70 early signs of pregnancy?

70 early signs of pregnancy in Indian mothers-
The most comprehensive guide


Wondering if you may be pregnant? Have you been trying to conceive for a while and just cannot wait to find out if there may be a baby growing inside you? Pregnancy in women begins with an embryo or an egg that attaches to the lining of the uterus after it has been fertilised with male sperm. A woman | s monthly periods are basically unfertilised eggs being flushed out of the body due to no sperm interaction. Therefore, the first and most obvious sign of pregnancy is generally a missed period. Taking a pregnancy test is also an effective way to identify early pregnancy, however, sometimes the timing of the test is crucial in determining an accurate result.

Some other signs your pregnant may include:

early morning vomiting
tender breasts or nipples
higher body temperature than usual

headaches

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic where seeking medical assistance may be risky for many people, MFine offers online doctor consultations where patients can easily speak with
through instant chat and video consultations and discuss any pregnancy-related symptoms and issues.
This article will take you through some other signs your pregnant in Indian mothers. Keep in mind that not everyone will experience all these signs, nevertheless, it is common for pregnant women to experience at least a few of them.
Chapter 1: What are the Early Signs of Pregnancy?

With a number of changes taking place in the body to get ready for the next 9 months, many which sign is considered as welcome sign in pregnancy begin. Having a comprehensive understanding of these can help you identify clear signs, which in turn, can help you prepare for what | s to come.

But every pregnancy and body is different, and not every mother will experience the same set of symptoms of early pregnancy. This is why we got in touch with 7 different women to tell us their stories. Through them, we witness about early pregnancy signs before missed period unfolds, showing us how unique the initial encounter with motherhood can be.

But before we hear their stories, let | s dive into the set of symptoms that are specific to pregnancy, which are strong indicators that you have conceived.

Early indications of pregnancy

There are a few sure shot ways to know you are pregnant, which are listed below.

A pregnancy test
This is the most obvious sign of pregnancy. A positive

very rarely displays a false positive, especially because it detects hCG in the urine or blood, which is a pregnancy hormone. The only way a false positive may show up if there is a presence of drugs or other traces of other substances in the bloodstream.
A missed period
A period may be late due to stress, travel, or other such factors. But a missed period occurs only for a few select reasons, such as underlying medical conditions like PCOS, or more commonly, because of a successful pregnancy. If you typically have regular menstrual cycles and have missed your period after having been sexually active, then chances are that conception was successful!
Implantation bleeding
As we saw earlier, light spotting can be a symptoms of early pregnancy, but implantation bleeding is different from that. This type of bleeding occurs when the embryo embeds itself in the uterus. This appears as mild bleeding for up to 48 hours.
Darkening of skin
The surge of hormones results in increased melanin production. This appears much more strongly on areas of the body where melanin is already present heavily. Because of this, these areas can become even darker. Most women find that their nipples and areolas appear darker. This symptom does not show up as a sign of PMS either.

Pregnancy affects all parts of the body. Since blood pressure and hormone levels are elevated, you may find that your nails are thinner, and crack more easily. They may also grow much quicker and can be longer than usual.
Difficulty in brushing teeth
Of all the 70 really early signs of pregnancy, you wouldn | t expect having a hard time brushing your teeth to make it to the list. But in reality,
can also make your gag reflex more reactive. In addition to this, pregnancy hormones can lead to gum diseases like gingivitis. This is why it is recommended to many expecting Indian mothers that they switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and practise good oral hygiene.
Bitter taste in mouth
You may find a bitter taste in your mouth as well, and this is caused by
and heartburn. Progesterone causes smooth muscles in the body to relax, which includes the lower muscles of the oesophagus and the muscles of the intestines. The latter results in the formation of gas, and as this rises in the body, stomach acids and undigested foods may also rise up.
Raised basal body temperature
Basal body temperature usually stays high after ovulation and remains this way after conception. This is a good indicator of the fact that implantation is successful because it means that the pregnancy hormones are in play and are working to prepare the body for pregnancy. In fact, many couples use this as a way to measure their likelihood of getting pregnant.
Increased vaginal discharge
Early signs of pregnancy discharge are something all pregnant women experience. This vaginal discharge is just like the kind that is released during and after ovulation and can increase over time. If you face a problem with these early signs of

, it can be helpful to wear a panty liner.

Pregnancy during COVID-19 outbreak

The COVID-19 outbreak that is far from subsiding in India, proves to be of extra danger to pregnant women. The second wave of coronavirus disease that is ravaging the country currently is not only affecting the elderly with comorbidities but also kids, teenagers and younger people with no comorbidities. One among the high-risk groups are pregnant ladies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant women are at higher risk in developing respiratory issues than women who aren | t conceived. This can be aggravated if the pregnant woman has underlying conditions like hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes. They are more likely to be put on a ventilator. Hence it is necessary to take precautions such as staying indoors, double masking, and sanitising your surroundings frequently if you detect early signs of pregnancy.



Ectopic pregnancies

This medical condition is quite rare and occurs when the egg does not attach to the uterine wall. Instead, it attaches itself elsewhere, like the cervix, fallopian tubes, or even the abdominal cavity. Essentially, the fertilized egg attaches itself outside of the uterus.

Since an egg cannot grow outside of the uterus, this can become potentially life-threatening if it goes unaddressed. The growth can cause damage to other organs and may result in copious bleeding.

Symptoms of an

are important to identify early on so that immediate medical attention can be provided. The signs and symptoms of early pregnancy are:

in the pelvis, sides, or abdomen
Nausea and vomiting

and fainting

If you experience these symptoms, it is best to

. Any delays can cause symptoms and pain to become more significant, which can cause harm to the mother. The doctor will help guide you through the next steps to take.

Real women and their stories

1. Padma Ramamurthy

Padma (name changed for anonymity) and her husband were overjoyed when she took the pregnancy test and two pink stripes appeared on the test kit. “I knew in the first week itself. It was just a feeling… but I avoided telling anyone, even my husband, out of the fear that I might be
getting my hopes up. But when I took that test, I had never been more sure of anything in my life!”

While Padma knew intuitively that she was pregnant, she also reported noticing other signs and symptoms in the first 3 weeks leading up to the test. Her nails grew longer much quicker (which she thought she was imagining), she slept more than usual, and she could no longer call herself a coffee lover. And along with this, there were a few other interesting symptoms. Here are the top 7 pregnancy symptoms she says affected her most.

10. Vivid dreams

One of the signs that you are pregnant is the onset of different sleep patterns. With so many physiological changes taking place to accommodate the growth of the baby, many women experience bouts of insomnia and weeks where they need more
hours of sleep and rest than usual. With more sleep and a high level of different hormones in the body, many pregnant women often report that they experience detailed, vivid dreams. There are also a lot of changes taking place mentally and emotionally alongside the physical processes, which can impact dreams as well.

11. Intuition

This is one of the most fascinating symptoms of the early pregnancy signs. We have all heard about a mother | s intuition, but this actually appears much early on as 1 month pregnant symptoms. Most expecting mothers already know intuitively when they have conceived and are pregnant. This may be because a woman
is more in tune with her body and its cues, but there is also significant research and evidence that states that neurological changes occur when you are pregnant. To prepare for the birth, the brain changes its neural pathways to become connected to the child | s, which work to influence one another during gestation.

12. Forgetfulness

Another common
some women experience is forgetfulness. Forgetfulness during early pregnancy is also known as pregnancy brain or brain fog, which occurs because of a combination
of symptoms like fatigue,

,
nausea, back pain, mood swings, and more.

13. Frequent burping

Immediate signs of pregnancy can include

for some expecting mothers. This is mainly because of the elevated levels of progesterone, a pregnancy hormone. One of the side effects of this increase is that the muscles of
the intestines are more relaxed, which causes the muscles to work slower, which in turn causes digestion to slow down. This leads to the build-up of gas, causing you to burp more often.

14. Lack of focus

During PMS and pregnancy, a woman | s body undergoes different changes that impact her mental state as well. Insomnia, mood swings, fatigue, swollen breasts, back pain, cramps, gastrointestinal problems, and other such issues can make it difficult to focus as the body is undergoing a lot.

15. Shortness of breath

One of the really early signs of pregnancy is experiencing

. However, on its own, it is generally not regarded as one of the major first signs of pregnancy. But when considered with other symptoms, it may indicate the increase of progesterone, which causes the need to take breaths of air more often. This helps expand lung capacity in order to carry oxygen to both the mother and baby.

16. Coffee aversion

Many people experience an aversion to coffee, and this symptom can appear as early as the second week since conception. This may be because of nausea or the body | s general inclination to protect the fetus. Pregnancy day by day will also show you that certain foods which could be potentially dangerous to the fetus or lack nutritional value might trigger nausea and vomiting further. You can

to understand this better and work on incorporating a more suitable meal plan.

2. Sanjana Ghorpade

Sanjana, unlike Padma, did not understand at first what was happening to her body. “Mahesh and I had been trying for a baby for a few months by the time it finally happened. I was a little emotionally drained after that, so when it did happen,
I didn | t see it coming. I experienced so many different symptoms, and I thought there was something terribly wrong with me for the longest time.”

“Some of the signs weren | t so alarming, but they were definitely frustrating… for example, I | d begun to drool! And I don | t think I have ever drooled before. But when I

, that | s when I knew.” Sanjana also experienced physical symptoms
that she hadn | t experienced since puberty, like acne and thinning hair. Her rashes also forced her to take oatmeal baths to help relieve the itching. Below are a few of the intense clues her body gave her when she conceived.

17. Itching on the stomach

One of the symptoms of getting pregnant is an itchy belly. This is attributed to the change in the balance of different hormones, which can dry out the skin. This tends to occur on the stomach more as the belly grows to accommodate the growing fetus, which causes stretch marks. For a few women, this starts early and may develop into an

in the final trimester which is known as a PUPPP rash.

18. Congestion

In the first month of pregnancy, you may experience
. This is because there is an automatic increase in the production of blood to increase supply for the baby. Combined with the elevated levels of hormones, this can cause the mucus membranes in the nasal passage to swell up slightly, leading to a

.

19. Drooling

Some expecting Indian mothers have reported that they salivate more, which tends to show up close to the appearance of other 1st-month pregnancy symptoms. While there is not much that is known for why this occurs, specialists have a few guesses. It may be to help protect the mouth from the negative effects of stomach acid and the frequent vomiting when morning sickness rolls around. This can also show up as

or later, and varies from case to case.

20. Tingling sensation in your stomach

This symptom of pregnancy may show up in the first few weeks after conception and can be attributed to cramps caused by gastrointestinal issues as pregnancy hormones are elevated during this time.

21. UTIs

Pregnancy symptoms after missed periods can include the
. This can be because of the increased urination and elevated hormone levels. You should

if this persists.

22. Feeling sick with cold or flu

Because your body witnesses a number of different changes at every level, it is normal that your immunity will see a dip during this time.
can be one of the very first symptoms of pregnancy as the body begins to feel fatigued slowly right after ovulation. If the symptoms do not go away with rest, fluids, and your regular doses of medicine, it can become a cause for concern. In which case, you may want to contact your In the current situation, having a cold or flu could also be a . Make sure to

to determine whether you need to go in for further treatment.

23. Increased sweat

This is perfectly normal since the body experiences

with increased blood supply, blood flow, and higher hormone levels. This causes the body | s temperature to rise, which is countered by excessive sweating to help cool the body down.
This may also result in sweaty hands and feet. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water can help relieve this problem. But as the pregnancy progresses, you may require ice chips and air conditioning to remain cool.

24 .Bleeding gums

Pregnancy symptoms at 5 weeks might include trouble with bleeding gums. People who have not given birth before may not know about the importance of dental care during pregnancy. The hormonal changes that occur cause gums to be increasingly
vulnerable to the buildup of plaque, which can lead to inflammation. This can worsen to bleeding. You should consider speaking with a

to help you with this problem.

25. Acne

1-month pregnant symptoms can include the onset of
. With so many different hormones coursing through the body, the skin tends to become oily. This can clog pores and cause . Most pregnant women experience inflamed patches of skin and acne during the first two trimesters. A

can help provide a solution to this problem.

26. Thinning of hair

While this is not a common symptom, some women do report that they experience hair thinning during their pregnancy. This can be caused by the imbalance of pregnancy hormones.

27. Vaginal discharge

Early signs of pregnancy discharge can include thick whitish discharge that can cause an itching sensation. This is commonly referred to as a
and can be identified by its resemblance to cottage cheese. Yeast infections become
increasingly common through the pregnancy calendar week by week, especially in the first two trimesters when hormonal changes are higher, resulting in the disruption of the pH balance of the vagina. A

can help you prevent this.

3. Aditi Mallya

When you have

, your pregnancy might affect those symptoms as well. This is what Aditi experienced firsthand as well. “I didn | t have too many symptoms at first, to be honest. A friend of mine who was a few months pregnant already did tell
me that my nose bleeds might have meant I was finally pregnant. She said she had 2 or 3 herself in her first few weeks. She was quite insistent too since it was her second pregnancy. But I shrugged it off and blamed the weather.”

Aditi | s experiences are quite interesting as she also began to experience harsh reactions to bright colours. “My husband insisted on having a yellow bathroom when we moved houses so that our mornings would start on a | more cheerful | note. I thought it was
tacky but gave in. For years I | ve grudgingly accepted it, but when I started getting intense headaches, I was quite baffled. I had to start using the guest bathroom instead!”

28. Dry mouth

While some women produce more saliva, others experience a dry mouth. This can be for two reasons – one, that your oral hygiene is affected by the excess hormone production, or two because the body needs more water during pregnancy. The latter
the reason is that the baby will also need water to develop, which is why the brain signals to the body to help meet this requirement.

29. Nose bleeds

For the same reason that women experience

, others experience nose bleeds. With higher blood supply, the membranes in the nose can swell up and become inflamed. This can cause the nose to dry out which can trigger nose bleeds.

30. Pollen allergies

Some women experience
during their pregnancy. This can be in the form of watery eyes, , and stuffy noses. To treat this, speak to your about a remedy. If this is the first time you are
experiencing allergy symptoms, consider taking an

to determine the cause.

31. Shivering

While feeling hot is the common issue faced by most pregnant women, another common symptom that shows up is feeling cold and shivering. This is nothing to worry about as the body temperature may fluctuate with so many ongoing internal processes.

32. Increased sensitivity to colour

Pregnant women can become quite sensitive to bright colours, and while there is not enough research behind this, it may be because of the changes in the brain and hormone levels.



4. Meenakshi S.

“This was my second pregnancy, actually. So when the same symptoms started up when my husband and I were trying again, he and I joked that we should just show up at our OBGYN.”

However, Meenakshi experienced one symptom that she hadn | t in her previous pregnancy. “The spotting was new to me. I was scared it was a
or an

. So I consulted
with a doctor online who told me that my symptoms were mild, so it was probably just the embryo attaching itself to my uterus. But she told me to observe the bleeding for a day or two and to see a doctor if it hadn | t stopped by then. Thankfully, we didn | t have to.”

33. Frequent passage of gas

Progesterone causes the muscles to relax, and this includes the intestines. Digestion slows down and this results in the buildup of gas. This can cause bloating and

in pregnant women.

34. Diarrhoea

Symptoms of pregnancy in the first weeks of conception are heavily influenced by the shifting hormones, which impact bowel movement a lot. One of the earliest signs of pregnancy can be
.
If this gets worse, you should talk to a

.

35. Hunger

Pangs of hunger become frequent as you progress through the pregnancy calendar week by week, and may show up more towards the early and final stages. Because the body is experiencing a surge of
hormones that are in flux, a rise and fall in hunger are completely normal. And towards the final trimester, this is also more common as the body requires more food for the baby as well.

36. Emotional

You may find yourself emotionally and having crying spells in early pregnancy. This could continue on throughout the 9 months and is because there is a mix of chemical changes taking place. However,
if you feel depressed or
, you should talk to a

to understand if your symptoms indicate mental health issues.

37. Spotting pregnancy

Spotting pregnancy signs may literally translate to spots of blood. This is nothing but

, and should not be confused for periods during first month of pregnancy. At the same
time, this should not last for over 2 days nor should it turn into heavy bleeding, as otherwise, it may indicate complications with the pregnancy.

38. Cramping

Cramps during pregnancy are common, and this too can be a sign of successful implantation of the embryo in the lining of the uterine wall. Hormonal changes also cause an increased buildup of gas,
so you may experience cramps during pregnancy for this reason as well.

39. Bloating

3 weeks pregnant symptoms and signs often comprise of

. The implantation of the embryo can cause the uterine wall to swell, which can cause bloating. Additionally, because digestion slows down
with the hormonal changes occurring in the body, gas tends to build up in the intestines. For this reason, your belly may feel hard and round, which can cause physical discomfort. Drinking plenty of water,
staying away from caffeine, and avoiding spicy or oily foods can help curb this.

40. Back pain

Whether it is pregnancy symptoms at 5 weeks or 5 months,
is something that plagues expecting mothers right from the beginning. It starts early as a result of the body loosening ligaments and
joints to stretch the body to prepare for the growth of the baby. This can put a strain in the muscles in the lower back. As the baby grows, the weight can cause more stress to this area.

is very important
for this reason and you should speak to a doctor about maintaining this to avoid complications and further strain.

41. Lack of sleep

is another of the many signs of one week pregnancy and ties back to other symptoms. The discomfort caused by other problems can make it difficult to fall asleep. Mainly, physical problems like back pain,
tender breasts, digestive issues, cramps,

, and headaches can cause this. But the inability to fall asleep may also be attributed to the effect of hormones on your mood and emotions. Practising yoga and other relaxation techniques can help you sleep better if this is the case.

5. Priyadarshini

For Priyadarshini, it took a while to understand her symptoms were signalling something else and not the onset of her period. “I have heavy PMS symptoms, and then a

. This is normal for me. I was working on a big project at work
at the time and was under a lot of stress as well. So when I was late by a few days, I thought to myself that it must be the stress that is causing me to feel this way and it must be what is aggravating my symptoms.”

But when a week and a half passed and Priyadarshini still hadn | t gotten her period, her husband suggested that they purchase an at-home pregnancy kit. “It hadn | t occurred to me until he suggested it. And when the stick told us it was positive,
everything just clicked! I | ve worked in stressful situations before as well, and I never experienced these symptoms then. So, of course, it was this happy surprise!”

42. PMS symptoms

The body mimics PMS symptoms through the early stages of pregnancy because of how closely the two are related. Both processes see an increase in hormones like progesterone and estrogen, which result in the same bodily changes.

43. Fatigue

Apart from slowing down digestion and relaxing the muscles of the body, increased production of progesterone in the body lowers blood pressure. This drop can cause
. Some may also experience dizziness, fainting, and

. You should get plenty of rest, food, and fluids for this reason, and avoid overexerting yourself.

44. Increased heart rate

There is an increased supply of blood in the body, which is one of the major signs of getting pregnant. Because of this, your heart rate may increase by a little, and you may experience palpitations. This is completely normal and is not considered harmful.

45. High blood pressure

1 month pregnant symptoms can include

, and this should be checked by a doctor if it persists. This can be harmful to pregnancy development and for the fetus growing inside.

46. Weight gain

Most weight gain in pregnancy takes place in the latter two trimesters. However, some women may find themselves gaining weight within the first few weeks of pregnancy. This may just be because of bloating and an increase in water weight.

