We’ve grown up watching Indian television bahus suddenly puking, craving pickles, or fainting—only to wake up to a doctor congratulating them for the “good news”. FYI, this OTT portrayal of pregnancy symptoms is far from what happens in reality. Yes, the universally hashed-out early-pregnancy signs like nausea and strange food cravings/aversions may kick in.
However, when it comes to pregnancy symptoms, one size doesn’t fit all. Some women may experience these typical signs. But some may not experience any of them at all. And some may experience these six lesser-known signs that can indicate a pregnancy even before a missed period:
Spotting
If you’re not planning a baby, slight spotting around your due period date may give you a sense of relief. More so, because it is usually accompanied by period-like abdominal cramps. But here’s the deal—this light bleeding can actually be implantation bleeding that typically happens 10-14 days after the fertilisation of the egg. It occurs as a result of the fertilised egg attaching itself to the uterus. But remember, implantation bleeding is very light, more like spotting and lasts for about a couple of hours to three days.
Breast Changes
Breast soreness, tenderness, engorgement, and swelling are some commonly known symptoms of early pregnancy. But apart from them, the hormonal hullabaloo in your body during pregnancy can also darken or widen the skin around your nipples (areola). Additionally, you may notice the veins on the surface of your breast becoming more prominent or experience a tingling sensation in your nipples due to increased sensitivity.
Bloating
Bloating can occur due to something as simple as having excess salt. It can also be a part of your premenstrual syndrome (PMS) package. However, bloating can also be an early pregnancy symptom. The main differentiator is that pregnancy-induced bloating makes the belly harder, tense, and tighter than usual. It can also be accompanied by constipation. This is because the increase in progesterone (pregnancy-supporting hormone) levels during early pregnancy can slow down digestion and trap gas in your intestines.
Dark Vertical Line Below Your Belly Button
Known as linea nigra or pregnancy line, this dark vertical line stretching from your belly button to your pubic area is also a sign of early pregnancy. It usually becomes dark and prominent during the second trimester. However, you may notice its faint version as early as the first month of pregnancy due to higher levels of pregnancy and melatonin-stimulating hormones in the body.
Skin Changes
Nausea and fatigue may get the better of you during early pregnancy. But the sudden surge of hormones in your body can make you glow like a 100-watt bulb. On the flip side, you can also experience slight pigmentation on your cheeks or notice some white spots or freckles on your face. This condition is known as melasma and this too is a result of the hormonal changes in the body.
Vaginal Discharge
The combined effect of increased blood flow to the vagina, higher progesterone levels, and your body’s natural defense against womb infections can make you produce more vaginal fluids during pregnancy. In fact, you may notice an increased vaginal discharge as early as the first month of pregnancy even before a missed period.
POPxo Recommends Best Product To Confirm Pregnancy Even Before A Missed Period: Sirona Preg Rx
It’s natural to feel a bit anxious if you’ve been noticing changes in your body that seem like pregnancy symptoms. But you don’t have to wait for a missed period to figure out whether you are pregnant. You can count on Preg Rx by Sirona and take a pregnancy test at home as early as 21 days after having unprotected sex. With a high accuracy rate of 99% and a single-step use, it can end all that anxiety in minutes and give you an answer. All you’ve to do is pee on the strip, wait for three-five minutes, and check for single (negative) or double (positive) lines on it. No dropper, no mess. Cool, right?
Folks, while checking for pregnancy symptoms can help you figure out whether you’re expecting, it’s not a sure-shot answer to the million-dollar question. Using a urine test kit followed by a proper blood test is the best way to confirm a pregnancy. So do reach out to your gynecologist if you’re in doubt.
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