What are Mimics Pregnancy Symptoms?
Pregnancy is a joyous event, but often comes with a slew of physical and mental changes. Unfortunately, many of these same symptoms can occur without pregnancy and are known as “mimics” of pregnancy symptoms.
Common Mimics of Pregnancy Symptoms
What most people don’t know is that varieties of non-pregnancy related issues can mimic the exact same sensations. Common mimics of pregnancy symptoms include:
- Menstrual Cycle: Before pregnancy is confirmed or even suspected, many of the “early” pregnancy symptoms may simply be premenstrual or menstrual related sensations.
- Illness: The flu, allergies, or any other illness or infection can produce many of the same symptoms of early pregnancy.
- Medication: Taking over the counter or prescription medications can cause some of the same sensations.
- Psychological Factors: Underlying anxiety or depression can produce a variety of physical sensations including feeling an enlarged abdomen.
How Do I Tell If I’m Pregnant or Not?
The only sure fire way to determine if you are pregnant or not is by taking a pregnancy test. Several home kits are available in pharmacies as well as online. For further confirmation, a doctor can perform a more sensitive test.
What if I Still Feel Unsure?
If you still feel unsure after the pregnancy test results have come in, you should speak to your doctor. Your doctor can provide additional details about possible causes for your symptoms.
Ultimately, only a test or a visit to a doctor will provide an accurate answer. Listening to your body and paying attention to any changes that could present themselves is advised. Knowing the common mimics of pregnancy symptoms can also help to differentiate between the two states.
What medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to pregnancy?
Some medical conditions that can have symptoms similar to pregnancy include ovarian cysts, ovarian tumors, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine cancer, thyroid disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, and diabetes. You should consult your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms.
What are some common symptoms associated with a false pregnancy?
Common symptoms associated with a false pregnancy, also known as pseudocyesis, can include abdominal swelling, changes in breast size or tenderness, weight gain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, heightened sense of smell, appetite changes, changes in sleep patterns, and even periods of “nesting.” Psychological symptoms such as denial, depression, and mood swings may also occur.
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
