10 Signs You May Be Pregnant (Beyond a Missed Period)

Are headaches a symptom of pregnancy? What about sore breasts? While a missed period is the most common sign of pregnancy, it’s just one of many signs and symptoms that you may want to look out for before taking a pregnancy test. In fact, very early signs of pregnancy can show up as soon as one week before a missed period. Some women may experience multiple symptoms of pregnancy, while others may experience no symptoms at all.

Think you might be pregnant? We’ve rounded up 10 signs of pregnancy — other than just a missed period.

Disclaimer: This advice is not intended to substitute as advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek medical advice that is specific to your situation. Whether or not you’re trying to conceive, it’s always best to consult with your doctor when it comes to any questions about your health.

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Sore breasts

Sore, heavy or sensitive breasts are common in early pregnancy and could be a telltale sign you've got a bun in the oven. While uncomfortable, this soreness is mainly due to a surge in hormones, which alerts the body that life is growing in the womb.

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Headache

Headaches are very common and can come on from a range of conditions including muscle tension, stress or fatigue. However, they can also be a sign of pregnancy for some people (according to a medical review, 39 per cent of pregnant and postpartum people experience headaches).

In the early days of pregnancy, you may experience unusually frequent headaches as your hormones change to support your body's new life.

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Nausea

According to the Cleveland Clinic, morning sickness usually begins about six weeks into pregnancy and affects at least 70 per cent of expecting mothers. However, it's not uncommon to experience some nausea or motion sickness in the early days of pregnancy. You may notice travel sickness or suddenly getting nauseous while reading.

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Extreme fatigue

If you've shuffled from being a usually energetic person to someone who can't stop taking naps, you may want to consider if there's a chance you may be pregnant. A growing baby requires a lot of energy and calories in order to develop. Add that to the swing in hormone fluctuation and you're sure to be tuckered out.

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Food cravings

At this point in your pregnancy, you're more likely to crave carbs versus a sweet and salty pairing like pickles and chocolate. As your body uses more energy, it's looking for easy to metabolize foods, such as bread and pasta, for an instant energy boost.

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Implantation bleeding

Implantation bleeding, or spotting, usually occurs 10 to 14 days after conception, and is thought to signify when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Because it occurs around the time you would normally have your period, it's easily mistaken for a lighter period.

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Bloating

Are all your pants beginning to feel a little tight? Once pregnant, your body begins to produce progesterone which slows down your digestive track. If your puffy tummy doesn't go away and you don't get your period, it may be time to take a pregnancy test.

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Mood swings

If you find yourself crying easily or raging over something small, it could be those hormones to blame once more. As your hCG levels increase, you're left feeling exhausted, irritable and moody.

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Tingling nipples

Tingling nipples could be one of the first signs that you're pregnant. As pregnancy hormones increases the blood supply to your breasts, you may notice a tingling sensation in your nipples.

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Frequent urination

An increase in frequent or urgent trips to the washroom is one of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy that starts in your first trimester, just around the time you'd be getting your period. The pregnancy hormone hCG creates increased blood flow to the pelvic region and to your kidneys, causing those urgent bathroom breaks.