Early signs of pregnancy: Is it possible to understand these symptoms before a missed period?

Nusrat Ayaan

Published: 05/03/2026
Updated: 05/03/2026

Becoming a mother is the biggest joy in any woman’s life. Many times we don’t realize whether a new life has started moving in our body or not.

Especially for those who are going to become mothers for the first time, both curiosity and fear work in their minds. Many people think that the signs of pregnancy cannot be understood until the period is missed? 

In fact, our body gives some signals that can be understood if we pay a little attention. We will discuss the early signs of pregnancy in a very nice way.

Why do these changes happen in the body?

During pregnancy, the body undergoes a huge hormonal change. In particular, the levels of hCG, progesterone, and estrogen increase. These symptoms appear in the body as a preparation for supporting a new life. However, remember that not everyone’s body structure is the same. Therefore, these symptoms may be different for each person. This is a completely normal process.

Common signs before a missed period 

Your body starts giving you little signals before your period starts. Are you suddenly feeling very tired? Or are you suddenly feeling irritable? These are very common signs. Let’s take a look at the symptoms that usually appear before your period:

  • Fatigue: Feeling weak after doing little work or sleeping all day.
  • Breast changes: Breasts may feel more painful when touched or may feel heavier than usual.

Do you feel something like this? Warnings and Symptoms Table

In early pregnancy, we often hesitate whether it is a normal physical problem or something else. The table below will help you understand.

Physical changesWhat could this be?Cause
Frequent urinationEarly pregnancy signsBlood flow to the kidneys increases greatly.
Indifference to the smell of foodSigns of pregnancyIncreased sense of smell due to hormonal changes
Mild fever in the body Feverish feelingSigns of physical changesIncreased levels of the hormone progesterone

Nausea or Morning Sickness

The most common symptom of pregnancy is nausea. Interestingly, although it is called ‘morning sickness’, it can occur at any time of the day. Many people feel dizzy when they wake up in the morning, and the smell of cooking or fish makes them nauseous. Is your nose wrinkled at the smell of your favorite food? But this can be a major sign of pregnancy.

Change of mind

Do you suddenly become very happy and then cry for no reason? Are you unable to control your anger over small things at home? Don’t worry, you are not crazy. During early pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations change the chemical balance of the brain. As a result, mood swings can occur repeatedly. However, this will settle down with time.

Going to the bathroom after a while

If you find yourself going to the bathroom more often than usual, this could be a sign. After pregnancy, the blood volume in your body increases, which means your kidneys have to work harder. The extra fluid is excreted through the toilet. Many women report this change before they miss their period.

A quick question for you?

Have you noticed that you don’t feel like eating your favorite chocolate or coffee lately? Or are you craving something you never liked before? Changing your taste for these strange foods is one of the fun things about the first stage of pregnancy.

Breast tenderness and changes

Many women experience changes in their breasts within 1 to 2 weeks of pregnancy. Due to hormones, the breasts become soft and may feel sore. The nipples or the area around them may become darker than before. This is actually a natural way for your body to prepare for breastfeeding a baby in the future.

Implantation bleeding and lower abdominal pain

Many people think that their period has started when they see light bleeding, but it can actually be a sign of the embryo implanting in the uterus. 

Although it is not as severe as a period, there may be mild twisting or dizziness in the lower abdomen. If your bleeding does not last more than 1-2 days and the amount is very small, it can be an early pregnancy sign.

What happens after a missed period? 

In the first part, we learned what signals the body gives before the period. Now let’s know how the body confirms to you that a new life is growing inside when your period or period is due. 

Does missing a period mean pregnancy? But that may not always be the case. Let’s take a deeper look at these signs.

Menstruation or period stops 

This is the biggest and main early pregnancy sign. If your period always comes on time and this time it doesn’t, then there is enough reason to suspect. After getting pregnant, the body starts releasing hormones which hold the walls of your uterus 

Sometimes, your period can be delayed due to anxiety or feeling unwell, so don’t get excited as soon as you miss your period and give your body more time.

The Secret of Body Temperature

Have you noticed that your body feels a little warmer after waking up in the morning lately? 

This is called ‘basal body temperature’. During ovulation, your body temperature increases a little, but if you see that it is time for your period and the temperature does not decrease, then you will understand that this is a sure sign of early pregnancy signs. This increased body temperature is actually a signal of a huge change happening inside you.

Sudden fatigue and laziness

Earlier, you may have been very agile, handling all the housework alone. But now, does it feel like I have to lie down for a while even if I walk a little? Are you running out of breath when climbing stairs?

 In fact, all the energy of your body is now being spent to protect your little one. Due to the increase in the hormone progesterone, most of the body always shows symptoms of feeling a little more tired and sluggish.

