Short answer
Early signs usually start around 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. A missed period is the most common; nausea, unusual tiredness, sore breasts and passing urine more often are others. A home urine test is most reliable from the first day of a missed period. If it is positive, book your first pregnancy check-up.
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- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
Common early signs
Not everyone has every sign, and some women notice very little at first. The signs most often noticed are:
- A missed period
- Light spotting around the time your period is due (implantation bleeding)
- Nausea or vomiting, which can happen at any time of day, not only in the morning
- Feeling very tired after your usual daily work
- Sore, tender or fuller breasts
- Passing urine more often, without pain or burning
- Constipation, a little more white discharge without itching, a metallic taste, or a dislike of certain smells and foods
- Mood changes
When to do a home pregnancy test
Most urine pregnancy test kits from a medical shop work from the first day of a missed period. If your periods are irregular and you do not know when the next one is due, test at least 21 days after you last had unprotected sex.
You can test at any time of day; it does not have to be the first urine of the morning. Follow the instructions in the kit carefully.
Reading the result
A positive result is almost always correct. A negative result is less reliable, especially if you tested too early. If the test is negative but your period still has not come, repeat it after a few days. If the second test is also negative and there is still no period, see a gynaecologist to find the reason.
Contraceptive pills do not stop a pregnancy test from working.
What to do after a positive test
- Book your first antenatal check-up. The doctor will confirm the pregnancy, work out your due date and plan your scans and blood tests.
- Start folic acid if you are not already taking it. It is advised for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy; ask your doctor for the right dose for you.
- Tell the doctor about any medicines you take regularly, and do not start or stop medicines on your own.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking, and limit tea and coffee.
At Dhruva Hospitals, pregnancy check-ups are with our obstetrics and gynaecology team. Call +91 99599 59694 to book. OPD hours are 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Symptoms that need a doctor the same day
- Bleeding from the vagina, especially if it is heavy or comes with pain
- Severe pain low in the tummy, particularly on one side
- Pain in the tip of the shoulder, dizziness or fainting
- Vomiting so often that you cannot keep food or water down
Severe tummy pain with dizziness or fainting can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy and is an emergency. Call +91 90368 52311 or come straight to the hospital.
Common questions
How soon after sex can I take a pregnancy test?
Most tests work from the first day of a missed period. If you are not sure when your period is due, wait at least 21 days after unprotected sex. Testing too early can give a false negative result.
Can I be pregnant if the test is negative?
Yes, especially if you tested early. Repeat the test after a few days. If it is still negative and your period has not come, see a gynaecologist.
When should I have my first scan?
Your doctor will advise you. A dating scan is usually done between 11 and 14 weeks. An earlier scan is done if you have pain or bleeding.
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Sources
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.