When you’re trying to conceive or simply curious about the early stages of pregnancy, it’s common to look for signs before you’ve missed your period. While each woman’s body is different, there are certain pregnancy symptoms that many experience within the first few weeks, even before the missed period.

1. Tender or Swollen Breasts One of the first signs of pregnancy is breast tenderness or swelling, which typically occurs before a missed period. Your body starts to produce more progesterone during early pregnancy, which can cause your breasts to feel tender, heavy, or swollen. This symptom may be similar to the sensations that happen before your period, but it often lasts longer and is more pronounced.

2. Fatigue or Exhaustion Extreme tiredness or fatigue is another pregnancy symptom that can show up before a missed period. Hormonal changes, particularly an increase in progesterone, can make you feel drained or sleepy even after a good night’s rest. If you are unusually tired during the day, it may be worth considering pregnancy as a possibility.

3. Nausea or Morning Sickness Morning sickness is one of the most well-known pregnancy symptoms. While it typically starts around the sixth week of pregnancy, some women may experience it earlier, even before their missed period. Morning sickness is often marked by nausea or vomiting, especially after eating. This is due to the rapid rise in pregnancy hormones, which can affect your digestive system.

4. Spotting or Light Bleeding Many women experience light spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy, which may be mistaken for a light period. This can happen when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus lining, leading to what’s called implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding occurs about 6-12 days after conception and is generally lighter than a regular period. It can happen before you’ve missed your period, so it’s important to differentiate it from regular menstrual bleeding.

5. Increased Urination Frequent urination is a common pregnancy symptom before a missed period. As your body adjusts to pregnancy, your kidneys work harder to process fluids, which leads to increased urination. Additionally, the growing uterus can put pressure on the bladder, causing the need to pee more often.

6. Food Cravings or Aversions Pregnancy can bring about unusual food cravings or aversions. Some women may find themselves craving certain foods or experiencing an aversion to smells or tastes they once enjoyed. These changes in appetite can happen even before your missed period, and they are a result of fluctuating pregnancy hormones that affect your taste and smell.

7. Mood Swings Pregnancy hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can cause significant mood swings. You may find yourself feeling unusually emotional, irritable, or anxious. While mood swings are common before your period, pregnancy-related mood swings can feel more intense and may occur before the missed period.

8. Headaches Some women experience headaches as an early pregnancy symptom before their missed period. These headaches are typically caused by hormonal fluctuations, dehydration, or changes in blood circulation. If you experience frequent or severe headaches along with other symptoms, it may be a sign of pregnancy.

9. Bloating and Constipation Hormonal changes during pregnancy can slow down your digestive system, leading to bloating and constipation. If you notice that your abdomen feels more bloated than usual or if you’re experiencing difficulty passing stools, it could be an early sign of pregnancy, even before a missed period.

10. Changes in Cervical Mucus Changes in cervical mucus are another early pregnancy symptom that can happen before a missed period. Some women notice that their cervical mucus becomes thicker, stickier, or creamier early on in pregnancy. This change is caused by the increased levels of progesterone in the body after conception.