Missed Period is Not the Only Sign of Pregnancy - Here's What You Need To Know
The most common knowledge, even among adolescents thanks to dramatic Hindi cinema, is that if a girl misses her period, she must be pregnant. Delay in periods is the first sign women who are sexually active wait for to know the dreaded, or the expectant, news.
There are, however, many other signs and symptoms that kick in even before you miss your period. Curious? Let’s find out.
Terrible lower back pain
Lower back pain is actually one of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms of early pregnancy. The hormones released in the body stretch your pelvis in preparation for the growth of a human being which can directly impact your back and cause pain – sometimes excruciating. If you are slightly overweight, chances are you’ll be hit by this symptom much before you skip your cycle.
Constant fatigue
Many women experience extreme fatigue caused by high levels of progesterone during early pregnancy. With these hormones coursing through the body, stress levels increase and blood pressure goes down. Also, this is one of the most noticeable signs of pregnancy and can be felt as early as one week after conception.
Tender breasts
Your breasts are gearing up for milk production, which is why they will feel heavier than usual and extremely tender to touch. Putting on your favourite bra will seem like a task assigned from hell, and sometimes it can also lead to shoulder and neck pains. Women have also claimed that the areola becomes darker during pregnancy. Although rare, this symptom can manifest as soon as two weeks after conception.
Unexplained bleeding
You might notice a little spotting between your cycles when you’re pregnant, which is the result of implantation bleeding. It happens 10-14 days after intercourse when the egg attaches to the lining of the uterus; this can easily be mistaken for an early period especially if you have an irregular cycle or PCOS.
Feeling a little sick
One of the most dreaded symptoms of pregnancy is morning sickness which may or may not involve vomiting. Nausea can be felt anywhere between two weeks and a month, and can range from mild to extremely severe, depending on your hormones. Also, this symptom is usually accompanied by food aversions and heightened sense of smell. You might even hate that chocolate you were craving a week before.
Cramps
The uterus expands to make space for the growing foetus which can be felt as slight cramping around the lower abdominal area. This might feel like the onset of your period but the difference lies in the intensity. Pregnancy cramps are mild with a slight throbbing, unlike period cramps that are heavy and painful. Another reason for cramping is implantation and thickening of the uterus lining.
Bloating
Bloating is a symptom very few women experience before their missed period. The beginning of water retention in the body can lead to constipation and bloating. This is also a common sign of PMS which is why some women tend to ignore it when it hits them.
Frequent trips to the loo
If you feel the urge to urinate the moment you gulp down a glass of water, it is time to pay a visit to your gynaecologist. The expanding uterus puts extreme pressure on the bladder. Also, blood flow to the pelvic region increases which makes you visit the loo more often. You can notice changes in your washroom pattern as early as a week after conception. A weird myth associated with this symptom is that it gets worse at night. However, there is no scientific evidence to support that.
Sleep patterns
From vivid dreams to not being able to sleep through the night, pregnancy can significantly alter your sleep pattern. With hormones at play, and the frequent loo visits, your sleep can be adversely affected which can also lead to insomnia. Although rare, this symptom can kick in much before the others on the list.
While these symptoms can point towards a possible pregnancy, it is always a good idea to get yourself tested before assuming the worst (or the best). So, if you’re in doubt about being pregnant, visit your doctor, or try a home pregnancy test to know for sure.
(Edited by Varsha Roysam)
