The Baby and Toddler Guide

Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms

What's the earliest pregnancy sign or pregnancy symptom a woman is likely to feel when she's first pregnant?

Some women are aware that they are pregnant from the pregnancy signs their body will give them long before they test positive for pregnancy. In early pregnancy you may experience cramping, bloating, heartburn, or nausea and you may experience more frequent urination. You may experience a creamy white discharge. You may experience food cravings, an increased sense of smell, mood swings, headaches, dizziness or a slight fever as your temperature elevates. You may notice changes to your breasts or nipples.

6 to 12 days after intimacy occurs you may notice light pink or brown spotting. You may experience a short or light cycle as implantation occurs. You may on an emotional or intuitive level feel something is different. If you are tracking your ovulation pattern you can also check the position of your cervix to see if it is still high and soft after ovulation, you can look for increased creamy white cervical mucus and you can look to see if you have an elevated body temperature after ovulation. These signs can all be early indicators of pregnancy. When you are aware of your ovulation, the time between ovulation and your next cycle will always remain constant, from 12 to 16 days after ovulation occurs.

Nausea is a true sign of pregnancy and cannot be confused with an oncoming cycle. As soon as you feel nausea beginning reach for a high protein snack and a glass of water, if you feel better right away and you have experienced the other signs of pregnancy then you are most likely pregnant. Wait for at least 14 days or longer after a missed period to home pregnancy test in order to confirm what you already know. Disregard too early pregnancy test results.

If you are not already taking prenatals for conception and you suspect that you are pregnant begin to take a high quality prenatal vitamin and mineral, usually found at a health food store, to help create a healthy pregnancy and help to prevent miscarriage.

When is the earliest you can take a pregnancy test?

You can home pregnancy test 19 days or longer after sexual intimacy or 14 days or longer after a missed or shortened period for the most accuracy with your results. Early home pregnancy tests can be used as soon as three weeks after the first day of your last period, but only have a 64% rate of accuracy. Disregard any too early pregnancy test results. The best time to home pregnancy test is first thing in the morning when your hormones will be at their strongest levels. If your pregnancy test is negative, but you feel that you may be pregnant, test again one week later when your hormones will be stronger or you can go to your physician or midwife for confirmation of your results. Some women do not show positive for pregnancy on urine tests until longer than 14 days after a missed period.

Copyright 2008, Copyright released with references. “Pregnancy & Childbirth Secrets” by National Bestselling Author Gail J. Dahl. Now available across North America at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Chapters, Coles and Indigo Books & Music. The information contained in or provided through this publication is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be, and is not provided as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your midwife, physician, nurse or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment or for answers to any questions you may have regarding any medical condition during pregnancy.

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