47. Heartburn

Progesterone levels are elevated right from the first week of pregnancy. This hormone relaxes smooth muscles in the body, and since the muscles of the lower oesophagus fall in this category, it can become difficult for it to function normally.
This causes food and acids to rise up, which is known as

.

48. Dizziness

Both blood sugar and blood supply are affected in early pregnancy. This can cause lightheadedness,

, and infrequent fainting spells. This is also caused by an increase in hormone production in the body.

49. Headaches

Many women complain of various head-related problems and these can be some of the first physical signs of pregnancy. This impacts vision and the nasal passage, which can lead to dull
. There is also an increase in stress and fatigue during
these initial few weeks of pregnancy, which can result in sinus headaches as well. If your headaches worsen, you should see a

to make sure that there are no underlying causes for this that are of concern.

50. Increased thirst

As the body prepares for a pregnancy, the production of blood goes up. This is to help meet the requirements for the baby within the womb as well. Because of this, your body will need more nutrients and water, which is why the body signals a feeling of thirst more frequently.

51. Healthy hair

While some women experience hair thinning during pregnancy, many actually enjoy thicker hair during this period. With higher levels of estrogen in the body, hair can become fuller, thicker, and shinier. At the same time, it may promote changes in texture, and even the

in various places, including on the belly and breasts.

6. Deepali Kaushik

Deepali spoke to us about her troubles getting pregnant, and the difficulties she faced right from the beginning. “Pregnancy is nothing like most people make it out to be. At least, not for me. I had a few

before I could finally get through
my pregnancy to fruition. And once I did get pregnant, I had a hard time coping with the changes my body underwent.”

“Many of my friends spoke to me about their own troubles, which really helped me understand that this was normal. Pregnancy is a different experience for all, but the bundle of joy you have placed in your arms at the end of it makes it all worth it.”

52. Sensitivity to smell

This is probably one of the most common pregnancy symptoms. This sense of heightened smell occurs even more in women who experience pregnancy nausea and vomiting more.

53. Breast soreness

Two weeks pregnant symptoms tend to include breast soreness for many. To prepare for childbirth, the body begins to expand the milk ducts in the breasts. Because of this, the breasts can become heavier and swollen, which starts off as

to begin with.

54. Darkened areolas

Signs of one week pregnancy often show up as darkened areolas, which are the areas around the nipples. This is because melanin increases in areas that are already high in melanin due to the increase in hormones
Interesting fact:


Many believe that since the hormones affect the body to help it become ready for pregnancy, all changes to the breasts during pregnancy are to prepare for breastfeeding. This is why the milk ducts become bigger, and the darkening of the areola may be to help the newborn identify its food source with more ease.

56. Mood swings

Hormonal imbalances cause frequent mood swings, and this can be one of the major pregnancy symptoms after missed periods because there is a higher surge of progesterone and estrogen during this time. Mood swings in the first few weeks typically range from frustration and
irritation to sadness and sensitivity.

57. Food aversions

Most women find that they can no longer stomach the same foods once they are pregnant. Items that they previously had an appetite for may seem unappealing. These

can be attributed to the heightened sense of smell and increasing nausea. Regular morning sickness later
in the pregnancy can worsen this.

58. Frequent urination

Pregnancy can lead to the production of more urine, and this builds a frequent need to visit the bathroom. Since thirst is also heightened to help the body match water levels for the increased blood supply, pregnant women will urinate more.

59. Pregnancy glow

Because of the increase in blood supply, your skin may feel flushed. In addition to this, many women find that they feel hotter and sweat more as a result of this. All this can help give you a pregnancy glow.

60. Nausea

Digestion is usually quite off in the first few weeks, resulting in constipation, gas, and bloating. This can result in

and even vomiting. There is also an increased formation of acid in the stomach, and with acid reflux becoming more frequent, nausea can build up even further.
To prevent this from worsening,
avoid oily and spicy foods. Consuming smaller meals can also go a long way in curbing nausea.

