How To Know If You’re Pregnant?

Introduction

Each woman’s experience with pregnancy is unique. Some women may have a feeling they’re pregnant as early as the first few weeks of their pregnancy, while others may not realise they are pregnant until they miss their period. Let us understand some of the early signs that may indicate a pregnancy before a missed period. 

Top 10 Common Early Signs of Pregnancy Before a Missed Period

1. Unexplained Weakness

Extreme weariness or exhaustion is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy. Even if you have had 7-9 hours of sleep, activities that have never affected you before may exhaust you. During pregnancy, the body’s increased metabolic demand might cause fatigue and increase your nutritional needs. The fatigue may also be caused by increasing progesterone levels and changes in blood volume¹. This symptom may normally last during the first trimester and may be managed with dietary changes and supplements. However, if the fatigue is severe, it is recommended to get a complete blood count to rule out anaemia and thyroid profile. 

2. Frequent urination

You may notice an increased need to urinate¹, not associated with a foul smell or burning sensation, even before you miss a period. If you experience a burning sensation or a foul smell with urination², you should get a urine routine and culture done to rule out a urinary tract infection. 

3. Food cravings or aversions

In the first few weeks after conception, you may also notice an increased cravings for certain foods. Some women also experience a sudden and increased sensitivity to smells and intense flavours along with food aversions that may or may not persist throughout the pregnancy. If you have severe food aversion with vomiting more than three times a day and weight loss, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum (severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy)³. For a balanced nutritional intake, you should consult a dietician or your gynaecologist. 

4. Tender and swollen breasts

A week before the missed period, you may notice sore, painful, heavy breasts or darkened areolas. The breasts may become sore and painful due to increased oestrogen and progesterone levels after conception⁴. This symptom may also occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle or if you have fibrocystic breast disease, in which case the tenderness may be localised or associated with lumps in the breast tissue. 

5. Elevated basal body temperature

Usually, your temperature rises before ovulation and returns to normal following the menstrual cycle. However, if the basal body temperature remains elevated for a longer time, it may be an early sign of pregnancy⁵. 

6. Dizziness

Lightheadedness or dizziness is an early sign of pregnancy that affects many pregnant women. The discomfort may last for the first trimester and then gradually fade. However, dizziness may also be caused by anaemia or low blood pressure³. So you should get early pregnancy laboratory tests like complete blood count, monitor your blood pressure, and increase hydration to rule out other causes of dizziness. 

7. Change in vaginal discharge

An increase in vaginal discharge, along with a thicker consistency of the discharge, can be an early sign of pregnancy. However, if you experience a stinging sensation, itching, or soreness around the vaginal area along with discharge, you may have a vaginal infection, for which you should get checked by a doctor⁶. Also, a thick discharge is not always pregnancy-related, it could also be due to infection or hormonal changes. 

Always, a pregnancy should be confirmed by a urine test and ultrasound abdomen by your obstetrician.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

8. Cramping

Cramping is a common early pregnancy symptom and is often mistaken for premenstrual cramps or period-related discomfort. In early pregnancy, this cramping is usually mild and caused by increased blood flow to the uterus or implantation. However, it’s important to distinguish implantation cramping from signs of more serious conditions, such as a threatened abortion or ectopic pregnancy⁷. Cramping that is severe, localised to one side, or accompanied by vaginal bleeding can be considered a warning sign and needs immediate medical attention. 

9. Spotting

A week or so before your period is due, you may experience some discomfort and a slight vaginal discharge of light pink or brownish blood. This is called implantation bleeding or spotting, which occurs as the fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining. Spotting may sometimes be mistaken for a period. Spotting may also be experienced in ectopic pregnancies or early miscarriage. Therefore, if spotting is accompanied by pain, dizziness, or heavy bleeding, you should get an ultrasound done⁸. 

10. Bloating

Bloating or stomach cramps are one of the most common pregnancy symptoms before a missed period. Progesterone, which increases in the initial stages of pregnancy, can slow down the movement of the gastrointestinal tract, causing bloating. Bloating can also occur with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but unlike PMS-related bloating, which usually subsides once the period begins, pregnancy-related bloating may persist⁹. 

Certain abdominal or ovarian cysts can sometimes cause symptoms or physical findings, like abdominal bloating or a palpable mass that may be mistaken for early pregnancy or, less commonly, a twin pregnancy. A detailed medical history and a thorough scanning technique are essential to diagnose or rule out pregnancy. 

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D., in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Essential Tips for Early Pregnancy

A home urine pregnancy test might be able to tell you if you are pregnant, but it’s not always 100% reliable¹⁰. To confirm the pregnancy and make sure it is not an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy growing in the fallopian tubes), doctors often recommend an internal ultrasound at around 6 to 7 weeks. In some cases, like if the test result is unclear or if an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, a blood test called beta-hCG can give more accurate information. 

You should see a doctor if you have light bleeding with pain, feel very dizzy or faint, or have ongoing vomiting. It’s also important to get checked if you have a positive pregnancy test with lower tummy pain, or if you notice burning, itching, or unusual discharge from your vagina. These signs may need early medical care to keep you safe and healthy. 

Conclusion 

Many early pregnancy symptoms are similar to premenstrual syndrome or other health conditions, making it difficult to rely on symptoms alone. While these signs may give you clues, they are not diagnostic by themselves. The most reliable way to confirm a pregnancy is by taking a pregnancy test, especially if you’ve missed your period and suspect you might be pregnant. Always consult your gynaecologist for confirmation and further guidance, as early prenatal care plays a vital role in ensuring a healthier pregnancy journey for both mother and baby. 

References

1. Chandra M, Paray AA. Natural Physiological Changes During Pregnancy. Yale J Biol Med. 2024 Mar 29;97(1):85-92. doi: 10.59249/JTIV4138. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38559455/ 
2. Chu CM, Lowder JL. Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections across age groups. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Jul;219(1):40-51. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.12.231. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29305250/
3. Pascual ZN, Langaker MD. Physiology, Pregnancy. [Updated 2023 May 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559304/ 
4. Signs and symptoms of pregnancy [Internet]. NHS. cited 2025, Jun 25. Updated 2022 Dec 29. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/signs-and-symptoms-of-pregnancy/ 
5. Steward K, Raja A. Physiology, Ovulation And Basal Body Temperature. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546686/ 
6. Vaginal discharge in pregnancy [Internet]. NHS. cited 2025, Jun 25. Updated 2024 Apr 17. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vaginal-discharge/
7. Sapra KJ, Buck Louis GM, Sundaram R, Joseph KS, Bates LM, Galea S, Ananth CV. Signs and symptoms associated with early pregnancy loss: findings from a population-based preconception cohort. Hum Reprod. 2016 Apr;31(4):887-96. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dew010. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26936888/
8. Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy Internet]. MedlinePlus. cited 2025, Jun 25. Updated 2024 Mar 31. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003264.htm 
9. Nissen M, Barrios Campo N, Flaucher M, Jaeger KM, Titzmann A, Blunck D, Fasching PA, Engelhardt V, Eskofier BM, Leutheuser H. Prevalence and course of pregnancy symptoms using self-reported pregnancy app symptom tracker data. NPJ Digit Med. 2023 Oct 11;6(1):189. doi: 10.1038/s41746-023-00935-3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37821584/
10. Reitz J, Hartman BC, Chase ME, Krause D, Cates AL. A Case of a Negative Urine Pregnancy Test in a Multiple Gestation Pregnancy. Cureus. 2022 Oct 26;14(10):e30725. doi: 10.7759/cureus.30725. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36447678/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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