Usually you wait for your missed period before taking that home pregnancy test, but you may be…

Usually you wait for your missed period before taking that home pregnancy test, but you may be already feeling those early signs of pregnancy, which are similar to those symptoms you feel before and when you are menstruating. Here are 16 very early symptoms that may mean you're pregnant! 👶🏻

➡️ 1. Spotting

One of the first symptoms of pregnancy happens just few days after conception. The fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus wall, which may cause implantation bleeding or spotting. Light brown or pink, it happens 6 to 12 days after conception. Sometimes women think this spotting is the start of their period.

➡️ 2. Cramping

The implantation bleeding may also cause some cramping, very similar to menstral cramps, but typically more mild.

➡️ 3. Vaginal discharge

A milky, white discharge starts almost immediately after conception, due to the increased growth of cells in the vaginal wall. This usually continues throughout pregnancy and is harmless (but sometimes annoying).

➡️ 4. Hormonal changes

Once you're pregnant, progesterone levels rise preparing the body for baby. Estrogen is another hormone invovled in pregnancy. It helps transfer nutrients to the growing baby.

➡️ 5. Headaches

Fluctuations in hormones together with blood pressure level changes may cause headaches and even migraines in some women.

➡️ 6. Morning sickness

Nausea is a very common early pregnany symptom. Caused by the rise in pregnancy hormones, it can begin as early as three weeks after conception.

➡️ 7. Loss of appetite

Vomiting and nausea often causes a lack of appetite in many women. As the pregnancy progresses, most women's appetite improves.

➡️ 8. Unusual cravings

Pregnancy hormonal changes may cause women to crave sour or sweet foods or even spicy. It all depends on the person. And it can be such a strong urge that you feel like you'll like do anything it takes to get that food! On the other side, you may have food aversions to foods you loved before pregnancy.

➡️ 9. Breast pain

The rapid changes in hormones also affects women's breasts. They may feel tender, swollen, fuller than usual and heavier.

➡️ 10. Darker nipples

Another early pregnancy sign is the darkening of the area around your nipples called the areolas. Some say this is to help prepare the breasts for nursing your baby.

➡️ 11. Fatigue

A classic early pregnancy symptom, you'll feel tired as soon as one week after conception. The reason is higher levels of progesterone and lower blood sugar and pressure. Getting plenty of rest will help as well as eating iron-rich foods.

➡️ 12. Running to the bathroom yet again

The mix of hormones and your uterus putting pressure your bladder causes women to feel the need to urinate frequently. This is another symptom that is an almost sure sign you've conceived!

➡️ 13. Back pain

Many women report back pain as an early pregnancy sign.

➡️ 14. Bad moods

General mood swings is an early pregnancy symptom, and some women report hating their partners during pregnancy. Common throughout the first trimester, it's caused by hormonal changes.

➡️ 15. Dizziness

Dizziness and fainting is related to dilating blood vessels, lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar. It can also be dangerous if you fall over unexpectedly onto a hard or sharp surface. Be sure to rest and make sure to eat every three to four hours. If the symptom persists, you should contact your doctor.

➡️ 16. Constipation

Blame those hormones! Progesterone causes food to go through your system more slowly, especially the intestines. Make sure to eat fiber-rich foods and drink plenty of water.

Think you may have some of these symptoms? The best way to know you're really pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test or make an appointment with your doctor.

Share your early pregnancy signs and other TTC stories in the comments below? 💕