Early Pregnancy Signs: When Can You Tell?

Question
Hi Brenda,

My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for a little while, but we both travel for work, so its been a bit uphill.  I had my period on Oct 29 and 30. Then, we were together last weekend (Nov 2 to 4), and I took an ovulation test on the 5th, which was positive.  So, I am guessing it is possible.  I have really irregular periods (some are only a week and a half, some as long as 7 weeks), so its really hard for me to know when to take a test.  I have really sore nipples, starting yesterday and woke up last night around 3AM sick to my stomach.  I have been gassy and nauseas all day.  I am thinking that I might just be sick or something, but I am of course hoping I am pregnant.  Do you think these could be early signs?  How soon can I expect a test to work?  Any guidance would be really appreciated.

Answer
Dear Rachael,

The symptoms you describe are hormonal in nature and can also be related to hormone fluctuations within your cycle. That is why it so difficult to "diagnose" a pregnancy based on symptoms alone.

You will need to test for pregnancy to know for sure. Although some tests claim accuracy on the first day of a missed period, I usually suggest that women wait until the week after a missed or spotty period before testing for pregnancy. This tends to minimize the incidence of false negative results and also avoids wasting money on a test for a simple delay of a period by a few days. Since you have irregular cycles, you won't be able to use the expected period date as a guide but this usually equates out to approximately 3 weeks after a potential conception date. I would wait until the week of 11/26 for the most accuracy. When/if you test make sure to use 1st morning urine to get a concentrated sample for the most accurate results.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda