Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy and When to Take a Pregnancy Test
The early signs and symptoms of pregnancy can feel exciting, confusing, and sometimes a little unsettling all at once.
One day you are going about your normal routine, and the next your body feels unfamiliar in ways you cannot quite explain. As a midwife who values holistic birth support, I want to help you understand what your body may be telling you and how to approach these early changes with confidence, curiosity, and compassion.
If You are Questioning Every Sensation, You are Not Overthinking
Many women tell me they sensed pregnancy before a test ever turned positive.
A subtle shift in energy. A wave of nausea out of nowhere. An emotional sensitivity that feels different than usual. Wondering about the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy does not mean you are imagining things. It means you are paying attention!
Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy Your Body May Be Showing You
While every pregnancy is unique, there are some common early changes that often appear in the first few weeks.
These may include:
🩵 Fatigue that feels deeper than normal tiredness
🩵 Breast tenderness or fullness
🩵 Mild cramping or pulling sensations in the uterus
🩵 Nausea or food aversions
🩵 Heightened sense of smell
🩵 Frequent urination
🩵 Mood shifts or emotional sensitivity
Not everyone experiences all of these, and some experience very few. The reminder I always share is this: variation is normal.
Curious how soon you can take a pregnancy test?
Inside Episode 37 of Your Birth Bestie podcast, I walk you through the most accurate time to take a pregnancy test (and why you don’t have to wait for your missed period!), help you discover reliable, budget-friendly test options, and explore subtle signals your body might send in the early days of pregnancy.
Why Holistic Birth Support Looks Beyond a Symptom List
A holistic approach to the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy looks at the whole picture, not just isolated symptoms.
Instead of asking only, "Is this normal?" we also ask:
🩵 How is your energy?
🩵 How is your stress level?
🩵 Are you feeling supported?
🩵 Are you getting rest and nourishment?
Your emotional and mental state matter just as much as physical changes, especially in early pregnancy when hormones are shifting rapidly.
Early pregnancy is not just a physical experience. It is a full-body transition.
How to Support Your Body During Early Pregnancy
Supporting your body early on can make a meaningful difference in how you feel day to day.
1. Prioritize Rest Without Guilt
Fatigue is one of the most common early signs. Your body is doing enormous work, even if it is not visible yet. No guilt, please... You're literally growing a human from scratch!
Try:
Going to bed a bit earlier
Taking short rest breaks or naps
Letting go of nonessential tasks (or asking for help!)
2. Focus on Gentle Nourishment
Instead of perfection, aim for nutrition that feels doable.
This might look like:
Eating when you can and what you want
Small, frequent meals
Warm foods that feel comforting
Staying hydrated even if appetite is low
3. Tune Into Your Body’s Signals
Holistic care encourages curiosity rather than fear.
If something feels off, write it down. Notice patterns. Bring questions to your provider. Your awareness is valuable information.
4. Create Emotional Support Early
Pregnancy can stir excitement and anxiety at the same time.
Consider:
Sharing the news with a trusted person
Journaling your thoughts
Connecting with a provider who welcomes questions
Feeling supported early can shape your entire pregnancy experience.
My Perspective as a Midwife
I see early pregnancy as the beginning of a relationship between you and your body.
The early signs and symptoms of pregnancy are not something to push through or dismiss. They are invitations to slow down, listen, and care for yourself in new ways.
When women feel supported and informed early on, they often feel more confident navigating pregnancy, birth, and motherhood as a whole.
This is why care with me as a home birth midwife starts (ideally) early on! There is no need to wait until 10-12 weeks to see your provider for the first time. So much happens before then, are you kidding?!
Ready for Support That Honors Your Whole Experience?
Understanding the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy can feel empowering when you have the right guidance. If you are early in pregnancy and want compassionate, evidence-based support from a midwife who values your intuition and autonomy, I would love to connect.
What were your first early signs and symptoms of pregnancy?
