Feeling under the weather or experiencing strange symptoms can be confusing, especially for women who may wonder “Am I sick or pregnant?” There are overlapping signs of illness and early pregnancy, so it can be hard to tell the difference. This article will go over the main symptoms, how to tell if you’re sick or pregnant, and when to see a doctor for either case.
Symptoms That Could Mean Illness or Pregnancy
Here are some of the top symptoms that could signal sickness or pregnancy:
Fatigue and Exhaustion
Both pregnancy and illness can make you feel extremely tired. In early pregnancy, fatigue is caused by rising progesterone levels, which can make you feel sleepy. When sick with a cold or flu, fatigue comes from your body’s immune response fighting off infection. Fatigue from sickness tends to come on suddenly, while early pregnancy fatigue builds gradually.
Nausea or Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are hallmarks of the first trimester of pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of pregnant women. Morning sickness is thought to be caused by hormonal changes. The nausea tends to be worse in the morning, but can occur anytime. Vomiting and nausea are also common symptoms with stomach bugs, food poisoning, motion sickness, and migraines. Generally, nausea from illness comes on more quickly.
Frequent Urination
Needing to pee more often can happen in early pregnancy as well as with urinary tract infections (UTIs) or diabetes. Hormones make the kidneys work harder in pregnancy, while UTIs irritate the bladder. Frequent urination from a UTI tends to be accompanied by burning or stinging.
Bloating
Bloating is common in early pregnancy thanks to hormone shifts that slow digestion. Eating excess salt, dairy, or gas-producing foods can worsen pregnancy bloating. On the flip side, bloating, abdominal pain and stomach upset can signal gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or infection.
Breast Changes
Swollen, tender breasts are an early sign of pregnancy as hormones prep the body for milk production. PMS can cause similar breast changes. Prior to illness like a cold or flu, some women experience breast pain and swelling due to immune response.
Headaches
Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can trigger headaches and migraines. Dehydration, stress, lack of sleep or low blood sugar increase headache risk. Headaches are also common with colds, flus, sinus infections, and some neurological illnesses.
Dizziness
Lightheadedness can stem from blood sugar and blood pressure changes in pregnancy. Getting up too quickly can also cause pregnancy dizziness. Dizziness often comes with viral infections like colds and flus. It can also signal issues like low blood pressure, anemia, or ear infections.
Mood Changes
Mood swings are well known in pregnancy, especially in the early weeks. Sickness can also cause irritability, anxiety, sadness and other emotional changes. This is often from discomfort, fatigue and hormone shifts that happen when you’re ill.
Cramping
Mild abdominal cramping in early pregnancy is normal as the uterus stretches and implants. Menstrual-like cramps can even happen later in pregnancy. Cramping also accompanies digestive issues like food poisoning, IBS, or gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
Back Pain
Low back pain is a pregnancy symptom as the growing uterus shifts the body’s center of gravity. Back pain also commonly occurs with flus, UTI, kidney infections and arthritis flares. The cause of back pain can indicate if it’s from sickness or pregnancy.
Key Differences Between Pregnancy and Illness
While the above symptoms overlap, there are some subtle differences to note:
- Pregnancy symptoms gradually get stronger over days and weeks. Illness symptoms often appear more abruptly.
- Nausea from pregnancy is worst in the morning. Nausea from sickness can occur anytime.
- Pregnancy fatigue is often strongest in the first trimester. Fatigue from sickness fluctuates and may get better with rest.
- Pregnancy cramps are mild. Stomach flu cramps can be severe.
- Morning sickness improves after week 12-14. Nausea from illness lasts as long as the sickness.
- Pregnancy urination is concentrated at night. Urinary infections cause constant urges to pee.
How to Tell if You’re Sick or Pregnant
Because many early pregnancy and illness symptoms overlap, how do you know which one you’re experiencing? Here are some ways to help discern if you’re sick or pregnant:
Take a Pregnancy Test
If pregnancy is a possibility, taking a home urine test is the best way to find out. Early detection pregnancy tests can get positive results even before a missed period. Get a pack of two tests and take one now if you haven’t gotten your period. Retest in a few days if the first test is negative but you’re still having symptoms.
Think About Timing and Triggers
Reflect on when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse and any triggers.Write down all your symptoms and timing. For instance, nausea that’s worst in the morning points more to pregnancy. Nausea after eating spoiled food leans toward food poisoning. Knowing the timing and context of symptoms provides clues.
