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Dr. Mohamed ZakariaConsultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Specialised in fetal medicine, infertility and ICSI. Careful assessment, and evidence-based follow-up, step by step.

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Early signs of pregnancy, and when to take a test

Pregnancy & birth1 minute read

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A woman with breast tenderness, one of the early signs of pregnancy

Early pregnancy signs vary from one woman to another, and some women feel nothing at all at first. That's why a test, not a feeling, is what confirms a pregnancy.

Common signs in the first weeks

  • A missed period.
  • Nausea or aversion to certain smells, especially in the morning.
  • Breast pain or swelling.
  • Feeling more tired and sleepy than usual.
  • Needing to pass urine more often.
  • Light spotting, sometimes around the time your period was due.

When should you test?

A home urine test is most accurate from the first day of a missed period, ideally using your first urine of the morning. A blood pregnancy test picks up a pregnancy earlier than urine and gives a clearer answer if you're unsure.

When to go to the emergency department straight away

  • Severe abdominal pain, especially on one side.
  • Heavy bleeding.
  • Severe dizziness or fainting.
Awaiting medical review

Written by the team at Dr. Mohamed Zakaria's clinic

General educational content, awaiting medical review. Not a substitute for a visit.

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