Pregnancy Symptoms & Early Pregnancy Symptoms: A Complete Guide for Melbourne Mums
- Alana Taylor
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
So, you’re wondering: “Am I pregnant?” You’re not alone. Thousands of Melbourne mums-to-be Google “early pregnancy symptoms” or “pregnancy signs before missed period” every month. For many women, the early weeks are filled with excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of “is this normal?” moments.
From tender breasts to fatigue, nausea, or even strange cravings, every pregnancy is unique. And while home pregnancy tests are the most reliable early confirmation, your body often sends signals before the test even turns positive.
As a maternity, newborn and baby photographer Clyde, I’ve met countless families from Cranbourne, Berwick, Pakenham, Officer, Narre Warren, Frankston, and the Mornington Peninsula. Many share their stories of how they first suspected they were pregnant — sometimes weeks before a test confirmed it.
This blog will walk you through the most common early pregnancy symptoms, what they mean, when to test, and what to do next. And because this stage is the very beginning of a life-changing journey, I’ll also share why now is the perfect time to start planning for maternity and newborn photography.
When Do Early Pregnancy Symptoms Start?
Pregnancy symptoms can appear as early as 1–2 weeks after conception, though most women notice changes around the time of a missed period.
It’s why so many mums search phrases like “how early do pregnancy symptoms start” and “pregnancy symptoms before missed period.” Every woman’s experience is different, but knowing the possible signs can help you feel more prepared and reassured in those early days.
Early Pregnancy Signs You May Notice
1. Missed Period
The most obvious sign — but it’s not always definitive. Stress, weight changes, or medical conditions can also affect cycles.
2. Nausea & Morning Sickness
Despite the name, nausea can strike at any time of day. Around 70% of women experience this, usually starting around 6 weeks.
3. Tender or Swollen Breasts
Hormonal changes can make breasts feel sore, heavy, or tingly — often one of the first signs mums in Cranbourne and Berwick report.
4. Fatigue
Suddenly exhausted? Increased progesterone can leave you feeling drained.
5. Frequent Urination
If you’re waking more often at night, your hormones (and increased blood flow to the kidneys) could be to blame.
6. Food Aversions or Cravings
Some mums crave pickles and ice cream, others can’t stand their morning coffee. Both are completely normal.
7. Bloating
Similar to premenstrual bloating, but often longer lasting.
8. Mood Swings
Hormones can make emotions swing from excitement to tears in minutes.
9. Cramping & Spotting
Some women experience implantation bleeding (light pink/brown spotting) when the fertilised egg attaches to the uterus.
10. Heightened Sense of Smell
Noticed strong reactions to odours? This is a quirky but common symptom.
Taking a Pregnancy Test: When & How
Home pregnancy tests detect hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone produced during pregnancy.
Best time to test: first morning urine, on the day of your missed period or later.
Some tests claim to detect earlier, but accuracy improves with time.
It’s no wonder many mums find themselves Googling “how soon can I take a pregnancy test” or "Early Pregnancy Symptoms" or even “pregnancy test accuracy” in the early days of wondering if they might be expecting.
While home pregnancy tests are widely available and easy to use, the timing makes all the difference. Testing too early can sometimes give a false negative because your body hasn’t yet produced enough hCG (the pregnancy hormone) to be detected.
Waiting until the day of your missed period — or even a few days after — usually gives the most reliable results, helping you feel confident about the outcome.
What to Do After a Positive Test
Book a GP appointment to confirm pregnancy and organise early bloodwork.
Start prenatal vitamins (if you haven’t already).
Plan for the months ahead — from baby shopping to maternity photos.
Local Connection: Pregnancy in Melbourne’s South East
Expecting mums often ask about the best local resources to support them through pregnancy and early parenthood. Many turn to their GP clinics for confirmation tests, access maternal and child health services through their local councils, attend antenatal care at hospitals such as Casey, Frankston or Monash, and join local mums’ groups or online communities to find support and connection.
GP clinics for confirmation tests.
Maternal child health services through local councils.
Hospitals like Casey, Frankston, or Monash for antenatal care.
Local Facebook mums’ groups for support and community.
Why Maternity Pregnancy Photos Matter So Much at This Stage
Pregnancy often feels like it stretches on forever, every week marked by new changes and endless anticipation. But in reality, it’s such a fleeting season. The early weeks soon shift into a growing bump, then the whirlwind of bringing your baby home, and before you know it, you’re planning their very first birthday cake smash and planning their First Birthday Party.
At Alana Taylor Photography in Clyde, I offer:
Maternity Photography Sessions to capture your glow (often around 30–34 weeks).
Newborn Photography Session within the first 2 weeks of birth.
Baby and Family Photography Session photos at 3, 6, and 12 months.
Cake smash Photography sessions to celebrate their first year.
Pregnancy may feel long while you’re in it, but in reality, it’s fleeting. The early weeks quickly turn into a growing bump, then a newborn in your arms, and before you know it, you’re planning their first birthday cake smash.
At Alana Taylor Photography, I offer a complete journey of Photography Sessions to capture every stage: Pregnancy Photos Cranbourne Melbourne around 30–34 weeks to celebrate your glow, Newborn BabyPhotoshoots Berwick in the first two weeks of life, baby and family milestone sessions at 3, 6, and 12 months, and of course, Smash Cake First Birthday Photos to mark that exciting first birthday. Each one is designed to freeze those fleeting moments and create memories you’ll cherish forever.
FAQs
1. Can early pregnancy symptoms feel like PMS?
Yes — many symptoms overlap, like bloating, mood swings, or cramps.
2. Can you have no symptoms at all?
Absolutely. Some women feel fine until later in the first trimester.
3. Is spotting normal in early pregnancy?
Light spotting can be implantation, but always check with your GP if you’re unsure.
4. How soon should I book a Maternity Photographer?
Many mums book their session in the second trimester to secure dates — especially in busy suburbs like Cranbourne and Berwick.
Why Your Pregnancy Story Deserves to Be Captured - Maternity Photography Melbourne
Every pregnancy journey begins with a question: “Am I?” From missed periods to tender breasts, nausea, cravings, and everything in between, these early pregnancy signs are your body’s way of preparing for the months ahead.
And while Google can help with information, nothing replaces the memories you’ll want to capture along the way.
Let me capture your journey — from the first flutters of pregnancy to the tiny newborn cuddles and all the milestones that follow. The symptoms, the sleepless nights, and even the overwhelming moments will eventually fade, but the photos and memories we create together will remain, telling the story of your family for generations to come.
Alana Taylor Photography is a specialist in newborn, baby, maternity and cake smash and family photography frankston melbourne, with a boutique studio based in Clyde. With over 15 years of experience, I’ve become one of Melbourne’s most sought-after photographers, known for my patience, creativity, and warm approach. Every session is designed to be relaxed and enjoyable, resulting in beautiful images that families treasure for a lifetime.
