Wondering If You Are Pregnant? Early Signs You Should Look For
2 min read
Do you think you might be pregnant? Of course, the best way to tell is a pregnancy test, but both at-home and physician-ordered tests only start to show results four weeks after your last period or two weeks after conception. If you miss a period or experience these pregnancy signs, it’s best to take a home pregnancy test.
Many of the pregnancy symptoms of early pregnancy are very similar to pre-menstrual symptoms so it’s easy to miss an early pregnancy if it’s not at the front of your mind. Every woman is different and so are her early pregnancy signs. You may experience all of these pregnancy signs or none at all. Here is a guide with Dr. Selina Pang, Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Hong Kong.
Early pregnancy signs
Pregnancy Signs in Weeks 1-4 (from last period)
- Spotting and cramping
Around 10-14 days after conception, the fertilized egg (known at this point as a blastocyst), will implant itself into the uterus wall. This can cause pain and light bleeding and, because it occurs around the same time as your period would likely happen, it can often be mistaken for a menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy Signs in Weeks 4-8 (from last period)
- Missed period
- Fatigue
- Increased levels of progesterone in your body will lead to fatigue
- Nausea
- Tingling or aching breasts
- Frequent urination
- Bloating
- Motion sickness
- Mood swings
- Increase in body temperature
Pregnancy Signs in Weeks 8-12 (from last period)
- High blood pressure
- Extreme fatigue
- Heartburn
- Faster heartbeat
- Breast/nipple changes
- Acne
- Noticeable weight gain
- Pregnancy glow
Pregnancy tests in Hong Kong
If all signs and symptoms point to ‘pregnant’ or you’ve just got a hunch, grab a pregnancy test. Most pregnancy tests are accurate 2 weeks after conception. If done even a day or two early, they do show false-negative results so try to wait it out! Pregnancy tests are done by urinating on a stick and are available at almost all pharmacies in Hong Kong. They range from the basic “lines on a litmus paper” to digital test which will give a very rough indication of your conception date. Read our guide on pregnancy tests in Hong Kong to learn more.
After Your Pregnancy Test.. What’s next?
If you’ve had a positive result, it’s important to visit an Obstetrician or Gynecologist for confirmation with a blood test and start (or continue) to take prenatal vitamins.
Reviewed by Dr. Selina Pang 彭敏華醫生, a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology practicing at Hong Kong Health Practice in Central. Dr. Pang completed her obstetrics and gynecology training at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong. She received her specialization qualification from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the U.K. She is currently Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital.
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This article was independently written by Healthy Matters and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.