For couples who are trying to conceive, the wait for a positive pregnancy test can feel like an eternity. However, the female body begins to show early signs of pregnancy long before a test can confirm it.

Here are 12 early signs to look out for that could indicate a baby is on the way.

1. Missed Period

This is usually the most obvious sign that a woman could be pregnant. If her period is late, it could be a sign that a fertilized egg has implanted in the uterus and is starting to grow.

Keep in mind that some women may experience light spotting instead of a full-on period.

2. Fatigue

Feeling tired and lethargic in the early stages of pregnancy is common. This is due to the increase in progesterone hormones that can make a woman feel sleepy. The body is also working overtime to create a healthy placenta for the baby.

3. Nausea and Vomiting

This sign is well-known and can happen any time of day or night. The cause of morning sickness is not entirely understood, but it is believed to be due to the increase in hormones.

Some women might only experience mild nausea while others might experience vomiting daily.

4. Cravings and Aversions

Many women experience changes in taste buds early on in pregnancy. The body may crave certain foods and liquids, while others may be repulsive. These cravings and aversions can range from sweet or salty, to sour, or anything in between.

5. Breast Tenderness and Swelling

The body starts to prepare for breastfeeding as soon as pregnancy occurs. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can cause breast tenderness, swelling, and even tingling sensations.

This sign is usually noticed about one to two weeks after conception occurs.

6. Frequent Urination

The need to urinate frequently may increase in early pregnancy, especially at night. This occurs when the body produces more blood and filters it through the kidneys, causing them to work harder and produce more urine.

7. Headaches and Dizziness

These symptoms are quite common in early pregnancy. Dizziness could be due to low blood sugar or low blood pressure, while headaches could be due to hormonal changes. These symptoms can vary in severity from mild to severe.

8. Backaches and Cramps

As the uterus begins to expand, a woman may experience cramping or mild spotting. Backaches may also be experienced due to the increase in hormones that cause ligaments to relax.

9. Mood Swings and Irritability

Hormonal changes may cause a woman to experience mood swings and irritability. This may be due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone that affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

10. Constipation

The slow down of the digestive tract due to increased progesterone might cause constipation in early pregnancy. This may also lead to bloating and gas.

11. Metallic Taste in the Mouth

This symptom is less common, but some women might experience a metallic taste in their mouth that could last throughout pregnancy. The cause of this symptom is still unknown, but it may be related to hormonal changes.

12. Increased Basal Body Temperature

Tracking basal body temperature is a good way to determine if pregnancy has occurred. After ovulation, the body temperature remains elevated. If it stays elevated for more than two weeks, there is a possibility that conception has occurred.

Conclusion

These 12 early signs of pregnancy don’t always indicate that pregnancy has occurred. Some women might experience a few of these symptoms, while others might experience all of them.

It is important to remember that these symptoms may also be caused by other factors, so it is best to confirm with a pregnancy test or doctor.