first weeks in Fes

The first weeks of pregnancy often bring as many questions as joy. No question is too small: a symptom that worries you deserves to be mentioned, even if the answer turns out to be reassuring.

At Boudra Fertility Center, an IVF center in Fes, Dr Najib Boudra and his team, with more than 30 years of experience in gynecology and obstetrics, follow pregnancies from the very start: confirmation, ultrasound (page in French), tests and advice suited to your situation. Feel free to book a consultation, or call us if you notice an unusual symptom.

Frequently asked questions

This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation. For any question about your situation, talk to your doctor.