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1. Tender or Swollen Breasts
Your breasts might feel different quite early in pregnancy, sometimes as soon as 2 to 3 days after conception. They can get sore or extra sensitive, feel heavier, or make your bra feel tighter than usual.Some people notice a tingling sensation or that the area around their nipples (the areola) darkens or gets larger.
This happens because your hormones, like oestrogen and progesterone, are rising and getting your body ready for pregnancy.
2. Nausea
Nausea, or morning sickness, is one of the most well-known early pregnancy symptoms. It can start as early as 4 to 8 weeks.Despite the name, it doesn’t just happen in the morning; it can strike at any time of day. You might feel a bit queasy, lose your appetite, or even vomit. This is likely caused by pregnancy hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which your body starts producing after the embryo implants.
Some people never experience nausea, but for others, it can feel pretty intense.
3. Fatigue and Tiredness
Feeling super tired lately? That’s actually a common pregnancy symptom. You might notice it within the first week after conception. Even after a full night’s sleep, you can still feel drained or find yourself needing extra naps during the day.This is because hormones like progesterone slow down your metabolism and use more energy to help your baby grow.
Low blood sugar or blood pressure can make you feel even more worn out.
4. Frequent Urination
Peeing more often is definitely one of the most common signs of pregnancy. This usually starts at around 6 weeks. Your body makes more blood, so your kidneys work harder and fill your bladder faster.As your baby grows, your uterus also puts pressure on your bladder. This can make you feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night.
You might even notice your urine looking a bit darker, like orange or brown.
5. Light Spotting or Implantation Bleeding
You might notice light spotting or bleeding for a day or two in early pregnancy. This is called implantation bleeding, and it usually shows up about 6 to 14 days after conception.This happens when the fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining, generally around the time you’d expect your period.
It’s not like a regular period, so it’s much lighter, often just a few spots of pink or brown.
6. Cramping
Mild cramping in your lower abdomen can be another early clue. This can happen about 8 to 10 days after ovulation. The feeling is a lot like period cramps and is caused by the embryo implanting in the uterus or the uterus starting to expand.The cramps are usually mild and only last a couple of days, so nothing to worry about.
7. Mood Swings
Pregnancy hormones can really play with your emotions. One moment you might be teary over something small, the next you could feel irritable or even really happy for no reason.These mood swings are caused by fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone.
It’s most common in the first trimester, and it can leave you feeling more sensitive or emotional than usual.
8. Food Cravings or Aversions
Have your food preferences suddenly flipped on you? Maybe the meals you used to love don’t appeal anymore, or you’ve started craving things you never normally eat. That’s pretty common and is one of the most noticeable early signs of pregnancy.Hormones can change the way you taste and smell, so certain foods or scents might turn your stomach while others feel irresistible.
These changes can start as early as one to two months after conception.
9. Bloating and Constipation
Bloating and constipation are really common in early pregnancy. Higher levels of progesterone slow down your digestion, which can leave you feeling gassy, full, or constipated.The growing uterus can also press on your intestines and add to the discomfort.
Simple adjustments like drinking more water, eating foods high in fibre, or going for light walks can help.
10. Headaches or Backaches
Headaches or lower back pain are often early, undetected signs of pregnancy. Headaches can be triggered by hormonal changes, increased blood flow, or even stress and lack of sleep.Back pain is also common since your muscles and ligaments start to loosen, and your body is already carrying a bit of extra weight.
These aches can also be caused by posture changes as your body adjusts to pregnancy.
When it comes to the signs of pregnancy, remember that the experience can look different for everyone. You might experience some of these signs, all of them, or none at all. Some people sail through the first few weeks with no symptoms, while others feel them intensely.
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FAQs on 10 Early Signs Apart From Missed Periods That Confirm Pregnancy
- Is it possible to have early pregnancy signs but still test negative?
Yes, if you test too early, your hCG levels may not be high enough to be detected. Waiting a few more days often gives a clearer result. - What is the difference between PMS symptoms and early pregnancy symptoms?
PMS symptoms usually fade once your period starts, while early pregnancy symptoms continue or get stronger. Pregnancy may also bring signs like nausea or frequent urination, which PMS doesn’t.