Are These Symptoms Of Early Pregnancy? Or Could It Be Something Else?

Many of the early pregnancy symptoms could be something else. Of course, if you have several symptoms of early pregnancy, there's a very good chance you are expecting a baby!

Symptoms? Or Something Different?

One symptom of pregnancy is a missed period. Can there be another explanation for a missed or delayed period? Of course there is – excessive weight gain or loss, hormonal problems, stress, exhaustion, ending taking birth control pills, and breastfeeding can all change your normal monthly cycle.

Some women get spotting in early pregnancy. This is usually caused by implantation bleeding from when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. If not from pregnancy, the spotting can also be caused by changes in birth control pill, an infection, an abrasion from intercourse, or actual menstruation.

What about the frequency of urination that pregnant women have? That can be caused – in a non-pregnant woman – by a urinary tract infection, increasing fluid intake, taking excessive diuretics, or diabetes.

If a woman has "morning sickness," she might be pregnant. Then again, she might actually be feeling the effect of food poisoning, stress, or a different disorder that affects digestion.

For some women, the utter exhaustion they feel is a good clue they might be pregnant. The fatigue is an early pregnancy symptom that is caused by the change in hormones, and is hard for some women to deny – they are best taking a nap every day. But can this exhaustion be caused by something other than pregnancy? Yes, it can. Fatigue and tiredness can be caused by stress, depression, or even an illness like the common cold. Many illnesses leave the body very tired.

Breasts get swollen and tender in pregnant women. It is an early pregnancy symptom that surprises many women. If they aren't pregnant, swollen/tender breasts can be caused by a hormonal imbalance, impending menstruation, or birth control pills. In women having their first pregnancy, their areolas and nipples undergo a change. The areolas darken and the nipples get larger. These can also be caused by a hormonal imbalance.

Backaches can also be an early pregnancy symptom. If the woman is not pregnant, backache can be a symptom of stress, physical strain, impending menstruation, or other ongoing back problems.

Food cravings in pregnant women are almost considered a joke, but for some women they are very real. What else can cause food cravings, in non-pregnant women? Having a poor diet, or one that is missing key nutrients would cause food cravings. So would impending menstruation (chocolate, anyone?), stress, and depression.

If you are having symptoms of early pregnancy, you might be pregnant! Or, your symptoms might be caused by something else. If you aren't sure which, consult your doctor or midwife and have a pregnancy test. It will be considered the final word on whether you are pregnant.