General Practice, by video or in person
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
- A missed period
- Sore, swollen or tender breasts
- Feeling or being sick, at any time of day
- Unusual tiredness
- Needing to pass urine more often, without pain
Most early signs of pregnancy start around 4 to 6 weeks, counted from the first day of the last period. The commonest are a missed period, sore or tender breasts, feeling or being sick at any time of day, unusual tiredness, needing to pass urine more often, and more vaginal discharge without itching or soreness. Some women notice light spotting around the time the period was due, a metallic taste, a dislike of certain smells, food cravings or mood changes. Many of these also happen just before a period, and not everyone has them, so symptoms alone cannot tell you whether you are pregnant. A urine pregnancy test can: most work from the first day of a missed period. If it is positive, book antenatal care early, ideally before 12 weeks, so that the dating scan, the blood tests and a check for risks can be done in good time.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A missed period
- Sore, swollen or tender breasts
- Feeling or being sick, at any time of day
- Unusual tiredness
- Needing to pass urine more often, without pain
- More vaginal discharge, without itching or soreness
- Light spotting around the time the period was due
- A metallic taste, a dislike of certain smells, or food cravings
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if you are or may be pregnant and have sudden severe pain low in the tummy, especially on one side, heavy bleeding, pain in the tip of the shoulder, dizziness or fainting, which can be an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage; or if you are being sick so often that you cannot keep food or fluids down, are passing very little dark urine, or feel dizzy and faint, which can be severe vomiting in pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum) and needs treatment. See a doctor if your test is positive, to plan antenatal care, or if it is negative and your period still has not come after a second test. A doctor can talk you through the result and the next steps by video, check that the medicines you take are safe in pregnancy, and tell you when to book.
Treatment options
- A urine pregnancy test from the first day of a missed period, or three weeks after sex if you are unsure of your dates
- A repeat test a few days later if the first is negative and the period has not come
- Booking antenatal care early, ideally before 12 weeks
- Folic acid as early as possible, and a check that your current medicines are safe in pregnancy
- Small, frequent meals and plenty of fluids for nausea, with treatment from a doctor if vomiting is severe
- An early scan when there is pain, bleeding or a past ectopic pregnancy
Common Questions
Can I have pregnancy symptoms before a missed period?
Some women notice sore breasts, tiredness or light spotting around the time the period is due, but these also happen before a period. A test is more reliable from the first day of the missed period, though some very sensitive tests can show a pregnancy a little earlier.
Is discharge a sign of early pregnancy?
More discharge, thin and without itching, soreness or a bad smell, is common in early pregnancy. Itching with a thick white discharge, a fishy smell or soreness is more likely an infection such as thrush. In pregnancy it is worth seeing a doctor rather than treating yourself, because some treatments are not suitable.
When should I book my first antenatal visit?
As soon as you know you are pregnant, ideally before 12 weeks. Booking early means the dating scan, the blood tests and a check for any risks can be done in time.
Can a doctor help by video?
Yes. A doctor can go through your result and symptoms, check your medicines, and tell you whether you need an early scan or to be seen in person.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified general practice specialist near you.
General Practice in Lagos →General Practice in Abuja →General Practice in Port Harcourt →General Practice in Jos →General Practice in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Signs and symptoms that might mean you're pregnant. NHS. Patient information.
- Doing a pregnancy test. NHS. Patient information.
- Severe vomiting in pregnancy. NHS. Patient information.
- Ectopic pregnancy. NHS. Patient information.
- Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage: diagnosis and initial management (NG126). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 30 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.