PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS BEFORE MISSED PERIOD

If your period is usually on time, then a delayed period (at least by 1 day) is the most significant sign that you may be pregnant. Unfortunately, this pregnancy symptom alone does not guarantee pregnancy.

Hormonal changes, stress and/or various medical conditions can be responsible for a delayed period.

Some women experience slight bleeding a few days after conception, which means it's possible that you bleed a little at the usual time of the month. However, the bleeding is, in general, not very heavy (most times there are only drops or streaks of a light shade of red versus dark red).

This is not menstrual bleeding, though, but simply a common symptom called "spotting".

If, for the past few days, you've been feeling sick in the mornings, it could be one of the pregnancy symptoms. This pregnancy sign can occur even before your period is overdue.

The hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) hormone is the culprit, and its level rises continuously from the beginning of pregnancy on. Some pregnant women have a strong reaction to this hormone, while others don't have any problems with it at all. So, if you're lucky, you'll be spared from feeling sick and nauseous.

FYI: This is the hormone that's detected by pregnancy tests. Also good to know is that after the third month of pregnancy hCG levels decline, and the nausea will go away.

Your breasts could be one of the first signs of conception before missed period.

All of a sudden, your breasts are often very tender and swollen; they harden, may hurt and become heavier. This feeling is similar to the discomfort you experience during your period, only much worse! Besides, your nipples may become larger, darker and more sensitive. The area around your nipples may also darken.

These pregnancy symptoms may appear before missed period, and all this happens only because your breasts are already preparing for nursing. What's good to know is that, once your body has gotten used to the increased hormone levels, the pain will subside.

Have you been extremely touchy and sensitive lately? Do you experience mood swings? Do you suddenly start crying? These are typical early pregnancy symptoms. It's your hormones fault: they're preparing you mentally for pregnancy.

In the early stages of pregnancy, you may experience abdominal cramping. You know the feeling - it's a lot like being on your period. However, these cramps may last longer and may be more painful.

Another early sign of pregnancy - noticeable as early as six weeks into pregnancy - is the constant feeling of having to go to the bathroom (even at night!!).

Blood flow increases in your abdomen, which in turn stimulates kidney function and production of urine. Also, the hormone hCG is activated, which has a relaxing effect on the muscles of your bladder.

Basal body temperature can also indicate pregnancy. If you measure your body temperature every morning and you notice a slight but consistent increase in temperature, you may be pregnant. This is one of the most accurate pregnancy symptoms before missed period.

But careful: This is not a for-sure sign of pregnancy and your basal body temperature may simply be elevated due to a cold.

Should you have any unanswered questions regarding early pregnancy symptoms (pregnancy symptoms before missed period), please contact us.