Am I Pregnant? 10 Symptoms To Look Out For

Trying to figure out if you’re pregnant can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially when every twinge or craving sends your mind into overdrive. Whether you’re actively trying for a baby, concerned after a missed period, or just curious about what your body might be telling you, it’s perfectly normal to ask: Am I pregnant?

Pregnancy symptoms can vary widely, and no two people experience the same early signs. Some women know instantly, while others only suspect something weeks later. Understanding the early signs of pregnancy, how your body might change, and when to take a test can bring clarity during an uncertain time.

Let’s unpack the most common early signs of pregnancy, when to test, how reliable symptoms really are, and what steps to take if you think you may be pregnant, all with researched and up-to-date information.

Most Common Early Signs of Pregnancy

Not every woman will experience all of these symptoms, and they can vary in intensity. However, many people report noticing one or more of the following changes in the first few weeks:

1. Missed Period

A missed period is often the first and most obvious sign that you may be pregnant, especially if your cycle is usually regular. That said, stress, hormonal imbalances, travel or illness can also delay menstruation, so it’s not a guaranteed indicator on its own. If your period is more than one week late, it’s a good time to take a home pregnancy test.

2. Tender or Swollen Breasts

Pregnancy hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone cause increased blood flow and tissue changes in the breasts. You may notice tenderness, fullness, tingling, or darkened areolas even before a missed period. This is often one of the earliest physical symptoms, appearing as soon as one to two weeks after conception.

3. Nausea and Morning Sickness

Despite the name, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day. It typically starts between weeks 4 and 6, peaks around week 9, and may include nausea, vomiting, or aversions to smells and foods. While unpleasant, morning sickness is common and usually harmless. According to Affinity Health, it affects up to 70-80% of pregnant women and can begin even before a missed period in some cases. Take a look at What to know at 1 – 4 weeks pregnant: pictures, tips + FAQs.

4. Fatigue and Exhaustion

Pregnancy leads to a sharp rise in progesterone, which can make you feel unreasonably tired or even completely drained, especially in the first trimester. You might find yourself falling asleep early, needing naps during the day, or struggling to concentrate long before a test confirms your pregnancy.

5. Frequent Urination

As early as six weeks into pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the kidneys can make you need to urinate more often. Unlike bladder infections, this doesn’t usually cause pain—just increased trips to the loo. If this is paired with other symptoms, it’s another strong early clue. Check out: 6 Weeks Pregnant: What You Need to Know.

6. Implantation Bleeding or Spotting

Some women notice light spotting (often pink or brown in colour) around 6–12 days after ovulation, when the fertilised egg implants into the uterine lining. This is known as implantation bleeding and is usually much lighter than a normal period. It’s harmless, but can be mistaken for an unusually light or early period.

7. Mild Cramping or Bloating

Some cramping in early pregnancy feels similar to menstrual cramps. You may also notice bloating and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, due to hormonal changes slowing down digestion. Cramping should be mild. If it’s severe or persistent, contact a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions like ectopic pregnancy.

8. Mood Swings and Emotional Sensitivity

Your hormones are shifting rapidly in early pregnancy. This can lead to tearfulness, irritability, anxiety, or even unexplained joy, sometimes all in one day. While mood swings are also common with PMS, in early pregnancy, they can feel more intense or prolonged.

9. Food Cravings and Aversions

That sudden dislike of your favourite food? Or an unusual craving for something you never used to eat? These are classic early signs. The combination of hormonal changes and a heightened sense of smell can significantly affect your appetite. Cravings may seem silly, but they’re very real, especially in early pregnancy. This is a great read:  The weirdest pregnancy cravings.

10. A Metallic Taste or Strange Sensations

Some pregnant women report a metallic taste in the mouth or increased saliva production (called ptyalism). Others experience dizziness, headaches, or increased basal body temperature due to changing hormone levels. Again, these aren’t definitive signs on their own, but when combined with others, they’re worth noting.

How Soon Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?

