Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 30 Apr 2023
The signs of pregnancy can be different for each person and can show up before a missed period. The most common and clear sign of pregnancy is a missed period, but there are other early signs that can help you figure out if you might be pregnant. In this piece, we'll talk about some of the early signs of pregnancy that might show up before you miss your period. These signs can help you figure out if your body is going through some big changes.
Breasts that are sore, painful, or swollen can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. Hormonal changes in the early stages of pregnancy can make breast tissue more sensitive, which can make it sore or uncomfortable.
Another early sign of pregnancy is feeling tired or worn out for no reason. When you are first pregnant, the rise in progesterone can make you feel more tired than normal. Your body is also working hard to support the growth of a new life, which can make you feel tired.
Mild cramps like those you get when you have your period can also be an early sign of pregnancy. These cramps, called "implantation cramps," happen when the fertilised egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, which usually happens 6–12 days after conception.
Before a woman misses her period, she may have light spots or bleeding. This is called implantation bleeding. This bleeding is generally lighter in colour and flow than normal menstrual bleeding. It happens when the fertilised egg implants in the lining of the uterus.
Having a stronger sense of taste or smell is another early sign that you might be pregnant. Changes in your hormones can make you more alert to different tastes and smells, which can make you dislike or want certain foods.
Mood swings are normal during pregnancy, and they can start before you even miss your period. When a woman is first pregnant, her hormones can change, which can cause mood swings, irritability, or feelings of worry.
An early sign of pregnancy can be a rise in basal body temperature (BBT). Your BBT is your body's coolest temperature at rest, which is generally measured right after you wake up. A possible sign of pregnancy is a steady rise in BBT for more than two weeks after ovulation.
Having to go to the toilet more often can be a sign of pregnancy before a missed period. During pregnancy, the rise in blood volume and changes in hormones can make the kidneys work better, which can lead to more urine being made.
Even before you miss your period, these early signs of pregnancy can give you a good idea of whether or not you might be pregnant. Remember that these signs can also be caused by other things, and the only way to know for sure if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test or see your doctor. If you think you might be pregnant, watch for signs and think about taking a test after you haven't had your period for a more accurate result.
