Must you miss your period before know are pregnant?

Not necessarily. It's true that missing a period is often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, but some women may experience other early signs before their period is due.

Here are some possible early signs of pregnancy, though it's worth noting that everyone experiences pregnancy differently and not all women will experience all of these:

Breast tenderness or swelling: Your breasts may start to feel fuller, heavier, or more tender than usual.

Nausea or morning sickness: This is a common symptom that usually begins around four to six weeks of pregnancy but can sometimes start earlier.

Increased urination: You may find yourself needing to urinate more frequently than usual.

Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or fatigued is a common early pregnancy symptom.

Aversion to or cravings for certain foods: Some women develop food preferences or aversions, especially for foods they previously enjoyed.

Mood swings: These can be caused by the changing levels of hormones in your body during pregnancy.

Constipation: This can occur due to decreased intestinal motility often associated with higher progesterone levels during pregnancy.

Bloating: Feeling bloated or gassy can sometimes be an early sign of pregnancy.

Light spotting or implantation bleeding: Some women experience light spotting or bleeding when the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. However, not all women have this.

Missed or late period: If your period is late or you completely missed it, this is generally the most obvious sign of pregnancy.

Although these are possible early signs, the only conclusive way to confirm pregnancy is by taking a pregnancy test. Consult with a healthcare provider or use a home pregnancy test to determine if you are pregnant. Also, consult with a healthcare professional if you're experiencing irregular periods or have concerns about potential pregnancy or hormonal changes.