Am I Pregnant: Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Beyond the Bump
Jun 15, 2023
3 min read

Updated: May 17

So, your period's late. Or your boobs are acting weird. Or you’re crying at a dog food advert and wondering if something more than hormones is going on. You ask yourself, Am I Pregnant?

First of all: you’re not alone.

Whether you're actively trying for a baby or pregnancy has caught you completely off guard, those early days of “am I or aren’t I?” can be a whirlwind of Googling, second-guessing, and overanalysing every twinge.

Let’s take a breath, tune into your body, and walk through the early signs of pregnancy—plus what to do if you think you might be expecting.

🌱 Early Pregnancy Symptoms: What You Might Notice

Everyone’s body is different, and not all pregnancies start with the same signs. But here are some of the most common clues:

Missed Period – The classic sign. But periods can also be late for a million other reasons (stress, travel, illness), so it’s not a sure thing.
Tender or Sore Breasts – Hormonal shifts can make your boobs feel fuller, heavier, or just a bit... odd.
Mild Cramping or Spotting – Known as implantation cramping or bleeding, this happens when the fertilised egg attaches to the womb. It’s usually lighter than a period.
Fatigue – Not your usual afternoon slump. This is “why am I falling asleep on the sofa at 6pm?” tired.
Nausea or Food Aversions – Morning sickness can hit early (and it’s not always in the morning). You might suddenly go off coffee, hate your favourite meals, or feel queasy at odd times.
Heightened Sense of Smell – Can’t stand the scent of your partner’s shower gel anymore? It’s a thing.
Mood Swings – Hormones are doing a lot, so if you’re crying over a lost sock, you're in good company.
Frequent Urination – Needing to pee more than usual? Blame early hormonal changes and increased blood flow.

🧪 But Really... Am I Pregnant?

The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. You can buy reliable tests at most supermarkets or pharmacies. Look for one that’s sensitive to early hormone changes (some detect pregnancy even before a missed period).

🫶 What Now?

If that test turns out to be positive, take a deep breath. This is a big moment—whether it’s joyful, overwhelming, confusing, or all of the above.

Once you’ve confirmed your pregnancy, your next steps might include:

Booking in with your midwife – You’ll usually have your first appointment (the "booking appointment") between 8–10 weeks.
Looking after yourself – That includes folic acid, good nutrition, rest, and avoiding things like smoking and alcohol.
Finding support – From trusted friends, a healthcare professional, or…us!

Feeling a Bit Lost? That’s Where We Come In

We know this might be the start of the most exciting (and totally bewildering) journey of your life. That’s why we created The Birth & Baby Academy—an all-in-one online antenatal and newborn prep course that gives you the real info you need (without the fluff), from bump to baby.

If you’re not ready for a full course just yet, start with our free video:👉 [“Take Control of Your Birth”] — a short but powerful boost of confidence and clarity to help you feel empowered from the very beginning.

And if you’re based in Warwickshire, our in-person antenatal classes are a great place to meet others, get expert guidance, and start building your support network.