A woman’s body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. The changes start soon after conception, even before she misses a period and finds out about the pregnancy. If you know your body well, you may notice the first symptoms of pregnancy even before your next menstrual cycle.
Are you keen on knowing if you are pregnant or not? Each woman experiences different pregnancy symptoms differently. Here are 15 pregnancy signs before a missed period, you can look out for:
Fatigue – When you conceive, your body does a lot of extra work to support the pregnancy. This includes an increase in the production of the hormone – progesterone. Your body will also start producing a new hormone – hCG. You will feel more tired than usual. This might resolve around the 12th week of your pregnancy.
Frequent Urination – The increase in hormones and blood supply will increase the fluid content in the body. Your kidneys will work harder to process all the fluid and to avoid a fluid build-up. As a result, you may urinate frequently.
Spotting – Spotting can happen just a couple of days before your period. This is when implantation occurs, and implantation bleeding is quite common and normal. If you notice just a few drops of blood instead of steady blood flow, you could be pregnant and spotting.
Abdominal Cramps – You may experience painful or uncomfortable pain or cramps in your lower abdomen. Many women experience such pain during their menstruation as well. If your abdominal cramps are new, and you feel them just before your next period, it could indicate pregnancy.
Increase in Basal Body Temperature – Basal body temperature is your body’s temperature in the morning, right after you wake up and before you move from bed. Your body is at its most rested phase at this time, and the temperature is at its lowest. Your basal body temperature goes up when you are ovulating and stays higher than usual if you conceive. So, if you have been tracking your basal temperature for ovulation, you can continue tracking it to know if you have successfully conceived.
Change in Cervical Mucus – Just like how the cervical mucus changes when you are at your most fertile period, it will change when you conceive, too. Usually, just before your period, your vaginal discharge will decrease, and it can also be dry for some women. If it is not dry and you continue to have higher than usual vaginal discharge, it could be a sign of pregnancy.
Tender Breasts – When you conceive, your body starts producing the pregnancy hormone – hCG. This, in turn, will trigger your body to make more estrogen and progesterone. An increase in these hormones can cause your breasts to swell or feel sensitive.
Morning Sickness – Many women start experiencing nausea or vomiting even before they miss their period. You can start experiencing this symptom as early as two weeks after conception – which can be just a few days before your next period.
Areolas Change – Areola is the area around your nipples. The pregnancy hormonal changes will make these areolas become darker and even grow as the pregnancy progresses. Some women can notice a small change in the colour even before their next period.
Digestive Issues – You may experience an increase in bloating and constipation after conception. The hormonal fluctuations can disrupt your digestive process and increase the build-up of air and gasses.
Sensitivities – Pregnant women often experience sensitivity to smell and taste. You can start experiencing this soon after conception. You may develop aversions to certain smells and tastes. You may become more sensitive towards certain smells, meaning you can smell them more than others around you. If a mild smell seems to bother you and not anyone else around you, it could be a sign of pregnancy.
Change In Taste Buds – An increase in estrogen as a result of conception can leave a metallic taste in your mouth. No matter what you eat or drink, you may have an aftertaste. This is a common symptom at the beginning of pregnancy and can last longer in some cases.
Mood Swings – A woman goes through mood swings or changes before or during her periods. The hormonal fluctuations can not only affect your emotions but can also leave you tired and irritable. When you conceive, these mood swings can continue or get worse.
Light Headed – The surge in hormones and increase in blood flow when you get pregnant can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. It could also be due to a drop in your blood pressure. If you experience such dizzy spells, ensure someone close to you is aware of it. Avoid rushing around or moving too fast.
Stuffy Nose – Yes, a stuffy nose need not be cold; it could be pregnancy hormones. The hormonal fluctuations can lead to nasal congestion. If you experience congestion or have trouble breathing when you lie down, it could be the pregnancy hormones increasing inside.
The above early pregnancy symptoms may or may not indicate pregnancy. Many women can experience one or more of the above early signs of pregnancy due to other health issues as well. The best way to confirm a pregnancy is your missed period and a clinical blood test. Even if you experience many of the above symptoms and have a positive home pregnancy test, your doctor will confirm pregnancy only after a blood test.
FAQs
1. How do I know if I am pregnant before my period?
Pregnancy can bring about many changes in your body. If you notice changes like tender breasts, an increase in mood swings or vaginal discharge, sensitivity towards smell or taste, etc., it could indicate pregnancy. A blood test can help identify pregnancy before a missed period.
2. How do you know if your period is coming in or if you are pregnant?
You should know your body very well. If your experiences before your periods are different and unlike all the previous months, it could indicate a pregnancy.
3. When do pregnancy symptoms start?
They usually start soon after conception. However, you may start noticing them only after you miss your period or just before your period.
4. Are you pregnant before or after a missed period?
You are pregnant before a missed period. Periods are the release of unfertilized eggs. When the egg fertilizes and implants in the uterus, it does not release or cause your periods.
Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.
