There are a number of ways nature lets you know you’re expecting, and while Unii offers a week-by-week course on pregnancy with Dr. Shree Datta, it can also be nice to review what to look out for when you are not yet certain you are expecting. So, first things first...

How soon after sex can I be pregnant?

Fertilisation can happen quite quickly—between 45 minutes and five days after sex—but implantation of the fertilised egg in your uterus takes eight to ten days after ovulation. Taking a pregnancy test is not recommended until a fortnight after ovulation, as this gives your body enough time to produce enough human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to produce a positive result in the average pregnancy test.

How soon after IVF transfer can I be pregnant?

Again, it’s recommended that you wait two weeks after IVF transfer to have a test to allow enough time for hormones that result in a positive pregnancy test to result in a pregnancy to build.

What are some physical and emotional early signs of pregnancy?

An increased sense of smell (hyperosmia) or a metallic taste in the mouth

These unpleasant symptoms are thought to be caused by hormonal activity. Both can trigger nausea, vomiting, and, in hyperosmia’s case, headaches. Try carrying something that tastes of mint and something that smells of mint with you at all times until this passes.

More frequent urination, flatulence, or constipation

Your uterus has begun to grow and your hormones are changing, both of which can impact your bowels and bladder in unpleasant ways.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is caused by early pregnancy hormones and is very common, developing in some 70-80% of pregnancies. Vomiting is a classic early sign of pregnancy depicted on screen, though it doesn’t happen to everyone. Vomiting and/or nausea can also be experienced throughout the day and at night.

Feeling tired or faint

Women can also feel very tired because the baby needs to borrow from your circulatory system to start growing, even at this very early stage. Some women compare the very early signs of pregnancy to a hangover. Passing out, dizziness, and vertigo can also be early signs of pregnancy, as hormones slowing the blood flow to the uterus can mean not enough reaches your brain.

Changes in your breasts

Breasts can be very sensitive to the hormonal changes that happen in early pregnancy. Some women experience shooting pains; others feel very tender or sore nipples. Swelling is another symptom.

Abdominal pain and bleeding

All bleeding in pregnancy should be checked out by your doctor or at the hospital. Abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy can be signs a fertilised egg has successfully implanted in the lining of your uterus. In some sad cases, pelvic pain and light vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy can indicate ectopic or tubal pregnancy.

A late or missed period

This is the number one early sign of pregnancy your body gives you without a pregnancy or blood test, as well as the definitive early pregnancy symptom. Understanding your menstrual cycle is extremely useful to anyone on a preconception journey.

What should I start doing for my pregnancy at this stage?

Call your doctor and book an appointment. Your GP will usually be able to arrange your booking (or first midwife) appointment.
Start taking prenatal vitamins. Check with your doctor if you are epileptic or have some other condition that may impact the doses of vitamins you should be taking.
Eat what your body tells you to (healthily and safely), as long as you can keep it down.
Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and doing drugs.
Moderate your caffeine intake to fewer than 200 mg.
Manage stress and take gentle exercise (150 minutes a week is recommended).
Enjoy this time! While early signs of pregnancy can be uncomfortable, there are many far more inconvenient changes to come. If you’re concerned about miscarriage or have experienced one in early pregnancy before, it can be difficult to celebrate until you’re past the first twelve weeks. However, there’s nothing wrong with having a nice meal with your partner or a close family member to mark this exciting point in your life.

For more advice on taking care of yourself in pregnancy, labour, and birth, check out Unii’s Antenatal Classes, with prenatal video episodes taught by senior NHS midwives, an award-winning obstetrician and gynaecologist, and six other leading healthcare experts. Only at unii.com.

For guidance on how to have a healthier pregnancy every week, check out Unii’s Pregnancy Journey led by Dr. Shree Datta.

What are the early signs of pregnancy?

Unii looks at the early ways Mother Nature lets you know you're expecting.