61. Metallic taste in the mouth

Your senses change during pregnancy, and this affects your taste as well. Many women find that they have a metallic taste in their mouth, which is what it would feel like to suck on old coins.

62. Hair loss

While this is not as common, it is still a sign of pregnancy in women who experience this. The surge in hormones can cause a shock to the body which causes thinning hair and
. If you experience this, you may also want to get a

to confirm there aren | t any other
underlying causes for this.

7. Sneha Silva

Sneha (name changed for anonymity) happened to be one of the lucky ones, as her pregnancy happened around the same time as her sister-in-law | s pregnancy. “It was such a happy coincidence and I was very thankful since I had some guidance and support through it. My sister-in-law knew
we were trying to get pregnant, and when my instincts told me something was different, she urged me to get a test.”

“It was nice to have someone know what I was going through and to laugh about our symptoms together. We even began to have the same food cravings together!” While some women, like Deepali, have an aversion to lots of different foods, some other women experience intense cravings that they | ve never experienced before.

63. Change in libido

Pregnancy day by day can result in a number of different symptoms, many of which cause physical discomfort. Stress and elevated hormone levels also affect the mental, physical and emotional states. All of this can cause a

, with women finding a decrease in sexual desire in the first few weeks
of pregnancy.

64. Cigarette aversion

When a woman is pregnant, the body begins to reject items of food that do not provide enough nutrition or may be potentially harmful to the child. A good example of this is the resulting aversion to coffee. Similarly, women who smoke will find themselves appalled by cigarettes. However, if you have a habit
of smoking, you may also want to take a

to ensure there are no underlying conditions that can cause harm to your health through the pregnancy.

65. Haemorrhoids

One of the problems experienced during pregnancy is the development of

in the first trimester. All the hormonal changes and imbalances can cause severe constipation, which results in the development of swollen lumps near the anus. These can be quite painful, and you should see a doctor at the
earliest if you experience this problem.

66. Heaviness in your stomach

A heavy stomach may be the result of the buildup of gas and stomach acids during pregnancy. To help flush this out, drink plenty of water.

67. Leg cramps

Early signs of pregnancy cramping are not limited to the stomach or uterus. Because of the increase in blood supply and expansion of the uterus, some women may experience

during pregnancy, especially at night.

68. Veins on breast

The blood supply to the breasts increases in the first few weeks of pregnancy, and this results in about 20-40% more blood volume within the breasts. Because of this, the veins in the breasts become a lot more prominent.

69. Tingling sensation on breasts

The supply of blood to the breasts increases due to elevated progesterone and estrogen in the body. This can make them a lot more sensitive, resulting in soreness, tenderness, and can even cause a tingling sensation. This may indicate that the milk ducts are also expanding to prepare the body
for motherhood.

70. Food cravings

Just as pregnant women find their tastes changing leading to food aversions, there are also strange food cravings that can come up. Many women find themselves attracted to foods they never had much of an affinity for and might find themselves physically craving these items.
Interesting fact:


Some pregnant women also find that they crave items without any nutritional value, like dirt, paint chips, or less dangerous items, like ice. This is known as pica and can be harmful to the health of the mother and baby. You should see a doctor if you experience this.

So now that you know the physical signs of pregnancy and the wide variety of symptoms that can show up, you can better assess your own need for a test. You may also be tempted to know pregnancy symptoms week by week, but any research will only show you a general overview. This is because while
these symptoms and others throughout your pregnancy are common, each individual is unique (as we have just seen) and experiences these 9 months in their own ways, which is what makes it all the more special!

Summary:
There are as many as early pregnancy signs before missed period and they range from some of the least to most obvious side effects of pregnancy. By signs, we mean the indicative health changes that you notice in pregnancy. Most of these symptoms will appear within the first month of pregnancy and may
last throughout the course of the 9 months. Others will disappear or decline by the second trimester or the start of the third. However, it | s important to note that each case is unique and sometimes even the most common pregnancy symptoms will be experienced differently by an expecting mother. It is also important to understand the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy so that they can be addressed before any further complications arise