Signs of Pregnancy Before Missed Period

One of the first signs of pregnancy is often a missed menstrual period. However, some women with irregular cycles may not be able to accurately predict when their menstrual periods are due. Implantation bleeding can also be interpreted as a menstrual period, making it difficult for a woman to track her cycle. Other signs of pregnancy make it possible to detect pregnancy before a missed menstrual period.

Breast Changes

According to the March of Dimes, breast tenderness can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. The breasts may also become larger during pregnancy because fat tissue builds up in the breasts and the milk glands get larger. Pregnant women may notice that their nipples stand out more or that the skin around the nipples is darker. Women can cope with these breast changes by making some lifestyle changes. Wear a maternity bra that provides excellent support for the breasts and back muscles. Reduce breast swelling by avoiding caffeine, reducing fat intake and exercising every day.

Morning Sickness

The American Pregnancy Association indicates that half of all women experience morning sickness during pregnancy. Morning sickness is the term given to nausea and vomiting that occur during pregnancy. This can be one of the first signs of pregnancy, occurring as early as two weeks after conception. While the term morning sickness implies that the nausea and vomiting occur in the morning, they can actually occur at any time of the day. Pregnant women can make several changes to prevent or reduce the effects of morning sickness. Eat small, frequent meals, but avoid foods that increase nausea. Drink fluids throughout the day so that dehydration does not occur. Avoid warm places that can increase the feeling of nausea. Do not skip meals or lie down after eating, as this can make nausea worse.

Fatigue

Fatigue can occur as early as one week after conception. Physicians from the Mayo Clinic indicate that this fatigue occurs because of the soaring levels of progesterone that accompany a pregnancy. When a woman's progesterone level is high enough, it can induce sleep. Pregnancy can also result in lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar and increased blood production, which can also cause fatigue. Dr. Marjorie Greenfield of Case School of Medicine and University Hospitals, Cleveland, recommends making lifestyle changes that can prevent or reduce fatigue. She advises pregnant women to exercise daily, eat nutritious meals, take short breaks from work and get help with household chores whenever possible.

Bleeding or Spotting

Bleeding or spotting can occur early in a normal pregnancy. This is known as implantation bleeding, which can present as light spotting for as little as a few hours or as long as a few days. According to the American Pregnancy Association, implantation bleeding can occur six to 12 days after conception. While implantation bleeding is normal, bleeding during the second half of a pregnancy should be reported to a health care provider. Bleeding can indicate miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, infections and other conditions.

Food Cravings

Food cravings may begin early in a pregnancy and continue throughout an entire pregnancy. However, the Nemours Foundation indicates that food cravings usually diminish by a woman's third month of pregnancy. Pregnant women may crave spicy foods, comfort foods and chocolate. Researchers have not been able to determine why women crave specific foods during their pregnancies. Some women developing cravings for nonfood items while they are pregnant. These items can be harmful to a developing fetus, so they should never be eaten during a pregnancy. If these cravings develop, they should be reported to a medical professional.