Every person and pregnancy is different, so you’ll likely have a mix of common and not-so-common symptoms. And they may show up earlier or later than you’d expect. Let’s go over some possible early pregnancy signs to look out for.
16 Early Signs You Might Be Pregnant
1. Light Bleeding or Spotting
Many women are surprised that light bleeding or spotting can actually be an early sign of pregnancy. This is often called implantation bleeding, and it happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining. Implantation bleeding is much lighter than a miscarriage. It’s a light flow that may start and stop over a couple of days, and the blood is often pink, brown, or light red.
Your period usually starts light but gets heavier and turns bright red. Implantation bleeding happens around 10-14 days after conception, right before your missed period.
2. Mild Cramping or Lower Abdominal Pain
Cramps can signal your period, but they can also be from the embryo implanting in the uterus. These tend to be mild tingling, pulling, or prickling sensations that come and go.
Period cramps are usually more like throbbing pain and get worse just before your period starts.
3. Higher Basal Body Temperature
If you track your basal body temp, you know it spikes after ovulation and then goes back down. When pregnant, your temperature may stay elevated versus dipping back down.
Of course, feeling hot can happen for other reasons too. But if it lasts weeks, pregnancy may be why.
4. Changes in Cervical Mucus
In early pregnancy, you may notice more cervical mucus that’s stickier and white in color.
5. Breast Changes
Thanks to hormone surges when pregnant, your breasts may feel extra tender and swollen, starting before your missed period. You may also notice nipple soreness.
6. Fatigue
Feeling wiped out can kick in as soon as 1 week after conception, due to progesterone rising.
7. Frequent Urination
You’ll likely pee more when pregnant because your body makes more blood and fluids, making your kidneys work overtime. This starts early on and lasts through pregnancy.
8. Nausea or Vomiting
Morning sickness is infamous, with nausea or vomiting starting around week 4-5. Despite the name, it can happen any time of day or night.
9. Darker Areolas
Your areolas will likely get bigger and darker gradually. For some women, this happens really early on.
10. Bloating or Constipation
Hormones slow digestion, so bloating and constipation are common in early pregnancy. Unfortunately, these may last your whole pregnancy.
11. Metallic Taste
Many women notice a metallic taste, thanks to estrogen changes. This is common in the first trimester but can happen earlier too.
12. Sensitivity to Smells
Most women become extra sensitive to smells in early pregnancy. This can contribute to nausea and changes in food preferences.
13. Mood Changes
From weepy to irritable, mood swings are very common with the hormone surges of early pregnancy.
14. Headaches
Headaches can come from the increased blood volume and hormones. Dehydration from nausea can also cause headaches.
15. Dizziness
As blood volume rises, blood pressure may drop, leading to occasional dizziness. This is more common in the second trimester but some notice it very early.
16. Nasal Congestion
Hormones cause nasal membranes to swell, leading to a stuffy or runny nose. This surprising symptom is easily mistaken for allergies or a cold.
Pay attention if you notice a combination of these symptoms around when your period is due. Every pregnancy is unique, but these are some common early signs.