Most home pregnancy tests are sensitive enough to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone only produced during pregnancy, from the first day of your missed period. However, some tests are sensitive enough to detect hCG as early as 6 to 8 days after ovulation, although the accuracy increases significantly the longer you wait.

To get the most reliable result:

• Use the first morning urine, which contains the highest concentration of hCG
• Follow the instructions exactly
• Retest a few days later if you get a negative result but still suspect pregnancy

If your test is positive, it’s important to follow up with a healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and begin prenatal care.

HEAD ON OVER TO: Pregnancy week by week: Your Complete Guide

False Positives and False Negatives

False negatives are more common than false positives, especially if you test too early, use diluted urine, or don’t follow instructions carefully.

False positives are rare but can occur due to:

• Recent pregnancy loss
• Use of fertility medications containing hCG
• Chemical pregnancy, where the fertilised egg implants but stops developing early on

If you’re uncertain, your GP or clinic can perform a blood test or ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and rule out any complications.

I Think I’m Pregnant – Now What?

1. Book a Doctor’s Appointment

If your test is positive, make an appointment with a GP or midwife to confirm the pregnancy and begin antenatal care. In South Africa, public healthcare offers free maternity care, but you can also consult private obstetricians or midwives.

Early care includes:

• Blood tests for hCG, iron levels, HIV and more
• Folic acid supplementation
• Guidance on nutrition, exercise and prenatal screening

2. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins

Even if you haven’t confirmed the pregnancy yet, taking a folic acid supplement (at least 400 mcg daily) can help prevent neural tube defects. Some multivitamins also include iron, vitamin D and iodine, all of which are important in early development.  

3. Adjust Your Lifestyle for Pregnancy

Avoid smoking, alcohol, and high doses of caffeine. If you’re on medication, speak to your healthcare provider about what’s safe to continue during pregnancy. Begin focusing on hydration, balanced nutrition, and gentle movement. Walking, stretching and prenatal yoga are great low-impact options. Head over to: Pregnancy Nutrition: Why Your Diet Matters. 

4. Watch for Warning Signs

If you experience severe cramping, heavy bleeding, shoulder pain, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy or early miscarriage, which need urgent care. In South Africa, emergency care is available at both public and private facilities. Netcare, Life Healthcare, and Mediclinic hospitals all offer gynaecological emergency services.

When to See a Doctor Even With a Negative Test

• If your period is more than two weeks late
• If you have symptoms but repeated negative pregnancy tests
• If your cycle is irregular and you’re not sure when to test

Your GP may investigate for hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid conditions, all of which can mimic pregnancy symptoms or delay periods.

How Reliable Are Pregnancy Symptoms Alone?

While symptoms can hint at pregnancy, they’re not a guarantee. Many early pregnancy signs like fatigue, bloating, and mood swings can also be caused by stress, PMS, illness or hormonal changes. The only definitive confirmation is a positive pregnancy test, ideally followed by medical evaluation.

ALSO READ: Pregnancy Glossary – Over 100 Essential Terms Explained

Everybody is Different

It’s worth remembering that some women experience no early symptoms at all and still have healthy pregnancies. Others may have several signs without being pregnant. Trust your instincts, but rely on evidence-based testing and professional guidance.

Your Next Steps Matter

If you suspect you’re pregnant, take a home test, monitor your symptoms, and reach out to a trusted healthcare provider. Whether the result is a surprise, a long-awaited moment, or somewhere in between, what matters most is how you support your health and emotional well-being going forward.

Pregnancy is a journey that begins long before the bump appears. The earlier you find clarity, the better equipped you’ll be to make the best decisions for your body and your baby.

DIVE DEEPER: 21 Early Signs of Pregnancy You Should Know

References

• Affinity Health: Managing morning sickness – https://www.affinityhealth.co.za/how-to-manage-early-pregnancy-sickness/
• BabyCentre UK: Early signs of pregnancy: the first 15 symptoms – https://www.babycentre.co.uk/top-signs-of-pregnancy
• Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy symptoms – https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853
• South African Department of Health: Maternity Services – https://www.health.gov.za
• American Pregnancy Association: Pregnancy signs – https://americanpregnancy.org