May 17, 2025, 9:42 am | Read time: 5 minutes
If you’re currently trying to conceive, you know the feeling: Every change in your body suddenly becomes a potential sign of pregnancy. Is that a twinge in your lower abdomen? Are your breasts really more sensitive than usual? Or is it all just your imagination? Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
We spoke with Dr. Heidi Gößlinghoff, a specialist in gynecology and reproductive medicine. She explains which early symptoms of pregnancy can actually occur, how reliable they are, and when it’s time to take a test.
Overview
These Symptoms Could Indicate Pregnancy
Between “Oh, I’m probably just imagining it” and “I just feel it,” there are often only a few days. In fact, early symptoms of pregnancy can appear as early as three to five days before the expected period. Leading the list: more frequent urination. If you suddenly wake up at night to go to the bathroom, even though that never happened before—feel free to add it to your list of possible signs.
Other Typical Symptoms
- Breast tenderness,
- a slight pulling sensation in the lower abdomen,
- increased reflectiveness or emotional sensitivity
- and for some women, mild nausea.
But beware: All these signs can also have other causes. Therefore, as unspectacular as it may sound, the absence of a period is considered the most classic and reliable early sign of pregnancy.
Nausea Is Not Just Nausea
“I feel sick—am I pregnant?” Unfortunately, it’s not that simple to answer. While nausea (with or without vomiting) is one of the frequently mentioned symptoms of pregnancy, it cannot always be clearly distinguished from other issues like a stomach bug.
Dr. Gößlinghoff explains: “With infections, you generally feel sick overall; with pregnancies, nausea is often the main issue.” So, if your favorite bakery’s croissant suddenly seems repulsive, even though you loved it yesterday, listen to your body.
What to Do Immediately if You Have Pregnancy Symptoms
Smoking? Alcohol? Sushi with raw fish? Please cut them out immediately. Anyone who even slightly suspects they might be pregnant should avoid all potential risks as a precaution—and take folic acid. Ideally, before pregnancy, but at the latest, after a positive test. Many gynecologists recommend special supplements for this time. And, of course, make an appointment with your gynecologist. The sooner, the better.
The Right Time for a Pregnancy Test
If you really want to know, there’s only one thing to do: test. The typical urine quick tests from the drugstore or pharmacy are very precise these days—but also finicky. The test reacts to a certain hormone level in the urine (the so-called beta-HCG). If this level is 9.8 instead of 10 units, the test shows negative—even though you are actually pregnant. A blood test at the doctor’s provides more accurate values, but is, of course, more involved.
Those who are particularly impatient can opt for an early pregnancy test, which can provide a result three days before the missed period. However, there is also the risk of detecting a very early miscarriage—something many women wouldn’t notice without a test. And that can be emotionally challenging.
It sounds incredible, but it’s true: Some women notice their pregnancy quite late—really late. Dr. Gößlinghoff recalls a case where a patient came in for fertility treatment after a vacation. “She hadn’t had a period but felt relaxed. During the ultrasound, she was 23 weeks pregnant—and hadn’t noticed until then.” Not a one-off, though rare.
Ultrasound—When Is the Right Time?
Anyone who is pregnant (or suspects they might be) should seek medical guidance early. An important first check is in the sixth week of pregnancy. It’s not just about seeing the embryo, but mainly about confirming that the pregnancy is in the uterus. Because if it’s mistakenly in the fallopian tube, it can be dangerous. By the eighth week, a rupture can occur, which is life-threatening. So, it’s better to have one too many ultrasounds than one too few.
The Magical Milestones: Heartbeat and Week 12
Two moments in early pregnancy are considered true milestones by gynecologists: the first heartbeat and the twelfth week. Before the heartbeat, much is still uncertain—that’s why Dr. Gößlinghoff advises waiting a bit before joyfully announcing to the family. After week 12, the risk of miscarriage drops significantly. In these first weeks, an incredible amount happens—a tiny cluster of cells becomes a small being with arms, legs, and facial features. For Dr. Gößlinghoff, this is “the most fascinating phase of pregnancy.”
Miscarriage—An Often Overlooked Reality
A topic few like to discuss is miscarriages. They occur more often than many think—especially in the early weeks of pregnancy. For 22-year-old women, the risk is about five percent, rising to around 50 percent by age 46. So if you test early and then experience bleeding, it’s often a very early miscarriage. This can be emotionally taxing—but it doesn’t necessarily mean something was “wrong.”
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Conclusion: Recognizing Pregnancy Symptoms and Staying Calm
Those who know their bodies well often notice early when something is different. Pregnancy symptoms can be very subtle or completely absent. The important thing is to stay calm, not to panic—and if in doubt, test again or consult a doctor. Because in the end, it’s not about how early you know—but how well you handle yourself and your body during this special time.