Pregnancy
By Lily Thompson
Updated: March 24, 2020
Originally Published: July 25, 2012
During my baby-making journey (TTC, if you’re familiar with the lingo), I became hyper-aware of every little sign of potential pregnancy. I often envied those carefree souls who claimed, “We’re not trying, but we’re not preventing either!” They seemed so relaxed in their approach.
Fast forward to now, when I’m no longer on the baby train, but my mind still plays tricks on me. Every month, as I anticipate Aunt Flo’s arrival—complete with her foul mood and craving for junk food—I somehow convince myself that I might be pregnant again.
Isn’t it amusing how early pregnancy symptoms can mirror classic PMS? For those of us who are eager to conceive, it feels like a cruel joke. Sore breasts? You could be expecting! Or, it might just be that time of the month. Back in the days of obsessively tracking my temperature, I would find myself pondering whether my tender chest was a sign of pregnancy or just a result of my constant poking. The notorious “chicken or the egg” dilemma—am I touching my breasts because they hurt, or do they ache because I can’t stop prodding them?
Even though I thought my preoccupation with pregnancy symptoms would fade once I stopped trying to conceive, I was mistaken. Here’s a rundown of the most perplexing “signs” I still notice every month:
- Nausea: It turns out I often feel a bit queasy and slightly peckish, regardless of whether I could actually be pregnant. This feeling seems to pop up at random times, often when it’s biologically impossible for me to be expecting. Maybe a detox or a gluten-free diet is in order. Or, gasp, I might need to cut back on coffee.
- Fatigue: Let’s face it, I have two kids who think dawn is the best time to rise. Of course I’m tired! Next symptom, please!
- Food and Smell Aversions: I can trace this “symptom” back to my irrational fear of food going bad. Sure, I’ve had food poisoning a few times, but does that really explain my obsession with checking expiration dates and scrutinizing produce?
- Food Cravings: I suspect this is just my subconscious justifying my thrice-weekly post-bedtime cookie binges.
- Mood Swings: I constantly seek logical explanations for my emotional ups and downs. Blaming it on pregnancy is just so convenient. (I must be expecting, or why else would I be sobbing over a dog in a sweater? Oh right, PMS.)
Does anyone else experience this monthly bout of confusion? I can’t be the only one who creates imaginary pregnancy signs even when actively avoiding conception! Maybe I’m doomed to this until menopause, at which point I’ll still be convinced that my random hunger pangs are merely morning sickness.
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In summary, while the signs of pregnancy can be confusingly similar to premenstrual symptoms, it’s all part of the journey. Whether you’re trying to conceive or just navigating the ups and downs of monthly cycles, it’s essential to stay informed and grounded.