You may be experiencing certain  symptoms that may make you wonder if you’re  pregnant or not.  It can be difficult to determine if the signs you are experiencing are pregnancy related or  not. You have to know that pregnancy symptoms have other causes other than pregnancy itself.

Pregnancy symptoms and their alternative causes

Missed period : This is usually the first sign of pregnancy . However it could also indicate any of the following .

• excessive weight gain or loss
• fatigue or exhaustion
• stress and tension
• hormonal imbalance
• breastfeeding
• various diseases
• changing your birth control usage

Morning sickness or nausea : This is the second most commonly reported symptom.  However these conditions  can also cause this symptom.

• food poisoning
• stress and tension
• change in the usage of hormonal birth control
• other stomach diseases

Breast changes and discomfort : One common pregnancy symptom is changes the breast goes through such as swelling, tenderness or discomfort . Other causes of this symptom include the following :

• impending menstruation
• change in hormonal birth control
• hormonal imbalance

Fatigue : This common pregnancy symptom can also be caused by conditions such as

• stress
• exhaustion from working too hard
• common cold or flu
• lack of sleep
• depression
• improper nutrition
• allergies or other ailments

Headaches : This is a common complaint during pregnancy. Alternative causes include :

• dehydration
• caffeine
• stress
• eye strain
• withdrawals
• pending menstruation
• other ailments

Lower backache : As pregnancy process, lower backache becomes  a common issues. However you may also experience lower backache because of these :

• stress
• strains
• pending menstruation
• poor sleep habits
• injury
• improper uplifting

Spotting : This can be caused by the following :

• altered menstruation
• pending menstruation
• hormonal imbalance
• abrasion from  sexual intercourse
• infection

Frequent urination : This is also another common pregnancy sign that can also be caused by the following :

• urinary tract infection
• diabetes
• use of diuretics
• increased  liquid intake

Darkening of areolas : Hormonal imbalance or residual from previous pregnancy could also cause this condition.

Food cravings : Poor diet, lack of nutrients , stress, depression, anxiety , certain illness or pending menstruation could also be responsible for this condition .

NOTE

If you are not certain about the cause of any symptom, you need to consult your physician.