What Are the Early Signs of Pregnancy?
Week-by-week guide to first trimester symptoms - what is normal, what is concerning, and when to book your first appointment in Singapore.
Week-by-Week First Trimester Timeline
The first trimester runs from week 1 to week 13. Most symptoms are driven by rapidly rising hCG and progesterone levels. Not every woman gets every symptom - some women feel almost nothing, while others feel very unwell.
Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms Explained
| Symptom | When It Starts | Why It Happens | What Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missed period | Week 4-5 | Progesterone prevents uterine lining from shedding | Take a home test; book GP or gynae |
| Breast tenderness | Week 3-6 | Oestrogen and progesterone increase breast tissue | Soft, supportive bra; avoid tight clothing |
| Fatigue | Week 4-6 | Progesterone is sedating; body working hard on placenta | Rest when possible; short naps; go to bed earlier |
| Nausea and vomiting | Week 5-6 | Rising hCG levels; stomach empties more slowly | Small frequent meals; ginger; Vitamin B6 |
| Frequent urination | Week 4-6 | hCG stimulates kidneys; uterus begins pressing on bladder | Stay hydrated; do not restrict fluids |
| Light spotting (implantation) | Week 3-4 | Embryo burrowing into uterine lining causes minor bleeding | Pink or brown; lighter than period; should stop in 1-2 days |
| Food aversions | Week 5-8 | Heightened smell sensitivity; evolutionary protective response | Eat whatever you can tolerate; aversions ease in T2 |
| Bloating and mild cramps | Week 4-6 | Progesterone slows digestion; uterus expanding | Normal if mild; heating pad on low; gentle walking |
Singapore context: Food aversions to hawker food are extremely common - satay, laksa, and durian smells are among the most reported triggers. Many mums find plain rice, toast, and watermelon are easier to manage in the first trimester.
What Is Normal vs What Needs Medical Attention
| Symptom | Normal - Monitor | Seek Help Immediately |
|---|---|---|
| Vaginal bleeding | Light pink or brown spotting for 1-2 days | Bright red bleeding, heavy flow, tissue passing |
| Cramping | Mild, period-like cramps on and off | Severe one-sided pain (may indicate ectopic pregnancy) |
| Nausea | Daily nausea, occasional vomiting | Cannot keep any fluid down for 24 hours; signs of dehydration |
| Abdominal pain | Stretching or round ligament sensation | Sharp, constant one-sided pain with shoulder tip pain |
| Discharge | Clear or white, mild odour increase | Green, yellow, or foul-smelling discharge with irritation |
Ectopic pregnancy warning: Severe one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, and dizziness in early pregnancy requires immediate emergency care. This is a life-threatening condition. Go to A&E immediately - do not wait for a GP appointment.
Taking a Pregnancy Test and Booking Your First Appointment
Home pregnancy tests in Singapore are widely available at Guardian, Watsons, Cold Storage, and even NTUC FairPrice. Most brands are reliable from the first day of a missed period.
Digital Tests (e.g., Clearblue)
- - Show "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant" - no ambiguity
- - Available from S$15-25 per test
- - Can detect from 5 days before missed period (lower accuracy)
- - Best used on first morning urine
Strip Tests (e.g., Careone)
- - Two lines = positive (even faint lines count)
- - Much cheaper: S$1-5 each at Watsons or online
- - Just as accurate from missed period date
- - Good for those who test frequently during TTC
When to Book Your First Appointment
Once you have a positive test, book an appointment with your GP or gynae within 1-2 weeks. Your first visit is usually at week 6-8, when a heartbeat can be confirmed on ultrasound. If you plan to use a polyclinic for shared care, your GP will refer you. If going private, call the clinic directly.