Early Pregnancy Symptoms and What to Do First
கர்ப்பத்தின் ஆரம்ப அறிகுறிகள் · கர்ப்பப் பரிசோதனைA missed period is often the first sign, but nausea, tender breasts and tiredness are common too. Here are the usual signs, when to test, what to do in the first weeks and the signs that need urgent care.
Common early signs of pregnancy
- a missed period
- nausea or vomiting, usually from about 6 weeks
- tender or swollen breasts
- unusual tiredness
- passing urine more often
- dislike of foods you used to enjoy
- mild cramps or very light spotting
These signs can also have other causes, and some women have none, so only a test confirms pregnancy.
When to take a pregnancy test
A home urine test is reliable from the day your period was due. The first urine of the morning gives the clearest result. If it is negative and your period still does not come, repeat it after a week. Your doctor can confirm the pregnancy and check its position and heartbeat with an ultrasound scan, usually at about 6 to 8 weeks.
Know your due date: use our free pregnancy due date calculator.
What to do in the first weeks
- Book your first antenatal visit as soon as the test is positive, ideally in the first trimester.
- Take folic acid as your doctor advises, ideally from before you conceive.
- Stop tobacco, pan, gutkha and alcohol completely.
- Do not take any medicine, including traditional or herbal medicines, without asking your doctor.
- Eat balanced home-cooked meals, drink enough water and rest well.
See our guide to food and care in early pregnancy and antenatal care at Abishek Hospital.
Danger signs: get help straight away
Call 97505 11225 or go to the nearest hospital for:
- heavy vaginal bleeding
- severe pain on one side of the tummy, or pain at the tip of the shoulder
- fainting or severe dizziness
- vomiting so much that you cannot keep water down
- fever or burning while passing urine
Emergency care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In a life-threatening emergency dial 108 or 112 for an ambulance.
Care at Abishek Hospital
Dr. Jayanthi Prabakaran, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Abishek Hospital, Erode Fort, sees women for pregnancy care from the first visit to delivery. Message us on WhatsApp or call 97505 11225 to book. Clinic hours are Mon – Sat, 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM, and emergency care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. About the doctor.
This guide is general information to help you decide when to seek care. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Related videos from our YouTube channel
Videos are general health education, not a replacement for a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I feel pregnancy symptoms before a missed period?
Is light spotting normal in early pregnancy?
How soon should I see a doctor after a positive test?
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