Early Pregnancy Symptoms

"My period is late this month..." "I've been so tired lately, and I feel nauseous..." This mix of anticipation and anxiety is something many women experience when they first suspect they might be pregnant.

Certain changes in your body can be early signs of pregnancy. This guide will walk you through the most common early pregnancy symptoms in Malaysia, and explain when to use a pregnancy test or visit a Klinik for a blood test to get the most accurate results.

Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Please note: Every body is different. You may not experience all of these symptoms, and having these symptoms doesn't always guarantee a pregnancy.

1. Missed Period (Amenorrhea)

This is the most obvious and well-known sign of pregnancy. If your menstrual cycle is usually regular and it's **late by 7 days or more**, you should have a strong suspicion.

2. Nausea with or without Vomiting

Commonly known as "morning sickness," this symptom often starts around 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. Despite its name, it can happen at any time of the day. You might develop a strong aversion to certain foods or smells (like cooking oil or perfumes).

3. Tender, Swollen Breasts

Your breasts may become very sensitive, sore, or tingly. The areolas (the dark area around the nipple) may also darken. This can feel similar to pre-menstrual breast tenderness, but often more intense.

4. Extreme Fatigue

"I can't seem to stay awake!" This is due to a rapid rise in the hormone progesterone during early pregnancy. This overwhelming tiredness is very common in the first trimester.

5. Frequent Urination

You might find yourself running to the toilet more often, especially at night. This is because pregnancy increases the amount of blood in your body, causing your kidneys to process extra fluid. Your growing uterus also starts to put pressure on your bladder.

6. Heightened Sense of Smell

You might suddenly become a "super-smeller," able to detect faint odors from afar, and usually finding them unpleasant. This is believed to be a side effect of rising estrogen levels.

How to Scientifically Confirm You're Pregnant

If you're experiencing these symptoms, especially a **missed period**, you can confirm your pregnancy in these two ways:

1. Urine Pregnancy Test (UPT)

This is the most convenient and fastest method. You can buy a UPT kit at any *Farmasi* (pharmacy), Watsons, Guardian, or Caring in Malaysia.

When is the best time to use a pregnancy test?

• Best Timing: It's recommended to test **on or after the first day of your missed period**. While some sensitive tests claim to work earlier, testing too soon (e.g., just days after ovulation) may give a "false negative" because your hCG levels aren't high enough yet.
• How many days late to test? For the most accurate result, wait until your period is **7 days late**.
• Best Time of Day: Use your **first-morning urine (FMU)** for the test, as the hCG hormone concentration is highest at this time.

2. Visit a Klinik for a hCG Blood Test

If you want an earlier, more accurate result, or if your UPT is faint, you can go to any Klinik or hospital in Malaysia for a blood test.

• Highest Accuracy: A blood test can detect very low levels of the hCG hormone, making it more sensitive than a urine test.
• How early can it detect pregnancy? A blood test can often detect pregnancy even before your missed period (about 6-8 days after ovulation).
• Confirms Numbers: It doesn't just tell you "yes" or "no." It provides a specific hCG level, which your doctor can use to monitor the health of the pregnancy.

Further Reading