9 signs of early pregnancy
Here's what to know about the early signs of pregnancy, plus when to take a pregnancy test.
Jan, 2026
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Most over-the-counter pregnancy tests are 99 percent effective when you take them after a missed period. But how do you know when to check yourself for pregnancy at home?
Pregnancy symptoms are different for everyone, and as the levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) rise, signs of pregnancy may increase, says Jessica Brown, MD, an OBGYN in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Here are some of the first symptoms of pregnancy, along with ways to ease the discomfort, and the best time to take a pregnancy test.
Written byOlivia DeLong.
Medically reviewed byJoanne Perron, MD.
Sources: Planned Parenthood. Pregnancy Tests. Accessed September 19 + 29
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- Alberta Health Services. Pregnancy: First Trimester. April 30, 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic. Pregnancy Tests. November 28, 2022.
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