Written by a Labor & Delivery Nurse Who’s Been There
Hey mama-to-be (I hope!!),
If you’re anything like I was during my TTC days, you’re analyzing everything your body does—Googling every twinge, mood swing, and craving with fingers crossed and heart racing. I get it. I’ve been there, staring down the calendar, trying not to test too early, and wondering if this could finally be the month.
As a labor and delivery nurse and a woman who tried for what felt like forever, I know how hard the wait can be. So let’s talk about those subtle (and not-so-subtle) early signs that your body might be growing a tiny little miracle… even before that test line shows up.
Here are 20 early signs of pregnancy that might show up before you even take a test:
1. You just feel… different.
That vague but very real feeling that something’s off (or on!)—this was one of my first clues each time. It’s hard to describe, but if you know, you know.
2. Tender or tingly breasts.
If your boobs suddenly feel sore, heavy, or sensitive, hormones might be at work! Some women say they feel fuller or notice their nipples are extra sensitive. This is one of those signs that your period might be coming too, so it’s tricky!
3. Mild cramping or twinges.
You might notice light cramping around the time implantation happens (6–10 days past ovulation). It’s different than your usual PMS cramps—less intense and more fluttery. As your uterus grows you’ll feel cramping as well, as your fetus develops 💕
4. Increased discharge (hello, creamy CM).
After ovulation, a surge in progesterone can cause an increase in creamy cervical mucus. If it’s sticking around longer than usual, that’s a hopeful sign! Some have more and some have less.
5. You’re peeing all. the. time.
Increased blood flow to your pelvic area starts early, and your kidneys get to work ASAP. Frequent peeing? Not just in your head. Later in the pregnancy, constant peeing is because of the pressure the baby is putting on your bladder.
6. You’re suddenly exhausted.
Like, “fall asleep mid-text” tired. Fatigue is a huge early pregnancy sign, thanks to rising progesterone and your body already working overtime. Another sign that can be your impending period or pregnancy!
7. You’re bloated.
Hormones can slow digestion and cause that puffy, full feeling. Yep, you might feel like you’re already showing (you’re not—but it’s still real!).
8. Your emotions are on a rollercoaster.
One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re crying at a puppy commercial. Hormones are working their magic even though you feel like crap.
9. You’re super thirsty.
Early pregnancy increases your body’s need for hydration. If you can’t stop chugging water, that’s a sign something might be up! If you’re pregnant, your body is upping the blood volume and one of the key ingredients is water. So drink up!
10. Your sense of smell is off the charts.
If your favourite foods suddenly smell too strong, or you’re picking up on scents no one else notices—classic early symptom! Sometimes it’s not so favourite smells, which will lead to the next symptom…
11. Nausea or queasiness.
While full-blown morning sickness usually hits around 6 weeks, some women notice subtle nausea even earlier.
12. You have weird dreams.
Vivid or strange dreams are super common in early pregnancy. If your nights are wild and wacky, your hormones might be talking. This again is caused by your hormone friend progesterone!
13. Food aversions or cravings kick in.
If your go-to coffee suddenly seems disgusting or you NEED pickles at 10 a.m., take note! It might almost be time to take a pregnancy test!
14. You wake up with a stuffy nose.
Pregnancy rhinitis is real! Hormones can cause swelling in your nasal passages even before that BFP. All that extra fluid in your body is building up!
15. Metallic taste in your mouth.
Some mamas-to-be describe a weird, tinny taste early on. It’s one of those strange-but-true symptoms!
16. Light spotting (implantation bleeding).
A small amount of light pink or brown spotting 6–12 days after ovulation could be implantation. (But don’t worry if you don’t have it—lots of women don’t!)
17. You’re suddenly constipated.
Progesterone slows things down… and unfortunately, your digestive system is no exception. Yup, it’s progesterone again!
18. Lower backaches.
Some women notice a dull ache in their lower back that feels different from PMS—another possible sign!
19. Your basal body temperature stays high.
If you’re tracking BBT and it stays elevated for more than 14 days post-ovulation, you might be pregnant!
20. Your intuition is screaming yes.
Listen to her. There’s something powerful about that mama instinct. Even before the science says so.
🌟 Hormones at Work: Why You’re Feeling All the Things
Most of those early pregnancy symptoms? You can thank progesterone—aka the queen bee of early pregnancy hormones.
After ovulation, progesterone rises to prep your body for a possible baby (whether you end up pregnant or not). But if that egg is fertilized and implants, progesterone kicks into high gear to support your growing little bean.
This hormone is responsible for a lot of what you might be feeling—
💤 fatigue,
😵💫 mood swings,
😬 sore boobs,
💨 bloating,
🚽 even constipation.
And she’s not alone! hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)—aka the pregnancy hormone—starts rising fast after implantation and adds to the mix, often triggering nausea and more frequent bathroom trips. Plus, estrogen joins the party to help build your baby’s new home and keep things flowing (literally and hormonally).
So if you feel like your body is doing so many things… it is! These hormones are working overtime to prep your body for the miracle it might be growing, even before you see those two pink lines.
But remember…
Every woman and every pregnancy is different. These signs can mean pregnancy, PMS, or just a shift in hormones—but when you’re in the two-week wait, hope matters. And tuning into your body can be part of the magic.
If you’re seeing some of these signs, I’m sending you so much love and all the sticky baby dust. Whether this is your first month trying or your fiftieth, know that your hope is valid, your feelings are real, and you’re not alone in this.
Take a deep breath, treat yourself gently, and whenever you decide to pee on that stick—I’m crossing everything for two beautiful pink lines. ❤️ Please share some weird symptoms in the comments too!
See my post about peeing on sticks, I’ve been there: How to Pee on A Stick: Adventures in Trying to Conceive.
Written by a labour and delivery nurse, mom of four, and proud graduate of the long, twisty TTC road. You’ve got this, mama.
0 comments