What Can Make You Feel Pregnant but Not Be Pregnant
If you feel as though you're pregnant but got a negative home pregnancy test result, your symptoms could be down to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or you may have taken the test too early.
Can a pregnancy test be wrong?
It is possible to get a false negative on a pregnancy test (where the test says you're not pregnant, even though you are), particularly if you've tested before your period is due. If you've just had one negative result, you could try waiting for a few days and testing again, just to be sure.
Could there be another reason for my symptoms?
If you've waited until after your period was due, and multiple tests have come up negative, it's unlikely that you're pregnant. There's probably another explanation for the symptoms you're experiencing, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Read on to find out what could make you feel pregnant when you're not.
How accurate are pregnancy tests?
Midwife Caron Cooch explains how soon after a missed period you can take a pregnancy test and how to do it properly.More getting pregnant videos
Here are some of the most common pregnancy symptoms, with other possible reasons you might feel them:
Missed period
Your period could be late for a number of reasons, including stress, being over- or under-weight, or polycystic ovary syndrome. Learn more about what causes late periods and when to see your GP.
Tender breasts
If your breasts are more sensitive than usual, this could be a sign of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Many women find their breasts become a little tender before their period arrives. If you're trying to conceive, it's only natural to pay extra attention to how your body is feeling, so you may notice this tenderness more than usual.
Less commonly, sore breasts can be a sign of a condition such as mastitis (which can happen even if you're not breastfeeding). If the pain is very bad, your breast looks red or swollen, or you also have a temperature, see your GP.
Cramps or bloating
As with tender breasts, tummy cramps or bloating can also be a sign that your period is on its way. If it lasts beyond your period, it could be a sign of illness, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). See your GP if the pain is getting worse, keeps coming back, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as bleeding, discharge, or pain when using the toilet.
Fatigue
Tiredness is yet another classic PMS syndrome. It can also be associated with depression or anxiety – both common among people who are trying to conceive. If you're suffering from low mood, your GP can help.
Some medical conditions can also cause extreme tiredness, such as anaemia (iron deficiency), diabetes, or an underactive thyroid. If you're feeling tired all the time, and getting plenty of rest and sleep doesn't help, see your GP.
Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting could be due to a simple tummy bug, usually caused by either food poisoning or a virus. If so, it should get better on its own within a few days. In the meantime, call in sick to work, and be sure to keep your fluids up to avoid dehydration. If you're still vomiting after two days, see your GP.
Frequent urination
Women in the early stages of pregnancy often need to wee more often, due to pregnancy hormones. However, it can also happen if you have a condition such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or diabetes. If you're finding that you need to wee more often than usual, see your GP.
If you've been trying to conceive for a while without success, it may be worth seeing your GP for a fertility check-up. If you're 35 or younger, you and your partner can usually get fertility tests if you've been trying for at least a year. If you're over 35, see your GP sooner than this – they may offer tests after about six months of trying.
More information:
- Read our expert tips on how to cope with not conceiving.
- Learn more about how to get a fertility test.
- Find out what a faint line on a pregnancy test really means.
What Can Make You Feel Pregnant but Not Be Pregnant
Source: https://www.babycentre.co.uk/x1014000/if-i-feel-pregnant-why-do-all-the-tests-say-negative