Not having your period is not the only sign that can tell you that you are pregnant. There are several other pregnancy symptoms that appear before your missed period arrives. If you’re trying to conceive, pay attention to these early pregnancy symptoms until a week or two before you expect to have your period.
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1. Morning sickness.
Most pregnant women say that nausea can occur at any time of the day. So, morning sickness does not occur exclusively in the morning, despite its name. This nausea can also be one of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy that occurs before a missed period.
A few weeks after conception, your body begins to produce more estrogen and progesterone, leading to nausea or vomiting. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), morning sickness disappears after the first trimester for some women, while others experience it throughout their pregnancy.
2. Fatigue.
We can all feel a bit tired and exhausted if we don’t take proper care of ourselves. However, one of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy is extreme fatigue or exhaustion. In this case, activities that have never exhausted you before may make you too tired, and you may want to get a lot of sleep even if you’ve already slept between 7 and 9 hours.
During pregnancy the body produces more blood to support the development of the baby, which can cause fatigue and increase the need for nutrients. These early symptoms generally last until the first trimester and can be relieved by resting, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and drinking plenty of fluids.
3. Breast changes.
In the first few weeks of pregnancy, your breasts may become heavier, more tender, and they may swell and feel sore. Some women experience this symptom before their period, so it can be mistaken for PMS.
However, one thing that happens during the first few weeks of pregnancy that doesn’t happen during a regular menstrual cycle could give you clues. This is if your areolas, the circles of pigmented skin that surround your nipples, darken or even enlarge.
4. Stained.
Some women experience spotting as an early sign of pregnancy. Small amounts of light pink or brown blood may appear about a week before your expected period date.
This type of spotting is called implantation bleeding. As the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, it can cause irritation and minor bleeding. This is sometimes mistaken for a period, but the spots are usually much lighter than a regular period.
5. Colic.
Another sign of early pregnancy that can be mistaken for PMS or a regular period is colic. During pregnancy, blood flow increases throughout the body. Increased blood flow in the uterus can cause colic. These cramps are usually mild, but if they become severe enough to affect your daily routine, you should see your doctor.
Many women experience similar cramps just before their regular menstrual period, but this is also one of the common early symptoms of pregnancy. So, if you have cramps (or the spots mentioned above), don’t give up hope that you’re pregnant just yet.
6. Changes in food preferences.
Weird food cravings are a staple cliché on TV and movies about pregnant women. However, that stereotype has its roots in reality.
Many pregnant women develop food cravings or aversions a few weeks after conception. In this case, you may want to eat things that you don’t usually eat. And suddenly your favorite foods can make you feel nauseous. Or you can lose your appetite altogether.
7. Sensitivity to odors.
For some women, pregnancy causes their sense of smell to race. Overreactions to certain odors can be related to morning sickness and food preferences. Scents that are not very strong to other people can be very pungent and unpleasant for a pregnant woman.
8. Frequent urination.
The fact that the baby is pressing on the bladder in the third trimester is not the only thing that can cause frequent urination during pregnancy. After conception, the kidneys begin to work harder to filter the increased blood flow, causing the need to urinate more frequently. This symptom can start just before your missed period.
9. Light dizziness.
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, you can sometimes feel dizzy or lightheaded. After you get pregnant, your blood vessels dilate to prepare for the increased blood flow, which lowers your blood pressure and creates that dizzy feeling.