How to Know If Nausea Is a Sign of Pregnancy or Just a Stomach Bug

 
Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider. 

 

It can be tricky to tell if you are pregnant or if you just have a run-of-the-mill stomach bug. While there are symptoms common to both, there are a few signs that can indicate you might be pregnant. If you think you might be unexpectedly pregnant, the only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test.


Avail NYC offers free, self-administered pregnancy tests in Midtown Manhattan & East Harlem for women who may be facing an unexpected pregnancy.

Common Symptoms that Point to a Stomach Bug

If you are experiencing general feelings of nausea, fatigue, and vomiting, you may have a stomach bug. Some specific symptoms that point towards an illness and not pregnancy can be:

  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Stomach cramps 
  • Body aches
  • Dehydration


Other possible non-pregnancy-related causes of nausea include:

  • Food poisoning
  • Change of medications
  • Intense stress
  • Motion sickness or inner ear problems
  • Migraines


If your symptoms do not clear up in a few days, taking a pregnancy test can rule out whether you are pregnant or just have a stomach virus, like the flu.

  • Can Early Pregnancy Feel Like a Stomach Bug?

    While early pregnancy is linked to the term morning sickness, you may feel sick periodically throughout the day. There are some overlapping symptoms between a stomach virus and pregnancy, such as vomiting, fatigue, and nausea. But there are other indicators that might point more towards pregnancy like a heightened sense of odors and unusual food cravings. 

  • Most are Some of the Most Unusual Pregnancy Symptoms?

    During the first trimester of pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur that can lead to some very interesting symptoms like: 


    • Nosebleeds
    • Dizziness
    • Acne
    • Cravings or aversions
    • Constipation
  • When Does Morning Sickness Start?

    Nausea usually begins at around six weeks and peaks between weeks 8-11, typically fading near the end of the first trimester. However, some women experience nausea as both a second-trimester and third-trimester symptom.

Common Symptoms that Point to Pregnancy

While early pregnancy is linked to the term morning sickness, you may feel sick periodically throughout the day. There are some overlapping symptoms between a stomach virus and pregnancy, such as vomiting, fatigue, and nausea. But there are other indicators that might point more towards pregnancy:

  • Excessive salivation 
  • A heightened sensitivity to odors 
  • A late menstrual cycle
  • Unusual food cravings
  • Tender breasts

If you keep track of your monthly cycle, a late period could be an indication of pregnancy. If you have an irregular period, it will be more difficult to pinpoint if your period is arriving late or not at all. For more possible symptoms of pregnancy, check out our article 10 Signs of Pregnancy Other Than a Missed Period.


While you might be able to hone in on your symptoms, you will not know for sure if you are pregnant until you are able to verify it. Avail NYC is a safe and confidential place to take a pregnancy test in New York City. We can also refer you to third-party medical centers for a free to low-cost OB/GYN appointment if you wish.

Schedule a Free Pregnancy Test

 
Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider. 

 

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