Early Pregnancy Symptoms Before a Missed Period

1. Sore or Sensitive Breasts

Breast pain is one of pregnancy's first symptoms. Your breasts may feel sore, swollen, or

heavier than usual, and they might be more sensitive to touch. Higher amounts of the

hormone progesterone are the reason for this. For some, this symptom eases up after a

few weeks, while for others, it continues throughout pregnancy.

2. Darkening Areolas

The darkening of the area surrounding your nipples, known as the areolas, is another

early change. This can happen as early as one to two weeks after conception and is

often one of the first noticeable signs. The change in color happens as your body

prepares for pregnancy and is influenced by hormonal changes.

3. Fatigue

Feeling extra tired can be an early pregnancy symptom. This fatigue is due to rising

hormone levels and changes in blood sugar and blood pressure. These changes mean

your body is working harder to support a potential pregnancy. You might find yourself

needing more sleep or feeling unusually drained.

4. Nausea

Many women experience nausea early in pregnancy, often called morning sickness.

While it is usually more noticeable between weeks four and six, some women feel it

earlier. Nausea can range from mild queasiness to intense sickness and is not always

limited to the morning.

5. Increased Cervical Mucus

Some women notice more vaginal discharge or a change in its consistency. You might

see sticky, white, or pale-yellow mucus. This increase is due to hormonal changes that

happen early in pregnancy. The discharge is harmless, although it might continue

throughout the pregnancy.

6. Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining,

usually about 10 to 14 days after conception. This can cause light spotting, often

mistaken for a very light period. Implantation bleeding is typically lighter in color and

amount and lasts only a day or two.

7. Frequent Urination

Pregnant women often experience the need to urinate more frequently, even as early as

two weeks after conception. This happens because of increased blood flow, which

causes the kidneys to produce more fluid. Frequent urination is usually more noticeable

in the later stages of pregnancy, but for some, it begins early on.

8. Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Another sign could be your body's temperature at rest, or basal body temperature. If you

have been tracking your BBT and notice it stays slightly elevated for 18 days after

ovulation, it could be an early indication of pregnancy

9. Bloating

Hormonal changes early in pregnancy can affect your digestive system, slowing it down.

This can cause bloating, gas, or constipation, which may make you feel uncomfortable or

full. Since bloating is also common with PMS, it can be difficult to tell if it is related to

pregnancy without other symptoms.

Other Reasons for a Delayed Period

If your period is late, pregnancy is only one possible explanation. The following are other

reasons for a delayed period:

● High stress levels

● Low body weight or high-intensity exercise

● Obesity

● Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

● Early perimenopause

● Thyroid disorders

If your period does not arrive and you test negative for pregnancy, consider speaking with a

healthcare provider, as they can help identify other potential causes.