Sometimes pregnancy symptoms may be experienced even before a missed period. The signs and symptoms associated with early pregnancy are associated with the pregnancy hormone known as human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). This hormone is not detected in very large quantities until after a missed menstrual period. However many women experience symptoms much before that. In most cases pregnancy tests taken at this time give negative results even if the woman is pregnant. The hCG enters the blood only about 8 to 10 days after fertilization occurs...
...hCG is detectable in the urine about 1 to 2 weeks after a missed period. See also hcg levels chart
The symptoms of early pregnancy vary from woman to woman. Also each pregnancy is different and hence the symptoms may also differ. The most prominent sign of early pregnancy is a missed period or a delayed period. But a confirmation is possible only with a positive pregnancy test. In other women, symptoms are experienced after a missed period. There are also cases wherein the woman may not experience any symptoms at all. Some of the signs of being pregnant before a missed period include elevated basal body temperature. The basal temperature is the body’s temperature while at rest. There is an elevation in basal body temperature after ovulation and this stays high until after the next expected period. Other signs of being pregnant before a missed period include tenderness of the breasts, enlargement of the nipples and increase in breast size. These changes occur due to hormonal changes in the body. Another symptom of early pregnancy is morning sickness which is characterized by nausea and vomiting. It is important to keep the body hydrated and maintain the electrolyte levels in the body. Adequate rest is also essential during this time. Read more on pregnancy symptoms before missed period
Constipation is also a symptom of pregnancy, although it is often overlooked. The fluctuating hormonal levels causes the movement of food to slow down and this can hamper proper bowel movements. Most pregnant women report feeling tired and exhausted in early pregnancy. This is common during the pregnancy first trimester and can be attributed to an increase in the levels of the hormone, progesterone. Other signs of pregnancy before missed period and some typical symptoms include light spotting which occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself into the uterine lining. The buildup of fluids and blood in the body also lead frequent urination. As the uterus contracts, lower abdominal cramps may also occur.
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