13 Hidden Pregnancy Signs You Might Not Be Aware Of
11 Nov 2022 | 7 min Read
Sudeshna Chakravarti
Author | 799 Articles
While trying to conceive, you might eagerly wait for pregnancy symptoms to appear to confirm your conception. One of the most crucial and confirming signs of pregnancy that every woman looks for is a missed period. But did you know that you can tell whether you are pregnant or not even before a missed period? Wondering how? By tracking your symptoms that go beyond the classic signs of pregnancy like body aches and mucus discharge. These signs are different from those of PMS, and if checked properly can help confirm your pregnancy.
Read on to learn more about some of the hidden pregnancy signs that no one tells you about and how to differentiate them from PMS symptoms.
PMS Symptoms vs. Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnancy and PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) symptoms are quite similar, but some of its signs, such as darkening areolas, food cravings or aversions, or basal body temperature may become more severe and pronounced during pregnancy. In this case, taking an at-home pregnancy test could be the best way to figure out f these signs are the effects of PMS or of a positive pregnancy.
13 Hidden Pregnancy Symptoms To Watch Out For Before Missed Period
Rise in Basal Body Temperature
Basal body temperature (BBT) is considered an indicator of ovulation. A week before your ovulation, your basal body temperature will be around 36°C, which is considered average during the pre-ovulation stage. However, 1-2 days after ovulation, your basal body temperature will increase by 0.5-1°C, and decrease once your period ends. In case of a positive conception, your BBT will rise, and your body will feel warmer.
However, these changes in your BBT are subtle and might not be easy to measure. Hence, you can try tracking your BBT every month to ensure your pregnancy.
Implantation Bleeding and Cramping
Implantation occurs when the fertilised egg attaches itself to the lining of your uterus. If that happens, you may experience light bleeding also known as early pregnancy discharge around the same time your period is due. This bleeding is termed implantation bleeding, and in most cases, it’s so mild, it may even go unnoticed.
Sore, Heavy, and Tender Breasts
Hormonal changes in your body during conception can result in swollen and tender breasts, with the veins around your breast becoming visible, and your areola becoming darker. You may also feel a tingling sensation or heaviness in your breasts. These changes mostly occur as early as 1-2 weeks after conception.
While these weird pregnancy symptoms are similar to those experienced during PMS, the changes in your breasts will be more acute. If you notice breast changes, along with other signs like a missed period, then ensure to take a pregnancy test to confirm conception.
Nausea
Morning sickness or nausea is considered one of the classic pregnancy symptoms that you may notice in the early stages. It could become more prominent in the initial weeks around your missed period, and even before your pregnancy is confirmed. You may feel weak, dizzy, and feel like throwing up at times.
Fatigue
Feeling fatigued without any reason could also be an early sign of pregnancy. A spike in the production of progesterone hormones in your body could make you sleepy and tired all the time. Additionally, as your body begins to produce more blood to support your fetus’ growth, you may feel exhausted, especially if your diet lacks enriching nutrients like vitamins, minerals, iron, and fluids.
Food Aversions
You may also start disliking foods that you were once fond of, and even become averse to them, so much so their fragrance or smell makes you nauseous. Experts suggest that this symptom appears due to an increase in the production of progesterone hormones in your body, and may subscribe by the second or third trimester.
Bloating
A bloating or heavy feeling in the stomach is a common sign of early pregnancy before a missed period. You may feel your stomach is protruded and your pants getting tighter. This symptom could be followed by frequent burps and farts, due to an enhanced progesterone level, which slows down your digestion.
Mood Swings
Have you been feeling moody lately? If yes, then it could be due to the fluctuating hormones after conception. The variation in your hormone levels may affect the neurotransmitters in your brain, resulting in increased emotions, from spells of sudden anger outbursts to weeping and feeling sad.
An Increased Urge to Pee
An increase in the urge to pee is also considered a weird early pregnancy symptom. This occurs to the increase in the production of blood, owing to the many hormonal changes happening in your body. Your kidneys work to filter more blood, filling up your bladder, and making you pee frequently.
Constipation
A spike in the progesterone levels in your body might affect your digestive system. Your stool may get harder as the hormones cause the food to pass through your digestive system slowly. If you experience constipation before your period is due, you should take an at-home pregnancy test to confirm your conception.
Dizziness
Lightheadedness or dizziness is also considered a weird early pregnancy symptom that occurs due to a change in your blood pressure or volume when your blood vessels dilate early during pregnancy. This symptom can be managed by maintaining adequate hydration and following a nutrient-rich diet.
Backaches and Headaches
You may experience pain in your lower back as your ligaments start to loosen up, and your body prepares to carry the weight of your baby. In addition to this, bloating, implantation cramping, and constipation can also cause backaches during early pregnancy.
You may also have headaches due to low blood sugar levels after a few days of conception. If you experience frequent headaches, then it could indicate that female sex hormones like progesterone and oestrogen are preparing the womb for your baby.
Increased Feeling of Thirst
You may frequently feel thirsty during the early stages of pregnancy due to excess urination or an increase in your blood volume level. You may want to drink more water, and that may lead to frequent urination, which further can make you feel thirsty again!
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Conclusion
It may be confusing for you to determine if you are pregnant or not before a missed period. However, keeping an eye out for these hidden pregnancy signs can help ensure your conception. While some of these signs are common in menstruation, some are only specific to pregnancy. However, if you have any concerns about your pregnancy symptoms, then make sure to consult your healthcare provider and confirm your diagnosis.
Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com
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