“Drat! I missed my period. God, I hope I am not pregnant as it is one of the early signs of pregnancy!” is the first thought in every woman’s mind the second they realize they missed their period. And a day later they get their period and the fear turns into disappointment. Us women I tell you are a bundle of complex emotions.
Missing your period isn’t the only sign our bodies flash in front of us. So, what are the early signs of pregnancy?
Here are some telltale signs that say “Stork is on your way” even before you take the pregnancy test. Some women can show all the signs for some a few will reflect.
9 Undeniable Early Signs of Pregnancy Before You Take the Test
1. Tenderness & Visible Blue Veins on the Breasts
As mother nature prepares for the wonderous task of providing food to the little miracle growing in your womb, the hormones called Estrogen and Progesterone play their role. Breasts start feeling heavy and tender. Some women experience a tingly sensation around their nipples.
Estrogen facilitates the growth of breast ducts. And progesterone helps the formation of milk-producing cells. This causes ill-ease in the breast region.
Tip: Apply an ice pack over your chest to get relief from tenderness.
2. Cramping or Slight Bleeding
Some women experience light-colored spots in the early stages of their pregnancies.
15 – 40% of women experience spotting during early pregnancy.
Various reasons can cause bleeding to happen. If the bleeding is dark colored then immediately see your ob-gyn. Mild cramping is normal as the body is preparing your womb for your baby.
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Tip: A gentle rub or a warm bath can help you get rid of these cramps.
3. Headaches
You can count on hormones, increased blood volume, and stress as some of the reasons for headaches.
Tip: Rest, hot and cold compress on your head can relieve early pregnancy headaches.
4. Constipation
Is constipation an early sign of pregnancy?
Constipation in pregnant women occurs due to hormones that relax the intestinal muscle. Your uterus is also applying pressure on the intestines. This causes food and waste to move slower through your system.
Tip: Increase fiber-rich foods and fluids to get rid of constipation.
5. Nose and Gums bleed
As pregnancy hormones are having a party in your body, your blood veins are increasing and expanding in size, causing your gums and nose to bleed.
6. Darkening of Areola
Pregnancy hormones cause pigmentation. As a result, women notice the darkening of the Areola. Nipples get larger and bumpier too. These changes last till the time you are breastfeeding your child. After that Aerola’s size and color, both come back to normal.
7. Increase in Mucus
Oh yeah! You said it. It’s the hormones. One of the most common early signs of pregnancy is when you wake up almost every night with a stuffy nose.
Estrogen is the one to remember here. Estrogen can make blood vessels dilate causing mucous membranes in your nose to swell.
Tip: Use a saline spray to get rid of the mucus in your nose.
8. Vivid Dreams and Nightmares
According to The American Pregnancy Association, some women reported vivid dreams and an altered dream state in the very early stages of their pregnancy.
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It could be because of discomfort in sleeping or frequent urination or high-stress/ anxiety levels that women experience vivid dreams and nightmares during pregnancy.
Tip: It’s not worrisome. Yet, if the dreams cause distress then try talking to your partner or your friends. Journaling your dreams can help as well.
9. Metallic Taste in the Mouth (Also known as Dysgeusia)
You will experience this weird metallic taste in your mouth in the early stages of your pregnancy. It will taste like you had eaten pennies for lunch. It’s the pregnancy hormones again playing their part.
Tip: Try drinking chilled beverages or eat spicy food to get rid of this obnoxious taste from your mouth.
The above nine were some of the early signs of pregnancy before testing positive through an actual pregnancy test.
Every woman will experience her unique early signs of pregnancy and tell her own special pregnancy story. There are a few things you will experience that no one had told you before. Pregnancy is scary, taxing, and unpredictable. But it’s worth it all.