Consider Other Risk Factors
Illness risk rises if people around you are sick or if you were exposed to viruses. Pregnancy risk is higher if you had unprotected sex. Think through risk factors that make each more likely. For example, if you have a stomach bug but your period is 2 weeks late, pregnancy is more probable.
Monitor Symptoms
Keep a symptom journal over several days. Note when symptoms occur, their severity and any patterns. For instance, track if breast tenderness worsens over multiple days vs coming and going. Worsening symptoms that follow typical pregnancy patterns point to pregnancy rather than illness.
Check for Other Indicators
Some extra signs are unique to sickness or pregnancy. Illness might come with a fever, chills, body aches or sinus congestion. Early pregnancy could cause strange tastes, constipation or aversion to smells. If your symptoms align with additional sickness or pregnancy indicators, it gives more clarity.
Take Over-the-Counter Medication
For symptoms like headache or nausea, try taking over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen or anti-nausea products. See if the symptoms respond and are relieved. Illness symptoms should improve with medication. Pregnancy symptoms that persist likely signal pregnancy rather than sickness.
When to See a Doctor
It’s always a good idea to call your healthcare provider if you’re uncertain whether you’re sick or pregnant. They can evaluate your symptoms, order tests if needed and determine if treatment is required. Here are some general guidelines on when to reach out to a doctor:
See a Doctor for Pregnancy If You Have:
- A positive at-home pregnancy test
- No period coupled with pregnancy signs like nausea and fatigue
- Persistent cramping or pelvic pain
- Bleeding or strange discharge from the vagina
- Severe headaches, dizziness or vision issues
Your doctor can confirm the pregnancy through lab tests, estimate timing, and start prenatal care if needed. Prompt care is especially important with any concerning symptoms like bleeding or pain.
See a Doctor for Illness If You Have:
- A fever over 100°F (38°C) for more than 1-2 days
- Difficulty keeping down fluids due to vomiting
- Bloody bowel movements or black, tarry stools
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Symptoms lasting over a week without improvement
Seeking medical care is advised if you have symptoms of dehydration, high fever not responding to medication or severe pain. Quick treatment can help resolve the illness and prevent complications.
When Symptoms Are Still Unclear
Even using home pregnancy tests and seeing your doctor, sometimes the cause of symptoms remains murky. This uncertainty happens most often in the time between a missed period and confirmed pregnancy.
If your period is late but pregnancy tests are negative, you could be in the early stages before the hormone hCG is detectable. Continue retesting every 2-3 days and monitor symptoms. See your doctor for a blood hCG test if still unsure.
Factor in any risk of recent illnesses like flu or food poisoning which could also delay your period. Take precautions like washing hands thoroughly, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest.
Keep a detailed record of all symptoms and when they occur. Over a week or two, pregnancy symptoms should intensify while illness symptoms fluctuate day to day. Visit your doctor if you have signs of pregnancy or illness lasting more than 1-2 weeks without a clear diagnosis.
Coping with Uncertainty
That limbo of not knowing whether you’re sick or pregnant can be stressful and confusing. Here are some tips to help you cope:
- Express your concerns to loved ones who can support you
- Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, walking or other relaxation methods
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Drink lots of water and avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and strenuous activity
- Get regular moderate exercise like prenatal yoga or walking
- Get enough sleep by going to bed early or taking short naps
- Practice positive thinking and be patient with the process
Finding out the reason behind your symptoms will just take some time. Avoid stressing over the unknown, which is easier said than done. Focus on taking good care of yourself during this period. Keep following up with home tests and your healthcare provider to get answers soon.
When to Worry
While feeling in limbo about sickness or pregnancy can be unclear, there are some symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention whether you ultimately have an illness or are pregnant. Seek emergency care right away if you experience:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks a pad an hour or fainting
- Severe pain or cramping in the abdomen or pelvis
- Persistent, severe headache or vision changes
- Vaginal bleeding coupled with abdominal pain
- Severe nausea and vomiting lasting over 24 hours
- Fever over 102°F (39°C) not responding to medication
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
While most symptoms turn out to be harmless cases of pregnancy or common illness, any severe or alarming changes need prompt medical assessment. Call 911 or go to the ER with critical symptoms or ones that seem like a medical emergency.
Conclusion
Figuring out if you’re sick or pregnant when symptoms overlap can take some patience and detective work. Home pregnancy tests provide the most definitive answer if your period is late. Compare your symptoms to common illness and pregnancy patterns. See your doctor promptly if you have any potentially concerning symptoms or need official confirmation either way. While it can be confusing at first, you’ll get the information you need and be on the path to proper treatment.