Signs of Pregnancy – What Implantation Feels Like, Even Before a Missed Period

Sometimes, when you want something very badly indeed, you can convince yourself you're feeling things that aren't actually there. The same goes for when you desperately hope something doesn't happen. Pregnancy is the perfect example.

A strong desire to become a mum, but equally a fear of pregnancy, can lead you to interpret even the smallest signs as pregnancy symptoms. But can you actually feel implantation? Are there really symptoms that can confirm a pregnancy before your period is late? In this article, you'll find out everything you need to know.

What implantation is and when it happens 

Let's start by clarifying what implantation actually means.

When we talk about a pregnancy "taking hold", what we really mean is the moment the fertilised egg embeds itself in the lining of the womb. Implantation occurs roughly 6 to 10 days after fertilisation. It may be accompanied by light bleeding and brief cramping. Depending on how heavy and how long the bleeding is, you may need panty liners or pads.

How long does implantation take 

Generally speaking, implantation takes place over several days. As mentioned, the process begins around 6 to 10 days after fertilisation, after which the embryo embeds itself ever more deeply into the lining of the womb.

Implantation bleeding, on the other hand, can last 1 to 2 days, but is often present for only a few hours in the form of a few drops of blood (spotting).

Of course, the symptoms and the whole process differ from woman to woman – every woman experiences her pregnancy, starting with implantation, in her own unique way.

Early signs of implantation (before your period is late) 

Precisely because every mum-to-be experiences pregnancy differently, there's no universal list of early symptoms that applies to all women. In theory, the actual implantation of the fertilised egg into the wall of the womb can't be felt, and a missed period is the first clear sign.

But we can't dismiss the experiences of those women who notice the signs earlier – whether imagined or not. According to statistics, 25% of women experience various symptoms before their period is even late. Below you'll find a list of the most common early signs of implantation:

Implantation bleeding 

Because of hormonal fluctuations and the movement of the embryo as it embeds in the womb, the womb lining can become more sensitive and bleed slightly. Around 1 in 4 pregnant women notice this implantation bleeding about 1 to 2 weeks after fertilisation.

Mild cramping 

Alongside implantation bleeding, some women may feel mild cramps in the lower abdomen. These too are caused by the movement of the embryo as it embeds in the wall of the womb, and they usually don't last long. Even so, you can use a heat patch made with 100% natural ingredients to ease the discomfort and get on with your day pain-free.

Changes in temperature 

Another early pregnancy symptom that can appear before your period is late is a change in body temperature. Some women notice that their basal body temperature stays elevated for a longer period.

Tender or swollen breasts

Swollen breasts, increased sensitivity and a feeling of tightness or soreness are among the symptoms most commonly associated with pregnancy. In early pregnancy, the breasts can feel heavier and fuller, the veins may become more visible and the areolas may darken.

These symptoms aren't automatic confirmation of pregnancy, however – they can easily be confused with signs of premenstrual syndrome. Similar changes also occur in the body before your period, brought on by the rise in oestrogen and progesterone.

Unexplained tiredness 

An increased need for rest, along with feelings of tiredness and exhaustion, are constant companions throughout the first trimester. They can set in very early, even before your period is late.

This seemingly inexplicable fatigue is explained by the intense preparations and the dramatic hormonal changes the body goes through in a short space of time to support the baby's development.

Nausea or changes in taste 

Nausea is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy, particularly morning sickness. Around 50% of pregnant women experience it in the first few weeks.

Nausea and vomiting can also be triggered by the changes in taste and smell that occur during pregnancy. While some flavours seem incredibly appealing, many women develop a strong aversion to certain smells or foods.

Needing to wee more often

Needing to wee more frequently can start in the very first weeks of pregnancy and continue right up to the birth. This is completely normal.

The volume of blood reaching the kidneys increases shortly after fertilisation, and the larger the womb grows, the more pressure it puts on the bladder.

