Discovering that you’re going to be a mother is an incredibly special moment in life. Whether planned or unexpected, the journey of pregnancy is full of excitement, joy, and a little bit of nervousness.

While a pregnancy test can confirm whether you’re expecting or not, there are several early warning symptoms that can clue you in even before you take that test. In this article, we will discuss ten common signs that indicate you may be pregnant.

1. Missed Period

One of the most significant early warning signs of pregnancy is a missed period. If you’re someone who usually has regular menstrual cycles, a missed period can be a strong indication that you might be expecting.

It is essential to note that some women experience slight bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy, which can be mistaken for a period. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional to confirm.

2. Breast Tenderness

Another noticeable sign of early pregnancy is breast tenderness. During pregnancy, hormonal changes in the body result in increased blood flow to the breasts, making them sensitive and sore.

This tenderness can be similar to what you may experience before the start of your period, but it can be more pronounced. If you’re observing this symptom along with a missed period, it’s time to consider taking a pregnancy test.

3. Fatigue

One of the earliest symptoms that many pregnant women experience is extreme fatigue. The hormonal changes in the body, coupled with increased blood production, can leave you feeling exhausted and sleepy.

You may find it difficult to stay awake during the day, even after a good night’s sleep. If you’re suddenly feeling much more tired than usual, it is worth considering the possibility of pregnancy.

4. Nausea and Morning Sickness

Nausea and morning sickness are common symptoms associated with early pregnancy. Contrary to its name, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day. You might feel queasy, have an aversion to certain smells or foods, or even experience vomiting.

Morning sickness usually begins around the sixth week of pregnancy and can last until the end of the first trimester. However, it is important to remember that not all expecting mothers experience this symptom.

5. Frequent Urination

As soon as you conceive, your body starts producing the pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone increases blood flow to the pelvic area, resulting in increased urine production.

As a result, you may find yourself visiting the bathroom more frequently than usual. Frequent urination is a common symptom that can manifest early in pregnancy and persist throughout the entire term.

6. Food Cravings and Aversions

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to sudden and intense food cravings or aversions. You may find yourself craving certain foods that you normally wouldn’t enjoy, or you may have a strong aversion towards foods you previously loved.

These cravings and aversions are believed to be the body’s way of ensuring a healthy and balanced diet for the growing baby.

7. Mood Swings

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also have an impact on your emotions, leading to frequent mood swings. You may find yourself feeling happy and excited one moment, only to become irritable or tearful the next.

These emotional ups and downs are completely normal and are often attributed to the fluctuating levels of hormones in the body.

8. Increased Basal Body Temperature

Tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) can be a useful way to identify if you’re pregnant. After ovulation, if your basal body temperature stays elevated for more than two weeks, it indicates that you may have conceived.

This sustained increase in temperature is caused by the hormone progesterone, which is produced in higher levels during pregnancy.

9. Bloating and Constipation

Many pregnant women experience bloating and constipation due to hormonal changes that slow down the digestive system. The increased levels of progesterone relax the muscles in the digestive tract, leading to bloating and constipation.

If you’re noticing these symptoms in combination with other signs mentioned above, there’s a chance you may be expecting.

10. Heightened Sense of Smell

During pregnancy, some women develop an enhanced sense of smell. This heightened olfactory ability can result in greater sensitivity to odors, making previously unnoticed smells seem stronger and possibly even unpleasant.

If you find yourself more aware of scents around you, it might be worth considering the possibility of pregnancy.

Remember, every pregnancy is different, and symptoms can vary widely from woman to woman. While the above warning signs are common indications of pregnancy, they are not definitive proof.

If you suspect you might be pregnant, it is always best to take a home pregnancy test or consult a healthcare professional.