Pregnancy FAQs

When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start?

Most people start to notice early pregnancy symptoms about 1 to 2 weeks after conception, but this can vary.

Once the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus (called implantation), your body begins making a hormone called hCG. As hCG rises, you may feel tired, have sore breasts, mild cramps, or feel a little nauseous.

These signs usually show up around the time your next period is due. Some notice them earlier, others a bit later.

Is Constipation A Sign Of Pregnancy?

Constipation can be an early sign of pregnancy, but it’s not a sure one.

After the embryo attaches to the uterus (about 6–12 days after conception), hormone changes—especially rising progesterone—can slow down digestion. This may cause harder stools and make it harder to go.

Many people notice constipation early in pregnancy, but it can also happen for other reasons, so it’s not a reliable way to know for sure.

When Do Pregnancy Cravings Start?

Food cravings often start between weeks 10 and 14 of pregnancy, but the timing can be different for everyone.

As pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone increase, they can change how you taste, smell, and feel hunger. That’s why some people crave certain foods. These changes usually happen near the end of the first trimester, but cravings can start earlier or later depending on your body.

When Do You Start Showing Pregnancy?

Most people start to show a baby bump between 12 and 16 weeks of pregnancy, but it can vary.

Around 12 weeks, the growing uterus begins to push the belly forward. How soon you show depends on your body type, muscle tone, and if you've been pregnant before. First-time moms may show later, while those in a second or later pregnancy may show earlier.

When Does Nausea Start In Pregnancy?

Nausea, often called “morning sickness,” usually starts around 4 to 6 weeks into pregnancy, but it can vary.

As pregnancy hormones like hCG and progesterone rise, they can upset your stomach and slow digestion. This may cause queasiness at any time of day. Symptoms often peak around week 9, but some people feel sick earlier or later depending on their body.

How Soon Can You Take A Pregnancy Test?

You can take most home pregnancy tests on the day your period is due. Some extra-sensitive tests may work up to 6 days earlier.

These tests look for a hormone called hCG, which your body starts making after the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus—usually 6 to 12 days after conception. By the time your period is due, most tests can detect it in your urine.

How Accurate Are Pregnancy Tests?

Most home pregnancy tests are over 99% accurate when used on or after the day your period is due.

They work by detecting hCG, a hormone made after the embryo attaches to the uterus. Testing too early can lead to false negatives because hCG levels may still be too low. False positives are rare but can happen with certain medications or medical conditions. For best results, follow the instructions carefully and test at the right time.

Can Twins Cause A False Negative Pregnancy Test?

No, having twins does not cause a false negative on a pregnancy test.

When you're pregnant with twins, your body makes more hCG, the hormone pregnancy tests look for. This usually makes a positive result even more likely. False negatives are more common when testing too early or with diluted urine—not because of twins.

Do Pregnancy Tests Expire?

Yes, pregnancy tests can expire—and using one past its date may give you the wrong result.

Tests have special chemicals that react to the pregnancy hormone hCG. Over time, these chemicals can weaken. An expired test might not show a line even if you're pregnant, or it could show a faint line by mistake. Always check the expiration date on the box or wrapper before using.

Can A Pregnancy Test Be Wrong?

Yes, home pregnancy tests can sometimes be wrong.

A false negative can happen if you test too early or if your urine is too diluted. That’s because the pregnancy hormone (hCG) may not be high enough to detect yet.
False positives are rare but can happen if you're taking certain fertility medications or have a medical condition that raises hCG levels.

For the most accurate result, follow the instructions and test after your missed period.

How Many Weeks Is A Pregnancy?

A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, starting from the first day of your last period—even though conception usually happens around week 2.

That means pregnancy is about 38 weeks from when sperm meets egg.
It’s divided into three parts:

• First trimester: Weeks 1–13

• Second trimester: Weeks 14–27

• Third trimester: Weeks 28–40

When Does Ectopic Pregnancy Pain Start?

Ectopic pregnancy pain usually starts around 6 to 8 weeks after your last period, but it can vary.

An ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. As it grows, you might feel sharp or dull pain on one side of your lower belly. Some people also have light spotting. Pain may start earlier or later depending on where the embryo implants.

How Long Does Spotting Last In Early Pregnancy?

Spotting in early pregnancy usually lasts 1 to 3 days, but it can be as short as a few hours or last up to a week.

It often happens when the embryo attaches to the uterus, about 6 to 12 days after fertilization. This light bleeding is usually pink or brown and much lighter than a period. Most people notice it for just a couple of days, and it's not as heavy as a regular period.

What Does The First Trimester Feel Like?

Fatigue, nausea, sore breasts, and mood swings are common in the first trimester, but every pregnancy is different.

From weeks 1 to 13, rising hormones can make you feel very tired, bloated, or sick to your stomach. You might also notice breast tenderness or need to pee more often. Mood changes are normal, too—your body is working hard to support the growing baby, and it affects everyone differently.