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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Lifestyle
Zoe Forsey

Early signs of pregnancy you might miss - from tingling nipples to a changing sense of smell

When you're trying to get pregnant, you'll find yourself looking out for any little sign your body might be changing.

You end up wondering if every little flutter or weird tummy cramp could be a sign you're about to get the positive result you've been waiting for.

It's a really exciting time, but for some women it can also be very difficult and disappointing.

There are lots of old wives tales about the early signs and symptoms so it can get a bit confusing.

But what should we actually be looking out for? Luckily the experts at parenting website BabyCentre have the answers.

Tingling nipples

There are lots of little early pregnancy signs you can look for (Science Photo Library RF)

This can be one the first signs of pregnancy and some women feel it within a week of conception.

It happens because those lovely pregnancy hormones increase the blood supply to your breasts.

Don't worry, it won't last for your whole pregnancy as your body will still get used to the hormone surge.

Feeling sick

This is one of the best known early signs of pregnancy.

Some women don't suffer at all, but for others it can be a pretty awful experience.

Even if they're not physically sick, many mums-to-be will feel queasy or like they are going to throw up.

Even though it's often referred to as morning sickness, it can happen at any time of the day.

It normally starts at about six months, but some women can notice it as early as four weeks.

Some women suffer more from morning sickness than others (Getty Images)

Feeling tired

Those pregnancy hormones are to blame for this one as well.

As your body starts to produce them you might find yourself feeling tired, upset and emotional.

As with feeling sick, some woman won't be affected at all but others may be completely wiped out for their entire first and third trimesters.

Cramps and spotting

This is something that panics a lot of pregnant woman, but it is not uncommon.

Lots of woman will notice spotting when they're about six weeks pregnant. It will be a pinky brown colour.

According to the experts at BabyCentre, doctors don't know exactly why this happens but it's thought to be something to do with the placenta developing.

However if you have any heavy bleeding or any bleeding which seems unusual please contact your doctor straight away.

Cramps and spotting are a sign of pregnancy (Luxy)

Swollen or tender breasts

Most women find their boobs become more sensitive when they're on their period, and this can be even worse during the early stages of pregnancy.

Women start to notice it around the six week mark and the tenderness can last throughout the first trimester.

Some mums-to-be also notice their boobs getting bigger and see veins becoming more visible just below the skin.

Needing the loo all the time

Another fun early sign of pregnancy!

Most women will notice they need a wee all the time from about six weeks.

Pregnancy hormones and all the extra blood in your system means your kidneys are working even harder to keep everything working.

While it's nothing to worry about and is completely normal, you should see your doctor if it burns or hurts when you go for a wee.

It could be a urinary infection so it's worth getting it checked out.

An early sign of pregnancy is frequent loo visits (iStockphoto)

Darker nipples

It's not a fun time for our boobs, is it?

Some women also notice their nipples getting a lot darker in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

You might also notice the bumps become more pronounced and your nipples may become more erect.

Food cravings

This is one of the most well known signs of pregnancy and sometimes women notice it before their first missed period.

Many women find the idea of their favourite foods make them feel sick and they end up craving things they wouldn't normally touch.

You might also have a metallic taste in your mouth.

Pregnancy cravings are a real thing (Getty)

A change in your sense of smell

This is a really weird one, but it's pretty common.

Lots of expectant mums claim they're sense of smell becomes a lot more sensitive in the early stages of pregnancy.

Missed period

The most famous pregnancy detector.

Every woman is different, and only you will know what's normal when it comes to your cycle.

Some are very regular while it's common for others to be all over the place.

But if you don't come on when you think you should, it's best to take a test just to be sure.

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