How do I know if I am pregnant? Recognising the early signs of pregnancy

Name: Mum-to-be Bundle
Brand: Well by Orion Pharma
SKU: 163987
Price: 499.00 SEK
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SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

Tender and swollen breasts, nausea and vomiting are among the most common first signs that a pregnancy has begun. Increased tiredness, a more frequent need to urinate and heartburn can also be early symptoms of pregnancy.

Hormone-sensitive breast tissue reacts to pregnancy by becoming swollen and sore. Nausea and vomiting, in turn, are caused by rising levels of pregnancy hormones in the body.

Maria Tuominen, specialist in gynecology and obstetrics at Terveystalo and Ovumia Fertinova Finland, points out that pregnancy hormone levels vary from woman to woman. In general, the higher the level of pregnancy hormone in the body, the stronger the early pregnancy symptoms may be.

However, not all pregnant women experience symptoms, and there is usually no reason to worry if symptoms do not appear.

“Symptoms can vary greatly from one pregnancy to another, even in the same woman. In twin pregnancies, symptoms are usually stronger than in pregnancies with one baby,” Tuominen says.

Many expectant mothers notice other changes during early pregnancy as well. These may include tiredness, becoming breathless more easily and needing to urinate more often than usual. Constipation and heartburn may also occur.

When should you take a pregnancy test?

It is worth taking a pregnancy test if you may be pregnant and your period is late, or if your menstrual cycle has become unusual.

For most women, symptoms appear during the first couple of weeks of pregnancy. They are often at their strongest around weeks 6 and 7.

The most common early pregnancy symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and swollen or tender breasts. Most expectant mothers experience some early pregnancy symptoms, but not everyone does.

When a pregnancy test shows a positive result, it is a good idea to contact your local maternity clinic without delay for further guidance and follow-up.

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When does pregnancy nausea usually ease?

Early pregnancy refers to the first trimester, which is counted from the first day of the last menstrual period up to week 14 of pregnancy.

“Usually, nausea and vomiting ease noticeably as the pregnancy progresses towards the middle stage. However, this does not always happen,” Tuominen explains.

“It is also important to remember that not all pregnant women have symptoms, and the absence of symptoms is not something to be worried about.”

What can help with pregnancy nausea?

When a woman finds out she is pregnant and the symptoms start to affect everyday life, she may wonder whether there is anything that can help her feel better.

“Pregnancy nausea can often be eased by eating small amounts at a time, but regularly,” Tuominen says.

If vomiting is severe, it is advisable to contact a doctor and ask about treatment options, such as medication for nausea. Self-medication during pregnancy should be approached with great caution.

“For example, pregnant women should not take anti-inflammatory painkillers. In general, it is best to speak with a pharmacist at the pharmacy or call the maternity clinic about any questions related to medicines,” Tuominen advises.

Light spotting and lower abdominal twinges are common

If a small amount of blood appears in underwear after pregnancy has begun, many expectant mothers understandably become worried and wonder whether it could be a sign of miscarriage.

“Light spotting is quite common in early pregnancy and affects around one in five pregnant women. If a miscarriage occurs, the bleeding is usually heavier. During pregnancy, of course, normal menstrual periods do not occur,” Tuominen says.

Many women also experience abdominal discomfort during the first weeks of pregnancy. Most often, this feels like a painful twinge or cramping sensation in the lower abdomen, somewhat similar to the feeling before a period starts. These pains are common and usually ease after the first weeks of pregnancy.

For some women, early pregnancy symptoms may also include headache and dizziness. These are not among the most common symptoms, but women who suffer from migraines may, for example, experience migraine attacks more frequently than usual in early pregnancy.

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Feeling low or unusually emotional?

Can pregnancy symptoms be imagined? Tuominen would not describe them that way.

“There may, of course, be situations where a woman experiences symptoms similar to those of early pregnancy. A stomach virus or strong PMS symptoms can sometimes resemble early pregnancy symptoms,” she says.

Because every woman is different, the signs of pregnancy can also vary. One person may feel nauseous because of strong smells, while another may feel low or unusually lacking in energy.

“Depression is not one of the most typical symptoms in early pregnancy. However, if a low or dark mood continues for several weeks, the woman should definitely contact the maternity clinic to get support and someone to talk to,” Tuominen says.

Pregnancy nausea does not harm the baby

Many expectant mothers worry about the
baby’s wellbeing, especially if they are experiencing severe nausea and vomiting. It is common to wonder whether feeling so unwell can affect the baby’s growth. According to the specialist, it does not.

“The expectant mother’s body has nutritional reserves that the baby can use through the placenta,” Tuominen explains.

“Severe vomiting can, however, cause dehydration in the mother, so it is important to keep taking in fluids regularly. The maternity clinic should be contacted if even fluids do not stay down.”

Eat what feels manageable, as long as it is safe

What advice would Tuominen give to expectant mothers who crave certain foods while finding others unpleasant or even impossible to eat?

“I advise pregnant women to eat any safe foods that make them feel good and that they are able to keep down,” Tuominen says.

“Early pregnancy is such a short period that, from the baby’s development perspective, it would not really matter even if the expectant mother ate only ice cream during that time.”

Key things to remember

The most common early pregnancy symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and swollen or tender breasts.
It is worth taking a pregnancy test if you may be pregnant and your period is late, or if your menstrual cycle has become unusual.
For most women, symptoms appear during the first couple of weeks of pregnancy, and they are often strongest around weeks 6 and 7.
Most expectant mothers experience some early pregnancy symptoms, but not everyone does.
When a pregnancy test is positive, it is good to contact your local maternity clinic without delay.

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How do I know if I am pregnant? Recognising the early signs of pregnancy

When should you take a pregnancy test?

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