Every woman’s body is unique, and so are the signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

While missed periods and positive pregnancy tests are the most obvious indicators, there are several other lesser-known symptoms that could signal the beginning of a beautiful journey. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it might be time to pick up a pregnancy test!.

1. Fatigue

Feeling unusually tired or exhausted without any apparent reason could be an early sign of pregnancy. The surge in hormones, specifically progesterone, can make you feel more sleepy than usual.

Your body is working overtime to nurture the growing life inside you, so it’s only natural to experience fatigue.

2. Breast Changes

One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is breast tenderness or sensitivity. Your breasts may feel sore, swollen, or tingly as early as one to two weeks after conception.

The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause increased blood flow and changes in breast tissue, preparing you for breastfeeding.

3. Nausea and Morning Sickness

The notorious morning sickness, which doesn’t always confine itself to just mornings, is a classic pregnancy symptom. Nausea can occur from as early as two weeks after conception and usually peaks around 8-10 weeks.

While the exact cause of morning sickness is unknown, hormonal changes and increased sensitivity to certain smells are believed to be contributing factors.

4. Frequent Urination

If you find yourself making more trips to the bathroom than usual, it could be a sign of pregnancy. As early as six to eight weeks into pregnancy, hormonal changes cause an increase in blood flow to your kidneys and bladder.

This, coupled with the pressure from a growing uterus, can lead to more frequent urination.

5. Food Cravings and Aversions

Many pregnant women experience intense food cravings or aversions. Suddenly having an insatiable desire for pickles or repulsing at the sight of your favorite dish could be a sign of pregnancy.

Hormonal shifts can alter your sense of taste and smell, leading to these unusual food preferences.

6. Mood Swings

If you find yourself riding an emotional rollercoaster, from tears to laughter in a matter of minutes, hormones might be to blame.

The surge in progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can affect neurotransmitters in your brain, causing mood swings, irritability, and even anxiety or depression in some cases.

7. Bloating and Constipation

Increased levels of progesterone slow down the digestive tract, resulting in bloating and constipation. This hormonal effect, combined with the pressure exerted on the intestines by the growing uterus, can cause discomfort.

Staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and staying physically active can help alleviate these symptoms.

8. Elevated Basal Body Temperature

If you’ve been tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) while trying to conceive, you might notice a sustained increase after ovulation. If your BBT remains elevated for more than two weeks, it could indicate pregnancy.

This is due to the increased metabolism caused by hormonal changes.

9. Heightened Sense of Smell

Have you suddenly developed an acute sense of smell, picking up scents you never noticed before? Pregnancy hormones can make you more sensitive to odors, and certain smells that you once found pleasant might now become overpowering or even nauseating.

10. Spotting and Light Bleeding

Implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, can manifest as light spotting. This typically happens around 6-12 days after conception and is lighter and shorter than a regular period.

If you experience unusual bleeding, it could be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms and suspect you might be pregnant, it’s important to take a home pregnancy test or consult with your healthcare provider to confirm your suspicions.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and these symptoms can vary from woman to woman.