11 surprising signs you might be pregnant

• Pregnancy isn't always obvious, but there are some subtle signs and symptoms that can clue you in.
• Hot flashes, bloating, and swollen or painful breasts can be signs of pregnancy.
• A few of the more subtle symptoms include increased saliva, bleeding gums, and a stuffy nose.

Morning sickness, a missed period, mood swings - these are all classic signs that you might be expecting a baby.

But anyone who's ever been pregnant can tell you that these aren't the only symptoms, even in the earliest stages of pregnancy. Sometimes, there are less noticeable symptoms and feelings that can indicate you're pregnant.

Though these are not guaranteed signs, here are a few of the surprising hints you might be expecting:

Cramping outside of your period could be a sign of pregnancy

Several pregnancy symptoms are similar to the signs that your period is on its way.

But if you feel those familiar cramps come on, it might not be that time of the month. Instead, it might mean you're pregnant.

"The cramping that occurs during early pregnancy comes from the increased blood flow to the uterus," Dr. Michele Justice told The Bump. "The cramps before your period are due to increased prostaglandins that help the uterus prepare to shed its lining."

Hot flashes and excessive sweating can indicate a baby's on the way

Most people equate hot flashes with menopause, but if you notice you're sweating more than usual - especially first thing in the morning - it could also mean you're pregnant.

According to Healthline, ovulation makes your body temperature rise. If that hot feeling sticks around for longer than two weeks, an egg may have been fertilized.

Some pregnant people experience cold-like symptoms without actually being sick

For some women, pregnancy means perpetually feeling like you have a cold.

Trish Booth, author of "Pregnancy Q&A: Authoritative and Reassuring Answers to the Questions on Your Mind," told Parenting that the extra hormones and blood production that come with pregnancy can also cause mucous membranes to swell, dry, and crack.

New skin tags can also be subtle signs of pregnancy

It goes without saying that there's a lot happening in your body while you're pregnant, so don't be too shocked if you notice a few new skin tags popping up in unexpected places.

Dermatologist Diane Berson told Parents in 2015 that they're normal and harmless, and she explained they're usually just caused by the hormone fluctuations that occur during pregnancy.

Producing way more spit than usual can be a sign

If you notice that you have a lot more saliva, you might have a condition called ptyalism or hypersalivation that's common in the first trimester.

According to Healthline, the increase in nausea and vomiting that usually occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to a watery mouth.

Bleeding gums can point to an increased sensitivity to bacteria - which comes with pregnancy

For most of us, bloody gums usually mean a trip to the dentist, but in some cases, it can hint at a pregnancy.

According to Baby Center, hormonal changes can cause pregnancy gingivitis, a mild gum disease, causing the gums to become more sensitive to the bacteria in plaque.

An increased heart rate can be a sign of pregnancy

If you notice your heart is beating faster than usual, it could be because you're pregnant.

According to Healthline, the body produces more blood during pregnancy to support the baby, which can make the heart can beat around "25% faster than usual."

Increased urination is one of the better-known signs

Most people associate pregnancy with frequent trips to the bathroom in the second and third trimesters, but according to Healthline, increased urination is also one of the early warning signs.

Pregnancy can make you feel extra bloated

According to The Bump, pregnancy boosts progesterone and estrogen in the body, which can lead to bloating and abdominal pain.

The hormones make your gut work slower so that the baby can get all the necessary nutrients from the food you're eating.

Swollen or painful breasts can be a hint that you're expecting

According to American Pregnancy, painful breasts are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

They can occur as early as one to two weeks after conception, and they can also lead to itchy nipples.

If you've lost all interest in your favorite foods, it could be a sign

Along with pregnancy-related nausea, you can also start experiencing food aversions.

"Women have a heightened sense of smell and taste in pregnancy, and anything with a strong smell can make you feel nauseated," Dr. Jennifer Wu told WebMD.