Every woman is different. Hence, the signs of pregnancy differ in each woman. Some women are lucky enough not to experience symptoms even though they’re pregnant. Others are weighed down with symptoms that feel like they’re about to die. However, signs of pregnancy are also similar to signs of menstruation. So you may not know you’re pregnant even if your body is going through some changes. So the surest way to know you’re pregnant is by doing some tests.
That being said, there are several signs of early pregnancy that you may or may not have. Let’s take a look at them in the next segment.
Table of Content hide 1Signs of pregnancy before missed period 1.1Sore or sensitive breasts 1.2Darkening areolas 1.3Nausea 1.4Cervical mucus 1.5Fatigue 1.6Frequent urination 1.7Bloating 1.8Implantation bleeding 1.9Basal Body Temperature (BBT) 210 signs of pregnancy 2.1Missed period 2.2Food cravings, constant hunger, and food aversions 2.3Metallic taste in your mouth 2.4Headaches and dizziness 2.5Cramping 2.6Mood swings 2.7Congestion 2.8Acne or skin changes 2.9Back pain 2.10Constipation or diarrheaSigns of pregnancy before missed period
Missing your period is one of the surest signs that you’re pregnant. However, other signs come before not seeing your period. Below are 9 early signs of pregnancy before missed period:
Sore or sensitive breasts
Your breasts may feel sore or tender to the touch. You may also feel they’re fuller or heavier than normal. This is because progesterone levels in your body have increased. You may continue to experience this symptom throughout your pregnancy or after the first few weeks.
Darkening areolas
Areolas are the area around your nipples. They may darken as early as one to two weeks after conception and is often the first sign of pregnancy.
Nausea
Nausea, or what many women know as morning sickness, usually starts between the fourth and sixth weeks of pregnancy. However, you may experience it before then. Some women experience more severe queasiness than others.
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Cervical mucus
Another sign of pregnancy is you may notice a change or increase in vaginal discharge in early pregnancy. In your first trimester, you may secrete sticky, white, or pale yellow mucus. This is due to increased hormones and vaginal blood flow, which will likely continue throughout your pregnancy as your cervix softens.
Fatigue
Fatigue happens when your hormones change due to pregnancy. Here, your blood sugar and blood pressure levels are lower.
Frequent urination
Brace yourself to be peeing all the time. When you’re pregnant, your body increases the amount of blood it pumps, resulting in the kidneys processing more fluid than usual. So there will be more fluid in your bladder. This happens as early as two weeks after conception. But some women don’t experience it until their second or third trimesters.
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Bloating
If your stomach feels bloated, it may signify that you’re pregnant. Your digestive system can slow down because of hormonal changes resulting in bloating, constipation, and gas.
Implantation bleeding
Implantation bleeding is also called spotting. You may experience light bleeding for about 10 to 14 days after conception. It usually happens a week after you miss your period, so some women often mistake it for a late period. However, it is usually lighter than your normal period and stops after one or three days.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Your BBT is your temperature when you’re fully at rest, and it is usually taken first thing in the morning after you wake up from sleep. A rise in basal body temperature for 18 days following ovulation may mean you’re pregnant. However, you will know only if you’ve been tracking your BBT during your menstrual cycle.
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10 signs of pregnancy
Now that you know the signs of pregnancy before missing your period, the following are 10 other signs of pregnancy you should look out for:
Missed period
As previously stated, missing your period is one of the surest ways of knowing that you’re pregnant. You may be pregnant if you’re in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without the start of an expected menstrual cycle. This is when your body produces hormones that stop ovulation and the shedding of the lining of your uterus. So you will not experience any period until your baby is born. Note that this sign can also be misleading, especially if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.
Food cravings, constant hunger, and food aversions
This sign can be complicated for women. Some women will discover they’re craving some certain food. Other women will turn into overnight gluttons. They can eat anything, including their slippers, while some women will lose their appetites completely. Food for them represents poison.
Metallic taste in your mouth
Some women complain of feeling they have a pile of coins in their mouths due to the changes in their sense of taste. A metallic taste in the mouth is a common sign of early pregnancy which usually stops when you reach your second trimester.
Headaches and dizziness
Headaches and dizziness are common in early pregnancy. This is due to the hormonal changes in your body and your increasing blood volume.
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Cramping
You may experience mild, period-like cramps that come and go over a few days. Note that if you’re experiencing cramping on one side of your body or it is severe, contact your doctor. It may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy.
Mood swings
Experiencing mood swings is normal throughout your pregnancy. This is because your hormones are constantly changing. But if you ever feel anxious, depressed, or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your health care provider.
Congestion
Some women experience stuffy or what Nigerians call runny nose in their early pregnancy. It is due to the increase in hormone levels and blood. Here, the mucous membranes in your nose become dry and are more likely to bleed.
Acne or skin changes
Blame increased hormones and blood volume if you’re experiencing any skin changes. While some pregnant women experience a glow that makes them more beautiful than before, others look like disgruntled witches.
Back pain
Some women experience back pain during early pregnancy while others don’t.
Constipation or diarrhea
Some women experience higher levels of the hormone progesterone, which can lead to constipation, while some women will find themselves frequently pooing as their progesterone goes lower. Progesterone causes food to pass more slowly through your intestines. If you’re constipated, drink plenty of water, exercise, and eat plenty of high-fiber foods. If you have diarrhea, rest, drink plenty of water to replace the fluids you’ve lost, and eat bland foods such as bread, bananas, or any carbohydrates. Reduce or avoid dairy foods, sugar, and vegetables as triggers.
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