We know this isn't what you want to hear during the two-week wait. But it's important to set realistic expectations: symptom-spotting is unreliable. Women who are pregnant and women who aren't can have identical symptoms.
That said, here's what we know about the earliest signs that can indicate pregnancy—and when they might appear.
When Can Symptoms Even Start?
For symptoms to be caused by pregnancy (rather than progesterone from your corpus luteum), implantation needs to occur first. This typically happens 6-12 days after ovulation (most commonly days 8-10).
Only after implantation does hCG start being produced—and it takes time for levels to rise enough to cause symptoms. Realistically:
Earliest Possible Timeline
Any "symptoms" before DPO 6-7 cannot be caused by pregnancy—implantation hasn't happened yet. They're caused by progesterone, which rises after ovulation regardless of pregnancy.
The Earliest Possible Signs
Light spotting (pink or brown) that occurs when the embryo implants into the uterine lining. Only about 25% of pregnant women experience this. It's typically very light—just a few spots, not a flow.
Extreme tiredness beyond normal. Rising hCG and progesterone levels can cause overwhelming fatigue—the kind where you need to nap mid-day. One of the most commonly reported early symptoms.
Tender, swollen, or sore breasts. May feel heavier than usual. Nipples may become more sensitive or darker. Caused by rising hormone levels preparing the body for milk production.
"Morning sickness" (which can occur any time of day). Feeling queasy, aversion to certain smells or foods. Most women don't experience this until 4-6 weeks pregnant (after missed period).
Needing to pee more often than usual. Caused by hCG, increased blood flow to kidneys, and eventually the growing uterus pressing on the bladder.
If you track basal body temperature, temps that stay elevated for 18+ days past ovulation strongly suggest pregnancy. This is because progesterone (which raises BBT) continues to be produced.
If you track BBT: temperatures that stay elevated for 18+ days past ovulation is the most reliable symptom-based indicator of pregnancy. Take a test to confirm!
Symptoms That Are NOT Reliable Early Indicators
These symptoms are often attributed to early pregnancy but are just as common (or more common) with PMS:
- Cramping: Occurs in both pregnancy and pre-period
- Bloating: Very common PMS symptom
- Mood swings: Caused by progesterone in both cases
- Food cravings: Common PMS symptom
- Headaches: Can occur with hormonal changes generally
- Acne: Hormonal—not pregnancy-specific
Basically, if progesterone causes it, it can't tell you whether you're pregnant. Both pregnancy and a non-pregnant luteal phase involve high progesterone.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Earliest reliable testing: 12 DPO with a sensitive test (First Response Early Result detects lower hCG levels than most).
Most reliable testing: Day of expected period or later. By this point, hCG is usually high enough for a clear positive if pregnant.
If negative but no period: Wait 2-3 days and retest. Late ovulation is common and may delay both your period and a positive test.
Calculate When to Test
Our due date calculator can also tell you when to expect your period and when to test.
Due Date Calculator →The Bottom Line
We know symptom-spotting is tempting—and nearly impossible to avoid during the TWW. But here's the reality:
- Most "symptoms" before your missed period are indistinguishable from PMS
- The only reliable way to know is a pregnancy test
- Symptoms caused by hCG (true pregnancy symptoms) don't usually start until around the time of your expected period
- Implantation bleeding is the most distinctive early sign, but only 25% of pregnant women experience it
- Sustained high BBT (18+ days) is a reliable indicator if you're tracking
Try to stay busy during the TWW. Symptom-analyzing will drive you crazy and won't give you answers. Wait until at least 12 DPO to test, ideally the day of your expected period—and trust the test over your symptoms.