While a pregnancy test is the most reliable way to confirm pregnancy, your body often sends out hints long before the two lines appear.
Here are some early pregnancy signs that many women experience in the first few weeks.
Light bleeding
Light bleeding, often known as implantation spotting, can happen around 10 to 14 days after conception.
It’s usually lighter in color than a normal period and lasts only a short time. This can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, easily mistaken for a light menstrual cycle.
Also read: Tips To Boost Your Brainpower and Stay Mentally Sharp Every Day
Missed period
One of the most well-known and reliable indicators of early pregnancy is a missed period.
Once the embryo implants in the uterus, the body begins producing hCG, which prevents the menstrual cycle from continuing.
If your period is more than four weeks late, it might be time to take a test.
Raised body temperature
Slight increases in basal body temperature can be an early sign of pregnancy. This shift happens due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow.
Also read: 8 Powerful Diets That Could Help You Live a Long Life With No Diseases
It’s important to stay hydrated and avoid overheating, especially if you’re exercising or out in hot weather.
Fatigue
A surge in progesterone can make you feel overwhelmingly tired during the early stages of pregnancy.
Your body is working overtime to support the developing embryo, so it’s normal to need more rest.
Make sleep a priority and create a cool, comfortable sleep environment.
Also read: Signs Your Cortisol Levels Might Be Dangerously High
Faster heart rate
Between week 8 and 10 of pregnancy, your heart may start beating faster and harder.
This happens because your blood volume increases significantly, which can put more demand on your heart and sometimes cause palpitations.
It’s part of your body adjusting to pregnancy.
Breast changes
Hormones start affecting your breasts very early on. From week 4 to 6, you may notice tenderness, swelling, or heaviness.
Also read: Say Goodbye To Stress: These Daily Habits Can Help
Later, the areolas may darken and enlarge. Wearing a soft, wireless bra can help ease discomfort during this stage.
Mood swings
The emotional rollercoaster in early pregnancy is very real. Hormonal shifts can make you feel irritable, anxious, tearful, or unusually happy – sometimes all in one day.
While challenging, these mood changes are completely normal and temporary.
Frequent urination
Your body starts producing more blood in early pregnancy, which makes your kidneys work harder and leads to more frequent trips to the bathroom.
Also read: Can feeding allergic foods to kids prevent allergies? Experts weigh in
Hormonal changes also affect your bladder, making it more sensitive. It’s important to stay hydrated despite the frequent urge to pee.
Bloating and constipation
Slower digestion caused by pregnancy hormones can lead to bloating and constipation.
You might feel unusually full or notice your clothes feeling tighter around the waist.
These symptoms are often confused with premenstrual signs but are a normal part of early pregnancy.
Nausea and vomiting
Often referred to as “morning sickness”, nausea can actually strike at any time of day.
It typically starts around week 4 to 6 and peaks at week 9. Keeping your stomach a little full, eating small snacks like crackers, and drinking enough water can ease the symptoms.
Dizziness and low blood pressure
The blood vessels relax and widen during early pregnancy, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure.
As a result, you might feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when standing up quickly. Move slowly and keep hydrated to manage these sensations.
Heightened sense of smell and food aversions
Increased sensitivity to smells is a common early symptom. Strong scents, even those you previously enjoyed, can suddenly make you feel nauseous.
This can also lead to aversions to certain foods, often without warning.
This article is based on information from Healthline.