Care must be taken when identifying the very early signs of pregnancy so you do not get ahead of yourself. By looking at what other meanings these symptoms could be perhaps we can reduce any false diagnosis and heartache in the process.

So what are the very early signs of pregnancy and what else could the signs mean? Well here is a list of many of the symptoms and their alternative diagnosis.

Missing your Period

This can start immediate alarm bells ringing, and is usually a clear sign of pregnancy. But have you missed your period or is it just late or different?

-Explanations for this could be due to fatigue, tension or stress, hormonal changes or due to excessive weight loss or weight gain. Other explanation can be due to stopping the birth control pill.

Implantation bleeding

This can occur between 6 to 12 days after conception and is due to the embryo implanting itself in the uterine wall. Spotting can occur as well as cramping.

-However this could again be due to a change in use of the birth control pill, it could be menstruation or changes in menstruation, intercourse or an infection.

Sensitive or swollen breast

This symptom can occur one to two weeks after conception with sensitivity in the breast area, feelings of swollen or sore breast are not uncommon.

-Other reasons for this may be due to imminent menstruation, a hormonal changes or birth control pills.

Morning Sickness

Contrary to popular belief, morning sickness can occur all through the day, not just in the morning! This is a symptom that is instantly recognizable and can occur between 2 and 8 weeks after conception. It is a symptom that is not common to all women, some women are lucky enough not feel any nausea.

-As the symptom of morning sickness is nausea, you can imagine how many illnesses can cause this. 24hr bugs, flu, upset stomach, food poisoning etc can all mirror morning sickness symptoms.

Fatigue or tiredness

This can be a very early sign of pregnancy and start in the week after conception! This symptom can be hard for pregnant women to disguise with their busy day to day lives.

-Again this can easily be explained as other ailments such as the common cold or flu symptoms. Similarly depression or stress can promote these symptoms to name but a few.

Headaches

The very early signs of pregnancy can be due to hormonal changes in the body leading to headaches.

-But again, there are simple explanations for this such as dehydration, caffeine, eye strain or even imminent menstruation.

Food cravings

These are a common symptom of the very early signs of pregnancy, but also a common symptom of being hungry! However many women experience food cravings, a method for the body to increase its intake of certain vitamins and minerals. Food cravings can occur all the way through the pregnancy.

-Other reason for food cravings can be hunger, inadequate diet, poor nutrition, depression or again imminent menstruation.

Frequent urination

Although not specifically one of the very early signs of pregnancy, frequent urination is due to the changes occurring inside your body. This may start around 6 to 8 weeks after conception. -However this may also be due to diabetes or a urinary tract infection or even excessive liquid intake.

Backache

Very early signs of pregnancy can include backache and can continue throughout the whole pregnancy.

-Other reasons for backache can be related to existing back problems, stress or again even imminent menstruation.

With so many symptoms that can be explained in many other ways it can be hard to spot the very early signs of pregnancy. Take care when self-diagnosing, in this case it is always better to be sure before announcing to the world your pregnancy.

Take care and good luck with your diagnosis.