From the Guidelines
The first signs of pregnancy typically include a missed period, breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea or morning sickness, frequent urination, and mild cramping or spotting from implantation, usually beginning 1-2 weeks after conception. These symptoms vary significantly between individuals and are caused by rapidly changing hormone levels, particularly progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which prepare the body to support pregnancy 1.
Common Symptoms
Some common symptoms of early pregnancy include:
- Nausea and vomiting, which usually begins at 4-6 weeks, peaks at 8-12 weeks, and subsides by week 20 1
- Heartburn, which is common in the latter part of pregnancy and resolves after delivery 1
- Food aversions or cravings
- Heightened sense of smell
- Mood changes due to hormonal fluctuations To confirm pregnancy, it is recommended to take a home pregnancy test after a missed period, as these detect hCG, a hormone produced after implantation 1.
Confirming Pregnancy
For the most accurate results, use first-morning urine and follow package instructions carefully. If the test is positive or pregnancy symptoms are experienced despite a negative test, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for confirmation and to begin prenatal care 1.
Managing Symptoms
Diet and lifestyle modification are the initial steps in managing symptoms in pregnancy, such as reducing spicy, fatty, acidic, and fried foods to reduce heartburn, and eating small, frequent, and bland meals to help with nausea and vomiting 1. Specific triggers, such as certain foods with strong odors or activities, should be identified and avoided. If symptoms are persistent or severe, therapeutic options include ginger and vitamin B6, as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 1.
From the Research
First Signs of Pregnancy
The first signs of pregnancy can vary from woman to woman, but common symptoms include:
- Missed period
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Breast tenderness However, there are no research papers provided that directly discuss the first signs of pregnancy.
Hormonal Changes
One study 2 investigated the relationship between human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study found that hCG levels may be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia and preterm delivery, but the evidence is very uncertain.
- hCG is a glycoprotein produced in the placenta
- hCG levels were analyzed as multiple of the median (MoM)
- High second trimester hCG levels may be associated with preeclampsia and preterm delivery, but confidence in evidence is low
Pregnancy Outcomes
The study 2 focused on the association between hCG levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including:
- Miscarriage
- Preeclampsia
- Intrauterine growth restriction
- Preterm delivery However, the study does not provide information on the first signs of pregnancy.