Even before you miss that period, you are already carrying a life inside of you. Yes, pregnancy officially starts when your egg meets your partner’s sperm and becomes fertilized, a momentous act which occurs during ovulation – that is, about two weeks before your expected date of the next period.

Here are some early symptoms you may begin to notice in yourself, that’s proof of the new little life making his or her presence felt!

#1 Tender breasts

You may begin to feel a bit ‘fuller’ than usual, and find your breasts extra sensitive to the touch. This should ease up in later weeks.

#2 Spotting or mild cramps

It’s common to experience a little bleeding at around the time you’d normally expect your period to arrive. This could be caused by implantation bleeding, as the fertilized egg embeds itself in your uterus lining.

#3 Nausea and/or dizziness

Most expectant women experience some level of morning sickness during their pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Its name is a misnomer, really, for ‘morning’ sickness can strike you any time in the day or night.

#4 Fatigue

You may find yourself exhausted at the end of every day, and often during the day itself too. Don’t crank up the coffee machine too much though – too much caffeine increases the risk of a miscarriage, or baby with low birth weight.

#5 Food cravings and aversions

The smell or taste of certain foods may leave you gagging or with a sudden loss of appetite. Conversely, you may find yourself craving for other types of food.

Each of the above symptoms in and of themselves may not guarantee that you are pregnant, but if you are experiencing some of them, you should start counting the days from your last period, and take a pregnancy test around the time your next period is due.

By Dorothea Chow