Wondering if you could be pregnant before your period even arrives? You’re certainly not alone. Many women pick up on subtle changes in their bodies weeks before their missed period. While only a pregnancy test will provide a surefire answer, some early symptoms might suggest that something is brewing. Here’s the 12 Early Signs You Might Be Pregnant, these are the most common early symptoms, and a few might surprise you.
1. Fatigue You Can’t Shake
Catching a snooze before dinner or pressing snooze five times in the morning? That unexpected fatigue may be one of the first signs. Increased progesterone levels will make you feel more tired than usual, as your body is laboring behind the scenes to get ready in case of a pregnancy.
2. Morning Sickness or Nausea
It’s an old symptom for a reason. Nausea—occasionally accompanied by vomiting, occasionally not—may occur just days after you conceive. And contrary to its nickname, it doesn’t necessarily hit in the morning. If you’re feeling yucky without virus symptoms (such as a fever or stomach ailment), pregnancy could be the culprit.
3. Breast Tenderness or Changes
Tenderness, swelling, pins and needles, your breasts could be where you first experience a difference. Your breasts may feel more sensitive due to hormones, and you can observe areola darkening or more prominent veins. These changes are your body’s initial preparation for lactation.
4. Spotting or Light Bleeding
Some mild bleeding, known as implantation spotting is possible when a fertilized egg implants in your uterine lining. It is typically light and temporary, appearing pink, red, or brown. But persistent, heavy, or abnormal bleeding should be discussed with a health professional.
5. Cramping (Without a Period)
Mild cramping at the time of your expected period may have you puzzled. These may resemble period cramps, but tend to be milder and not accompanied by bleeding. They’re commonly triggered by early uterine changes as your body gets used to pregnancy.
6. Mood Swings and Emotional Sensitivity
Bawling over TV commercials? Irritable or anxious for no reason? Changing hormones can cause mood swings that sometimes seem even stronger than PMS. Fatigue and stress can make the highs and lows worse.
7. Food Cravings and Aversions
Suddenly hate coffee? Or have a hankering for salty snacks like never before? Increased sensitivity during early pregnancy may change your tastes and smells. Some think it’s your body’s method of getting you to (or away from) particular nutrients.
8. Increased Urination
Taking more trips to the bathroom than normal, even before your belly starts to show? Changing hormones and extra blood flow to your kidneys may start early, causing you to pee more often.
9. Headaches or Dizziness
Recurring headaches or dizziness are experienced by some women in the initial weeks of pregnancy. The cause of this is usually due to fluctuations in hormones or variations in circulation and blood pressure. Keeping hydrated and adequately rested can alleviate such symptoms.
10. Heightened Sense of Smell
If everyday scents suddenly feel overwhelming, or even nauseating, as it could be another early clue. A stronger sense of smell is a common early sign, and can sometimes lead to nausea or food aversions.
11. Bloating and Constipation
Feeling more bloated than usual or experiencing slower digestion? Hormonal shifts can relax your digestive tract, leading to constipation or a general sense of puffiness, much like PMS, but sometimes more noticeable.
12. Nasal Stuffiness or Nosebleeds
A runny or congested nose during early pregnancy? It’s more frequent than you realize. Changes in hormones and elevated blood flow can lead to swelling of mucous membranes in the nose, causing congestion or even sporadic nosebleeds.
These symptoms can also be caused by other factors such as stress, diet changes, or premenstrual symptoms. But if you’re noticing a few of these signs and your period is late, it might be time to take a home pregnancy test. For the most accurate result, use your first-morning urine and follow the instructions carefully.
If you test positive, make an appointment with your doctor to verify the pregnancy and begin prenatal care. And if something doesn’t feel right, such as heavy bleeding, cramping, or persistent nausea, don’t hesitate to seek medical guidance. Your body sends messages in its unique way. The trick is to learn how to hear them.