Less common symptoms at the start of pregnancy

Hormonal changes and other lifestyle factors (such as hydration and stress) can strongly influence how each woman feels from the very start of pregnancy. That's why some women also notice rarer signs, such as:

• A metallic taste in the mouth: hormonal changes may be responsible for the metallic taste some women notice unexpectedly during the day or when eating certain foods; persistent nausea, reflux, nutrient deficiencies and certain dental problems can also contribute to unusual taste sensations.
• A changed appetite: aversions to certain foods (even favourite dishes), unusual cravings and a constant feeling of hunger can all be normal symptoms throughout pregnancy.
• Headaches: increased blood flow combined with hormonal fluctuations can cause dizziness and headaches in the first few weeks.
• A blocked nose: some women suffer from a blocked nose at the start of pregnancy; this is down to hormonal changes, which can dry out the nasal lining while also increasing the risk of nosebleeds.
• Skin changes: again due to hormonal fluctuations, changes to complexion, skin and hair can appear as early as the first trimester; for some women that means a more radiant complexion, for others acne and inflammation.
• Bloating: bloating and constipation are uncomfortable symptoms, but they're common in the first trimester.

Telling the difference from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms 

It can be difficult to distinguish early pregnancy symptoms from those of premenstrual syndrome. Tender breasts, mood and appetite swings, spotting, mild cramping – all of these can be triggered by the hormonal changes of the first trimester of pregnancy just as much as by those that occur before your period.

That's why we'd advise arming yourself with plenty of patience, because … the key factor in telling them apart is how the symptoms develop over time:

PMS symptoms ease off and disappear once your period starts.

In pregnancy, by contrast, your period doesn't arrive, and the symptoms persist and intensify over time. What's more, frequent urination and morning sickness can be clearer indicators of pregnancy.

When to take a pregnancy test 

A pregnancy test is the most reliable way to find out whether you're pregnant – which is why we'd recommend taking one as soon as you first suspect it. You can opt for a home test, which measures the amount of hCG hormone in your urine, or be examined at your GP surgery or clinic via a blood test or ultrasound.

A pregnancy can't be detected immediately after fertilisation, but there are ultra-sensitive tests that can confirm a pregnancy as early as 5 days before your period is due. To be certain, you can repeat the test a few days later. The further along the pregnancy, the easier it is to detect.

Frequently asked questions about implantation 

If you still have questions about implantation bleeding and other aspects of implantation, do read on. We've answered the most common questions about what you feel in the earliest stages of pregnancy.

Do all women have implantation bleeding?

No, not all women bleed when the embryo embeds in the womb. According to statistics, 1 in 4 women notice light bleeding around 1 to 2 weeks after fertilisation. But you can absolutely be pregnant without this symptom.

How do I tell implantation bleeding apart from my period?

Implantation bleeding is characterised by a light flow (sometimes just a few drops) and a short duration (a few hours, at most 1 to 2 days) – a panty liner is usually enough.

A period, by contrast, has a heavier flow, can last 2 to 7 days and requires menstrual products such as pads or tampons to avoid staining your clothes.

Can I feel cramps during implantation? 

Yes, implantation can be accompanied by mild abdominal cramps. They're caused by the movement of the embryo as it embeds in the lining of the womb.

Can cramps before my period be a sign of pregnancy, or is it just PMS? 

Cramps can occur both before your period and at the start of pregnancy. If they're moderate to severe and persistent, they usually point to your period being on its way. If, however, they appear around 6 to 10 days after unprotected sex and are only mild, they may be linked to implantation.

If your period doesn't arrive, a pregnancy test can clarify whether it's PMS or pregnancy.

Is it normal to feel bloated in the first few days after fertilisation?

Bloating is a common symptom at the start of pregnancy. It may be down to progesterone levels affecting digestion, or to eating more fibre-rich foods. Bloating usually subsides after the first trimester.

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