Do you have any of these symptoms?

Pregnancy symptoms can be quite interesting at times. 

Strange symptomsWhy does this happen?Is this happening to you?
Metallic taste in mouthHormonal imbalance in the bodyDoes it taste like copper or iron?
ConstipationSlow digestionDoes your stomach feel heavy?
Excessive dreamingMental anxiety and tensionHave you been having any strange dreams lately?

When the sense of smell becomes acute

Earlier, you may have loved perfumes or perfumes. But now, do you even get confused by the smell of soap or oil? Do you have to put a handkerchief to your nose when cooking because of the smell of frying onions? Don’t be surprised, women’s sense of smell increases many times during pregnancy.

 Even the smell of the person you like may seem unbearable to you. This is also one of the main early pregnancy signs that many women experience in the early stages.

Dizziness and fainting

On TV, we often see the heroine dizzy and everyone realizes that she is going to be a mother. In reality, this does not always happen, but it happens to many people. If the blood supply to the uterus increases, there may be a slight decrease in blood pressure in the brain. If you get up suddenly from a chair or stand for a long time, your head may feel dizzy. If this happens, sit down immediately and drink plenty of water.

A quick question on your mind?

So, do you feel like your skin has suddenly become very radiant? Many people call it the ‘pregnancy glow’. Some people also get small spots or acne on their face. Is your mirror telling you something new today?

Digestive problems and stomach heaviness

Many people think that maybe they ate something outside and that is why they have gas in their stomach. But constipation or flatulence is very common in early pregnancy. Due to hormones, your pulse rate slows down. 

As a result, food does not want to be digested properly. This is your body’s strategy so that your baby can absorb all the nutrients from the food. But this may cause you a little discomfort.

Pain or aching in the lower back

Many people think that back pain means a bone problem. But if you feel a slight pull in the lower back around the time of missing your period, then you will understand that your hormones are loosening the bone joints of the body. 

Do you know why? So that the body can make enough space when having a baby in the future. This pain or aching feeling is also considered one of the early pregnancy signs.

Traditional beliefs of people in rural Bengal

In our village, elderly women can tell who is going to be a mother just by looking at their face. They can tell a lot from the corners of their eyes, the color of their cheeks, and the way they walk. 

Scientifically speaking, these may not always be accurate, but there’s no denying that hormonal changes can have an impact on our appearance.

Easy ways to confirm pregnancy

So far we have learned about many signs. But just looking at the signs is not enough to be sure. There are many doubts in the mind that am I really going to become a mother or is it all a mistake of the mind? The easiest way to remove this doubt is a pregnancy test. 

When you feel these early pregnancy signs in your body, you should take steps to confirm without delay.

How to test at home

These days, it has become much easier to test for pregnancy. Just go to any pharmacy and buy a pregnancy test kit. It is best to do this test with the first morning urine a few days after missing your period. Because the hormone levels are highest in the morning urine.

 If two colored spots appear on the kit, you will understand that it is time for a new guest to come into your life. Many mothers and sisters in our village still do not want to do this because they are shy, but remember that this is very important for the future of you and your unborn child.

Self-care for a new life in the body

As soon as you realize that you are pregnant, you will need to make some changes to your lifestyle. Because now you are no longer alone, another life is growing with you. Pay special attention to your diet. We often neglect it, but it is very important to eat nutritious food at the beginning of pregnancy. Try to eat more vegetables, fruits and iron-rich foods.

Why is it so important to keep your mind calm?

There is a saying in our society that the nature of the child is the same as the mother thinks. But this saying is not entirely true. 

It is very normal to be irritable during pregnancy, but try to always be happy. Listening to your favorite songs or talking to your loved ones will reduce your stress. Remember that your happy mind is the best medicine for your child’s growth.

When to go to the doctor?

Many people think that you should run to the doctor as soon as the baby is born? In fact, after understanding the symptoms, when you are sure, it is better to consult an experienced doctor at least once.

 He will understand your physical condition and give you some essential vitamins or folic acid, which are very necessary for the proper formation of the baby. Also, if you have excessive bleeding or severe abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention without delay.

Are there any fears in your mind?

 Many questions swirl in your mind – is the baby okay? Will I be able to handle everything? These fears are completely normal. But trust your body. 

Nature has designed your body in such a way that it can show the light of the world to a new life. These early pregnancy signs are preparing you for the future, as you are changing little by little inside you.

The role of people around you

Family support is the biggest strength for a pregnant woman. Especially the husband should be by his wife’s side during this time. He should soothe her sudden mood swings and keep her mentally calm. If there is peace at home, both the expectant mother and the child will be healthy. A little extra love and care can make this difficult time easier.

Stay away from misconceptions

There are many misconceptions or superstitions in our society about pregnancy. Many people say that you cannot eat this or do that. Remember to always follow scientific and healthy rules. Do not harm yourself or your baby by being afraid of someone’s words. Getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water will help your body get rid of fatigue.

Small lifestyle changes during pregnancy

Once you are sure that you are going to be a mother, it is wise to make some changes to your daily habits.

Many of us think that pregnancy means lying down all day, but it is not. Unless your doctor tells you to rest for some special reason, light walking or doing simple household chores is good for your body. This keeps the blood circulation in good order and the body does not become too heavy. However, remember, do not try to lift heavy buckets or lower heavy objects by raising your arms high.

The importance of sleep and correct posture

Many people experience sleep problems in early pregnancy. Although they feel sleepy during the day, they do not want to sleep properly at night. Again, frequent trips to the bathroom also disrupt sleep.

Try to sleep for at least 8 to 9 hours every day. Your sleeping position while sleeping is also important. Generally, lying on your left side is considered the safest during pregnancy. This improves blood circulation in the uterus and makes it easier for nutrients to reach your baby. Keep your body in a comfortable position by increasing the use of pillows so that there is less pressure on your back or waist.

Some important things about food

We often think that now I am eating for two, so I have to eat double. This is a wrong idea. Actually, you do not have to eat for two, but the quality or nutrition of your food should be for two.

It is better to avoid excessively oily or spicy foods, because at this time there is a high chance of heartburn or acidity. Be careful when eating open street food or raw salads because there is a risk of infection. Try to eat fresh homemade food. If you eat fish or meat, make sure that they are cooked very well.

What to do to overcome mental instability

During pregnancy, due to hormones, you may feel that the world has suddenly become very difficult. You may be breaking down for small reasons. To overcome this instability, you can take care of a little bit of plants or read a favorite book. If possible, take time every day to take a short walk in the fresh air.The touch of nature will keep your mind very calm.

 Remember, you are not alone—your whole family wants to be a part of this beautiful time with you.

Home Remedies vs. Expert Advice Opinion

Our grandmothers often recommend drinking ginger water or lemon juice to reduce nausea, which is really very effective. However, do not go looking for home remedies for all problems.

If your vomiting is excessive and you cannot keep anything down, then inform the doctor without delay. Because if there is a lack of water in the body, it can be harmful to you and the baby.  

Preparation for the future and mental courage

This time of pregnancy is actually a big test of patience. The calmer and more aware you are, the easier this journey will be for you. Start weaving a web of your unborn child in your mind right now. These sweet dreams will give you the strength to endure all the physical hardships.

Always try to be clean and wear loose cotton clothes. The initial days may seem a little difficult, but trust yourself that you can handle everything. Every small step you take is laying the foundation for a bright future for your child.

The beginning of a new journey

Becoming a mother means not only giving birth to a child but also a new birth for oneself. These initial minor troubles like nausea, fatigue, or aversion to food—all of them will seem insignificant when you see your baby’s face for the first time.

So, don’t be afraid of early pregnancy signs and embrace them with a smile. Take care of yourself every day and dream of a beautiful future.

May this new journey of yours be joyful and safe.  

Related Articles

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Understanding all Concepts of Postpartum Hemorrhage along its Criteria,Diagnosis and Prevention with Management 

Postpartum bleeding is currently posses the leading position in terms of maternal death.There are about 27 million women who acquire postpartum blood loss and it ultimately end up with 43,000 thousands maternal deaths The core reasons behind the occurrence of PPH are uterine atony,retained placenta along with coagulopathy.Moreover,caesarean section,anaemia and inappropriate antenatal care actually heighten the risk of occurring PPH in the pregnant mother.

In this article we try to share the concepts of prevention of postpartum hemorrhage which comprise reduction of number of caesarean sections together with the necessity of uterotonic prophylaxis.Fortunately standardised bundle and avoidance of delaying treatment protocol can certainly help save valuable lives.

What is primary postpartum bleeding or haemorrhage?

When excessive blood loss occurs from the gentinal tract of the mother within the 24 hours of the delivery, an estimated greater than 500 ml of fresh blood is called primary postpartum hemorrhage.It may have distinct classifications which comprise minor,major and secondary postpartum blood loss.While minor PPH means loss of blood less than 1000 mls,blood loss above 1000 mls actually suggest major PPH.

On the other hand,blood loss occurring between 24 hours post delivery period to six weeks of postpartum period indicates secondary postpartum blood loss or haemorrhage.

Find out more here

Common aetiologies of Primary postpartum blood loss

There are so many causes of post-partum hemorrhage that can trigger postpartum blood loss but we can broadly categorise these causes into “four Ts” namely;

Tonicity of uterus:It includes uterine atony along with distended bladder.

Trauma to the uterus:When there is any amount of lacerations of the uterus, cervix or vagina,it then triggers the occurrence of postpartum bleeding or haemorrhage.

Tissues within the uterine cavity:Retained placenta or presence of blood clots within the cavity after delivery of the fetus is among the vital causes of PPH. .

Pre-existent thrombin:Any amount of pre-existing coagulopathy which may be acquired also can have potential to cause serious postpartum hemorrhage in a mother during or after delivery.

However,uterine atony remains as the leading cause of PPH while the retained placenta leads the position as the second most common cause of postpartum blood loss.

Epidemiology of postpartum bleeding in global world

Obstetric haemorrhage continues to be the most frequent reason for obstetric morbidity and mortality in our entire globe.The percentage of occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage is about 1-3% of all deliveries and unfortunately it account for 8% of maternal deaths in the middle to high income country where low income countries consume 20% maternal deaths due to postpartum bleeding and its complication.

A report indicates that almost 70,000 maternal deaths occur due to postpartum blood loss together with its fatal complications in each year worldwide.As a more economically developed country the United States consumes about 11% of maternal deaths due to obstetric haemorrhages which usually occurs within the 24 hours of delivery or within the 6 weeks of postpartum period.

Usual risk or trigger factors of postpartum bleeding 

There are some risk factors of post-partum hemorrhage which possess a close relation to the antenatal period and also some causes associate the delivery process of the baby.

Some common antenatal risk factors of PPH

  • Antepartum haemorrhage in this pregnancy along with placenta praevia heightened the risk about 12 times than usual.
  • Suspected or proven placental abruption together with multiple pregnancy increases the risk about 5 times.
  • Another significant cause of PPH is uterine over-distention which include polyhydramnios or macrosomia.
  • Pregnancy induces hypertension namely pre-eclampsia multiplies the risk of postpartum hemorrhage about 4 times than normal. 
  • Grand multiparas who have four or more pregnancies and also the nulliparas.
  • Previous PPH or previously experienced retained placenta increases the risks about 3 times.
  • Asian ethnicity also doubled the risks of postpartum bleeding or haemorrhage.
  • Maternal obesity along with pre-existence uterine abnormality.
  • Maternal age above 40 years along with maternal anaemia when Hb level is less than 9 g/dl.

The factors in relation to delivery of the baby

There are some factors which have a close relation to the delivery process of the baby and these factors usually increases the risk of PPH development.These comprise:

Factors Increases the risk of PPH
Emergency caesarean section(4x risk) Weight of the baby >4 Kg
Over 3 elective caesarean sectionsMaternal pyrexia or fever
Retained placenta also increases Obstructions in the labour process
Mediolateral episiotomy(5 x risk)Cephalopelvic disproportion
Iatrogenic Induction of labour Incompetency of maternal cervix
Prolonged labour >12 hours from onsetNeuromuscular disorders

Pre-existing maternal haemorrhagic conditions

There are some distinct maternal health conditions whose pre-existence in the maternal body heightened the risk of occurring postpartum hemorrhage.These comprise factor 8 deficiency which means mother is A haemophilia carrier and also factor 9 deficiency which indicates the mother is a hemophilia B carrier.

Therefore von Willebrand’s diseases also put the mother in great risk zones to experience the postpartum bleeding during delivery or within the 6 weeks of following delivery of the baby.

Core presentations of postpartum bleeding  

These are some trademark features of postpartum hemorrhage which help the healthcare professionals to diagnose the postpartum bleeding early and appropriately.These comprise:

Symptoms of PPH: Continuous loss of fresh blood through the genital tract which healthcare professionals fail to stop after delivery of the placenta.

Signs of PPH:When the loss of blood exceeds 1000 ml after the delivery,it may produce shock and it might be clinically apparent through the notifiable tachycardia along with hypotension.

Correlation of other medical conditions

The sudden heavy loss may trigger the quick development of haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets which is known as HELLP syndrome and the failure to manage them in a quick succession may worsen the patient’s condition.

Overall prompt diagnosis of postpartum bleeding or PPH

Healthcare providers usually diagnose post-partum hemorrhage through a combination of visual and physical examinations along with the assistance of some lab tests.Moreover, a thorough review of your health history may also be an important as well as crucial factor when it is about to assess the risk and health impacts of a PPH.

