15 Early Signs You Might Be Pregnant (Before a Missed Period)

Wondering “Am I pregnant?” even before your period is late is completely normal. While a missed period is often the most obvious clue, many women notice subtle changes in their bodies days—or even weeks—earlier. These early pregnancy symptoms can show up around the time of implantation, usually 6–12 days after ovulation.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs and want clarity, Desert Rose Women’s Resource Center in Santa Fe, NM offers free, confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.

1. Mild Cramping (Implantation Cramps)

You might feel light cramping or a gentle tugging in your lower abdomen. Unlike period cramps, implantation cramps are usually milder and shorter.

2. Light Spotting (Implantation Bleeding)

Some women notice light pink or brown spotting roughly a week after ovulation. This implantation bleeding is usually much lighter than a regular period.

3. Sudden Fatigue

Rising progesterone levels can leave you feeling unusually tired—even if you’re sleeping normally.

4. Tender or Swollen Breasts

Hormonal shifts can make your breasts feel fuller, sore, or extra sensitive—similar to PMS, but sometimes more noticeable.

5. Heightened Sense of Smell

Everyday smells may feel stronger, or scents you barely noticed before might suddenly bother you.

6. Nausea (With or Without Vomiting)

Morning sickness can start surprisingly early. Some women feel waves of nausea as early as a week after conception, long before a missed period.

7. Bloating

Progesterone slows digestion, which can lead to bloating, gas, or a sense of fullness.

8. Frequent Urination

Early pregnancy increases blood flow to the kidneys, leading to more trips to the bathroom.

9. Mood Swings

Hormonal changes can trigger emotional ups and downs, even more pronounced than usual PMS.

10. Changes in Appetite

Pregnancy can cause sudden cravings or aversions to foods you normally enjoy.

11. Headaches

Hormonal shifts and increased blood volume can trigger headaches or migraines.

12. Metallic Taste in the Mouth

Some women report a strange metallic or “coin-like” taste in the first weeks of pregnancy.

13. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Changes in blood pressure or blood sugar during early pregnancy may make you feel faint or dizzy.

14. Elevated Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

If you track your cycle, you may notice your BBT stays higher than usual after ovulation—a potential early pregnancy sign.

15. Intuition or “Just Knowing”

Some women report a gut feeling or sense that something has changed, even before other symptoms appear.


Confirming Your Pregnancy: Free Support at Desert Rose Women’s Resource Center

If you notice several of these early signs, it’s natural to want answers quickly. Desert Rose Women’s Resource Center in Santa Fe offers free, confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to help you confirm your pregnancy safely:

  • Free, lab-quality pregnancy tests with results in minutes

  • Limited obstetrical ultrasounds to determine gestational age, viability, and location of the pregnancy

  • Private consultations with licensed sonographers and medical professionals

  • Support from Client Advocates to discuss your options and next steps

Location: 4001 Office Court Drive, Suite 706, Santa Fe, NM
Phone: (505) 995‑1998
Website: desertrosewrc.com

Our compassionate, judgment-free team ensures you get clear information and support—so you don’t have to navigate this alone.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Even with the free resources at Desert Rose, contact a healthcare professional if you experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding

  • Persistent dizziness or fainting

  • Medical concerns after a positive pregnancy test or ultrasound

Final Thoughts

Early pregnancy symptoms can vary widely—some women notice them immediately, while others don’t until weeks later. If you’re experiencing several of the signs above, taking a free pregnancy test or scheduling an ultrasound at Desert Rose Women’s Resource Center can give you clarity and peace of mind.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Don’t wait to find out. Desert Rose Women’s Resource Center offers free, confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasounds with caring, nonjudgmental support.

📞 Call today: (505) 995‑1998
🌐 Learn more: desertrosewrc.com

Take control of your health and get the support you deserve—you don’t have to do this alone.