Are you experiencing a little stress, or could something much more exciting be happening? The early days of pregnancy can be full of surprises, with your body dropping subtle hints (often called “presumptive signs of pregnancy”) before you even miss a period. From feeling unusually tired to noticing breast changes that make you double-check the mirror, these could be the first signs of a pregnancy knocking at your door.
Early symptoms don’t always confirm the big news, though. That’s where the probable signs of pregnancy come in—those more reliable indicators, like a positive at-home pregnancy test, that make you want to do a little happy dance in the bathroom.
In this post, we’re breaking down the first signs and probable signs of pregnancy, so you know what to look for, what it means, and what to do next. Grab a cozy seat, mama-to-be—this is your moment to shine!
5 Common First Signs of a Pregnancy
Early signs – we’re talking pregnancy symptoms before the missed period, are more common than you might think. Some are subtle, some are surprising, and all of them are your body’s way of adjusting to its new mission—growing a tiny human inside of you!
1. Tender or Swollen Breasts
Breast changes may be an early sign of pregnancy. That bra that fit perfectly last week? If suddenly, it feels like it’s plotting against you, you could be pregnant!
Specifically, you might experience breast tenderness and swelling thanks to hormones like estrogen and progesterone going into overdrive. You might even notice your areolas (the area around your nipples) darkening or enlarging as your body gears up for breastfeeding.
2. Fatigue That Hits Like a Ton of Bricks
Feel like napping at your desk or curling up in bed by 7 p.m.? You could be pregnant.
Fatigue like this happens due to increased levels of progesterone. Remember, your body is working hard behind the scenes during gestation, so it’s normal to feel like your energy levels are running on empty!
3. Morning Sickness (That Can Strike Anytime)
Ah, the classic nausea and queasiness—while some lucky mamas-to-be skip this one altogether, many notice it as little as a few weeks after conception. Never fun, but often, a good indicator that you may be pregnant.
4. Heightened Sense of Smell
Your favorite candle? How about no. The leftover pizza in the fridge? Hard pass. If a heightened sense of smell is leaving you averse to things you normally enjoy (or just keeping you extra alert to every little scent imaginable), this could be another early sign of pregnancy.
5. Frequent Bathroom Breaks
Heading to the restroom every hour? Your uterus could be starting to grow, creating pressure on your bladder, even in these early stages of pregnancy. In instances where this is true, blood flow and kidney activity (to support your growing little one) are also contributing to your newfound bathroom buddy status.
4 Probable Signs of Pregnancy
The first signs of pregnancy have been popping up, and you’re starting to wonder—could this be it? The following probable signs carry a bit more weight and are good signs that it may be time to call your doctor.
1. A Positive At-Home Pregnancy Test
A positive result on a home pregnancy test is one of the most common probable signs of pregnancy. These tests work by detecting hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone your body starts producing shortly after implantation.
2. Changes in the Uterus
While you may not notice this on your own, your doctor might notice changes like softening or enlargement of the uterus during an exam.
3. Missed Period
This is the sign that makes many stop and wonder. If your cycle is like clockwork and suddenly skips a beat, you could be pregnant. Then again, missed periods do occur due to stress, illness, or changes in lifestyle.
4. Increased Basal Body Temperature
If you’ve been tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) while trying to conceive, you might notice it staying elevated beyond the time it normally drops.
3 Positive Signs of Pregnancy
Positive signs of pregnancy are the gold standard—clear, undeniable proof that a baby is on the way. These signs are backed by science, technology, and that little miracle growing inside you.
1. Hearing the Baby’s Heartbeat
Hearing your baby’s heartbeat via Doppler at your doctor’s office is one of the most magical and definitive positive signs of pregnancy.
2. Seeing the Baby on an Ultrasound
An ultrasound image takes all the guesswork out of the equation. When your healthcare provider points out that tiny, flickering heartbeat on the screen, there’s no question anymore—it’s official!
3. Feeling Baby’s Movement
It might take a few months, but feeling those first little flutters—known as “quickening”—is another undeniable sign of pregnancy. This often happens around the second trimester, but some people report those first gentle kicks earlier.
How to Respond if You Think You’re Pregnant
- Take a Home Pregnancy Test: For the most reliable results, test first thing in the morning when hCG levels are highest.
- Contact Your Doctor’s Appointment: Confirm your pregnancy with a healthcare provider and get medical advice on what to do next.
- Listen to Your Body: Rest, hydrate, and address symptoms like fatigue or cravings as they arise.
- Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins: Support your baby’s development with essential nutrients like folic acid and iron.
- Nourish with Greens: Incorporate a supplement like LuvBelly’s Prenatal Green Drink to fill nutritional gaps and keep you energized.
- Lean on Your Support System: Share your journey with friends, family, or a trusted community.
Be sure to check out our blog post on how to know you’re in labor to be ready when that time comes!