The diagnosis of postpartum hemorrhage is on the basis of the amount of blood you’ve lost during or after the delivery.One of the easiest ways to estimate blood loss after delivery is by carefully counting or weighing blood-soaked pads and sponges. If postpartum hemorrhage is suspected, your healthcare team may also use other tests or monitoring tools to assess your condition accurately.These include:

  • Continuous monitoring of your vitals that include pulse rate and blood pressure to detect emergencies within the body.
  • Several blood tests to measure red blood cells (hematocrit) and blood clotting or coagulation factors which may be the culprit of PPH.
  • A thoroughly pelvic exam by the experts to check your vagina, cervix and uterus.
  • Ultrasound and radiological imaging test to get a detailed image of your uterus and genital system.

Overall prompt treatment plan of PPH

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is treated as a medical emergency because heavy bleeding can become dangerous quickly. The main priority is to find where the bleeding is coming from and stop it as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider will choose the most appropriate treatment based on the cause of the bleeding, how much blood you have lost, and whether it happens during or after childbirth.These comprise: 

  • Uterine massage to help the muscles of your uterus contract and ensure making it hard.
  • Medications that stimulate uterine contractions and then remove retained placental tissue from your uterus which can happen manually or with instrumentally.
  • Proper repair of vaginal, cervical, and uterine tears with appropriate stitches can help control bleeding. A catheter or balloon may also be used to apply gentle pressure inside the uterus that helps compress the uterine walls and reduce bleeding. 
  • Certain proven procedures with an expert’s hand can be beneficial to stop the blood supply to the uterus.
  • There may be a need for blood transfusion if the bleeding is too much and your body demands along with fluids and supplemental oxygen.

When other methods fail,your healthcare team may perform surgery to stop the bleeding and this includes an abdominal incision (laparotomy) or the removal of the whole uterus via a hysterectomy as the situation demands. 

How long does it take for you to recover from PPH?

Recovery is in fact different for everyone while the proper recovery from a postpartum hemorrhage depends solely on the severity of blood loss and how your healthcare provider tackled it.It is always advisable to you to make sure that you take care of yourself in the days following your delivery and ensure timely eating healthy foods and drinking lots of water as much as possible.

Your healthcare provider may recommend proper timely rest along with an iron supplement to you that can reduce your risk of anemia.

Complications of PPH in the mother

There are so many complications of post-partum hemorrhage which can bring about harmful and fatal health impacts to the delivering mother.These comprise: 

  • Hypovolaemic shock together with disseminated intravascular coagulation.
  • Acute kidney injury along with concomitant liver failure.
  • Acute (adult) respiratory distress syndrome and cardiac arrest which ultimately bring death to the patient with postpartum bleeding.

Prognosis of the patients or mothers with PPH

Severe bleeding during or after childbirth is actually the leading cause of maternal death in the entire globe that generally affects 14 million women each year and it is mostly prevalent in developing nations.However,the United States also struggles with uniquely high maternal mortality rates though this hemorrhage during or after childbirth is highly preventable.

Moreover it continues to claim general people’s lives and exposes the deep concern of racial inequities.Unfortunate,black women in the U.S possess the higher mortality rates due to postpartum hemorrhage over three times higher than White women and the excruciatingly demand urgent along with equitable care. 

The main theme of prevention of the postpartum bleeding

The active management of the third stage of labour by the experts in this field can significantly reduce the risk of PPH and improve maternal well being as well.However prophylactic oxytocics should be routinely offered to the mothers in their third stage of labour and this is because they certainly decrease the risk of PPH by 60%. 

Oxytocin 5 or 10 IU IM is preferably the prophylactic agent of choice in the management of postpartum hemorrhage for most women deliver vaginally.Experts recommend it to be used as an infusion for women who are undergoing caesarean sections and therefore Syntometrine (oxytocin along with ergometrine) may also be another potential option in the absence of hypertension during delivery. 

Alternatives of the treatments for you facing PPH

Although oxytocin is the management or drug of choice in most of the cases of PPH, misoprostol can be an alternative in case of low resource delivery settings.The main advantages of it is that the availability of its oral form in the market which is comfortable to take.One study along with evidence indicate that it was more effective when given sublingually or directly under the tongue.

It is important for the healthcare authority to identify expectant mothers who may be at a higher risk for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) so we can carefully plan the safest and standard location to conduct their delivery. 

The Bottom line

While postpartum hemorrhage remains a menacing threat in global childbirth, it is irresistibly preventable for us.When we identify risk factors early and implement active labor management,it will then offer us safe maternal health and thereby reduce maternal deaths.Ultimately,the protection of mothers requires a steadfast commitment along with prompt clinical vigilance and timely intervention for every family. 

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