What is the first sign of pregnancy that many women notice?

The first sign of pregnancy that many women notice is often a missed menstruation. This symptom is typically the most recognizable and clear indicator of pregnancy, as it represents a significant change in a woman's regular menstrual cycle. When a woman is pregnant, hormonal changes occur that prevent ovulation and menstruation, leading to this noticeable absence.

While fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness can also be early signs of pregnancy, they tend to vary more significantly among individuals, both in terms of timing and awareness. Some women may experience these symptoms even when they are not pregnant or may not notice them until later in the pregnancy. Conversely, a missed period is a more universally acknowledged signal that prompts women to seek pregnancy testing or medical evaluation, making it the most common first sign recognized in the context of pregnancy.