How I Knew I Was Pregnant Before the Test Showed It
If you’re looking for medical based articles about early pregnancy symptoms, I recommend starting with the following articles:
I Knew I Was Pregnant When…Telltale Signs
Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first
However, that is not the point of my post today. This is all about me and my experience. Many times you hear that a missed period is one of the first signs of pregnancy. That was far from true for me. I had multiple other symptoms before my first missed period.
My Personal Experience: Recognizing the Early Signs
Every pregnancy journey is unique, and women often have their own stories of how they recognized the early signs of pregnancy. Let me share my personal experience of how I knew I was pregnant before the test showed it.
It all started with a strange metallic taste in my mouth on what I calculated would have been +5DPO, which is about 9 days before my period was due. I had never heard of this as a sign of pregnancy until I Googled it, and everything kept pointing to pregnancy. The metallic taste persisted day after day, and I also felt extremely tired. Initially, I attributed my fatigue to the stress and busy schedule of Chief season in the Navy. However, I soon realized that my exhaustion went beyond normal stress levels. Then, my breasts became sore and tender to the touch, confirming my suspicion that I might be pregnant. At this point, I already had a strong feeling that pregnancy was the only real answer as to what was going on with my body.
As someone who is frugal with money, I hesitated to buy a pregnancy test too soon and potentially waste it. However, I started noticing changes in my eating habits, with constant snacking and a stomachache when I stopped snacking. The metallic taste in my mouth affected the way everything tasted, and I also started experiencing headaches and difficulty staying hydrated despite drinking plenty of water. Frequent urination became a regular occurrence, but I wondered if it was simply due to drinking more water.
As the days went by, I became more nervous yet increasingly convinced that I would test positive. However, I still struggled with the idea of spending money on a test that might have a low chance of showing a positive result if it was too early. Finally, on the day my period was supposed to start but didn’t, I couldn’t wait any longer. I bought a pack of tests and decided to take one even though it wasn’t the ideal testing time.
To my surprise, the test came back with two lines, confirming my pregnancy. Still in disbelief, I decided to use one of the digital tests from the pack. Unfortunately, it didn’t work properly, but the second digital test clearly showed the word “Pregnant.” I immediately shared the news with my boyfriend, who already had an inkling of the possibility. We had been discussing the signs and symptoms for over a week.
While waiting for my doctor’s appointment, which was scheduled for weeks later due to availability, I reached out to a medical Chief in my command. He assured me that the information would be kept confidential, and he would help me navigate the challenges of the upcoming Final Week of Chief season. Sharing the news with my sponsor, who also supported me and promised to provide any necessary assistance, brought a sense of relief as I faced the intense week ahead.
Conclusion
Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy can be an exciting and sometimes challenging experience. While a missed period is often the first sign, women may also experience other symptoms such as tender breasts, nausea, fatigue, increased urination, and more. This was certainly true for me. Based on my experience, it still amazes me that some people can go weeks not knowing they are pregnant. It’s important to remember that every pregnancy is different, and not everyone will experience the same combination or intensity of symptoms. If you suspect you may be pregnant, taking a home pregnancy test or consulting with a healthcare provider is the best way to confirm your pregnancy. Embrace this journey with open arms and seek support from your loved ones and healthcare professionals along the way. Stay tuned for more of my pregnancy journey.
