Every woman feels pregnancy symptoms differently. Some women feel their first symptoms of pregnancy before they’ve even taken a pregnancy test, while others report they don’t know they are pregnant until late in pregnancy.

So it’s difficult to tell a woman exactly how early she will first feel pregnancy symptoms. Research shows that most pregnant women start feeling the first symptoms of pregnancy between the 5th and 6th week after their LMP (first day of their last menstrual period).

If you’re wondering about pregnancy symptoms because you’re unsure about when you got pregnant, click HERE to read more about fertility basics. That will clear up some confusion about ovulation and when you are most likely to get pregnant.

Regarding symptoms, the missed period is often the first indicator of a possible pregnancy. Women may feel cramping and breast tenderness, which can be symptoms that their period is going to start or they could be the first symptoms of pregnancy. It is hard to know which, so most women take a pregnancy test.

An at-home urine pregnancy test can detect pregnancy before a woman misses her period, but not always. Even though it can be tempting to test soon after possible conception, it is recommended by most that you wait to take an at-home urine pregnancy test until after you have missed your period.

We suggest you wait so you do not get a false negative pregnancy test. It takes time for the hCG (pregnancy hormone) to build up enough in your system to give an accurate reading. Most at-home pregnancy tests are 97-99% accurate when done as directed on the packaging.  

If you are unsure if you are experiencing your first symptoms of pregnancy, you don’t have to guess – you can know for sure. Contact us here at Alcove Health. We will give you a lab-grade pregnancy test. If it’s positive, our Registered Nurses will assess you for an ultrasound so we can verify the location, dating, and viability of the pregnancy. You’ll get the accurate information you need to make an informed decision about your next steps – all at no-cost to you. CALL us or click HERE today to request your free and confidential medical appointment.