Introduction

Each woman’s experience with pregnancy is unique. Some women may realize they’re pregnant as early as the first few weeks of their pregnancy, while others may not detect anything until their period is missed. 

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 received 7-9 hours of sleep, tasks that have never affected you before may exhaust you. During pregnancy, the body’s energy requirement changes, which might cause fatigue and enhance your nutritional needs. This symptom may normally last during the first trimester. However, with adequate change in the nutrition plan, weakness can be managed well in many cases.

Also Read: How To Manage Morning Sickness In Pregnancy?

2. Frequent urination

You may notice an increased need to urinate even before you miss a period. 

3. Food cravings or aversions

During the first few weeks following conception, sudden and increased sensitivity to smells, intense flavours and food aversions develop, which may or may not remain throughout the pregnancy. You may also notice an increased craving for a particular food.

4. Tender and swollen breasts

A week before the missed period, you may notice sore, painful, heavy breasts or darker areolas. Women’s breasts become sore and painful as their estrogen and progesterone levels rise after pregnancy.  

5. Elevated basal body temperature

The temperature of your body rises before ovulation and returns to normal following your menstrual cycle. The basal body temperature, on the other hand, tends to remain elevated during pregnancy due to high levels of progesterone. 

6. Dizziness

A sense of lightheadedness is an early sign of pregnancy that affects many expecting women. This can be due to weakness or a fall in blood pressure leading to a feeling of dizziness and instability. The discomfort lasts for the first trimester and then gradually fades. 

7. Change in discharge

A rise in cervical discharge is a sign of early pregnancy. The cervical discharge thickens after implantation and stays that way until your period is missed. You might also notice a stinging sensation when you urinate, as well as itching and soreness around your vaginal area.

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

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

8. Cramping

Cramping is an early pregnancy symptom that might be mistaken for PMS or a regular period and can be caused by increased blood flow in the uterus. Similar cramping is frequent shortly before a woman’s usual monthly period.

9. Spotting

A week or so before your period is due, small traces of light pink or brownish blood may develop. This is called implantation bleeding and can cause discomfort and minor bleeding as the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Spotting can sometimes be mistaken for a period, however, it is normally much lighter.

Abdominal cysts may be commonly mistaken for early pregnancy or twins. A detailed medical history and a thorough scanning technique are very essential to diagnose or rule out pregnancy.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

10. Bloating

Bloating or stomach cramps are one of the most common pregnancy symptoms before a missed period. An increase in progesterone causes these symptoms.

Also Read: Headaches During Pregnancy: Causes, Remedies, and When To Seek Help

Conclusion

Many early pregnancy symptoms are similar to those of other health conditions, as well as your regular menstrual cycle. Premenstrual symptoms might be quite similar to those of pregnancy. Taking a pregnancy test is the best way to find out if you’re expecting. Consider taking a pregnancy test if you haven’t had your period in a while and think you might be pregnant.

Also Read: Missed Period? Here’s How You Can Take A Pregnancy Test At Home

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