Early Pregnancy Signs: How Early Can You Test?
Understanding Ovulation First
A big question I get all the time is “How early can I take a pregnancy test?” Before we can talk about pregnancy tests, we need to quickly review ovulation because that’s where it all begins.
What Happens During Ovulation?
Every month, your ovary chooses one egg to ovulate. At the start of your cycle, a whole group of eggs comes out of what I like to call “the vault.” These eggs are each in a follicle, and you’ll hear me use those words—egg and follicle—interchangeably.
Your brain sends out FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to get one of these follicles to grow. As it grows, it makes more estrogen. A tiny, immature egg makes about 1 picogram of estrogen, while a mature egg produces around 200 picograms. Huge difference!
Signs of High Estrogen
When your estrogen levels get high—closer to ovulation—you might feel:
More energetic
A higher libido
Increased cervical mucus
Your body is trying to help you get pregnant.
The LH Surge & Release
High estrogen levels maintained for about 50 hours tells your brain that the egg is ready. That’s when LH (luteinizing hormone) surges—and this is what ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) detect.
About 24–36 hours later, the follicle ruptures and the egg is released. Fun fact: the egg actually gets released into your abdominal cavity and then the fallopian tube sucks it in—they’re not directly connected.
What Happens After Ovulation?
Fertilization
Once in the tube, the egg has 24 hours to meet sperm. Fertilization happens in the fallopian tube—not the uterus. Then the fertilized egg (now an embryo) starts dividing and developing for 5–6 days before reaching the uterus.
The Corpus Luteum & Progesterone
Back in the ovary, the leftover follicle becomes a cyst called the corpus luteum. This cyst now makes progesterone in pulses, triggered by pulses of LH from the brain.
Typical luteal phase symptoms from progesterone include:
Bloating
Sleepiness
Brain fog
Hunger
GI discomfort
Sore breasts
But these symptoms aren’t usually super intense because progesterone is rising and falling—not constantly elevated.
Implantation: When Pregnancy Begins
Once the embryo becomes a blastocyst and reaches the uterus, it needs to implant. Implantation is when the embryo starts burrowing into the uterine lining (the endometrium), forming a connection to your blood supply. This is the point when HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)—the pregnancy hormone—starts being produced.
Spotting & Cramping
This process of implantation can cause:
Light spotting
Mild cramping
It can be mistaken for your period, but if the spotting is lighter, thinner, or different than your usual period, take note.
When Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?
The earliest that most people can detect pregnancy is 8–10 days after ovulation, though it’s best to wait until two weeks after ovulation or if you’ve missed your period.
A urine pregnancy test (home test) detects HCG in your pee. Keep in mind:
HCG levels depend on how hydrated you are
Even a faint line is positive
Line darkness does not indicate hormone level like OPKs
If the test is positive, congratulations! Call your OB/GYN to set up an appointment. If you’re working with a fertility clinic, we’ll usually check your blood levels of HCG and make sure they double every 48 hours—another sign of a healthy pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms to Watch For
After implantation and HCG starts to rise, you might begin to notice:
Breast tenderness or fullness
Bloating
Sensitivity to smells
Nausea or loss of appetite
Light spotting or cramping
Missing your period
For me personally, my earliest sign was always sensitivity to smells. I’ve had miscarriages and also two beautiful living children, and that smell sensitivity always clued me in to take an early pregnancy test.
If your period is late—or if you’re tracking ovulation and it’s been over a week—consider taking a test. Knowing early helps you make important choices for your health and your baby.
