If you think you are pregnant because you are experiencing morning sickness, are having a late period, the urge to frequently urinate, and a shortness of breath - you have to think again. Are you really sure you are pregnant? You should ask yourself that question. Why? Because all your symptoms might be pointing towards the presence of ovarian cysts, and not a baby!
This is because there is a striking similarity, almost creepy, between the symptoms of ovarian cysts and the signs of pregnancy. The following are 12 signs/symptoms that show you how easy it is to be confused when it comes to ovarian cysts and pregnancy.
1. Shortness of breath, a common symptom of both cysts and pregnancy
Women who are pregnant need oxygen for two. The fetus needs oxygen to develop and therefore making it easy for a woman to run out of breath. Also, as the baby grows, the added pressure that he or she exerts on the mother’s diaphragm and lungs can make it hard for her to breath.
However, pregnancy is not the only condition that can cause shortness of breath. This is a common symptom of ovarian cysts, especially when they grow in size. In extreme cases, cysts on ovaries apply pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing a problem.
2. Sore breasts, a common sign of pregnancy, can also be caused by cysts on ovaries
Given the effect that being pregnant has on the hormonal levels in the body, it comes as no surprise that pregnancy can cause breast tenderness. Surprisingly, ovarian cysts can too!
It all has to do with the fact that ovarian cysts form on ovaries. This proximity usually affords them this privilege because they can interfere with the normal functioning of the ovaries, an organ that is responsible for the production of hormones that control the female reproductive system.
3. Pregnancy causes fatigue, and so do ovarian cysts
This still has to do with the fact that both conditions, the presence of cysts in ovaries and pregnancy, can affect the production of hormones in the body.
The only difference in this case is that for a woman who is pregnant, this feeling usually fades after the first trimester. However, for one with cysts on her ovaries, this usually worsens as the cysts grow.
4. Pregnancy and cysts can both cause nausea
Morning sickness is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Most women rely on it and is usually the main reason why they go to a clinic in the first place. As it turns out, nausea and vomiting are not as reliable as most women think. This is because ovarian cysts can also cause nausea.
5. Frequent urination is common with pregnant women, also with women with ovarian cysts
Getting pregnant is no easy feat. The body has to work overtime, and the kidney is no exception. A pregnant woman will therefore feel the need to go to the loo more frequently than usual.
For a woman with cysts on ovaries, the need to urinate more frequently has nothing to do with a busy excretory system. This happens when large cysts press against the bladder, reducing its capacity to hold urine. The pressure on the bladder can also make it almost impossible for her to empty her bladder completely. She will therefore have to take more trips to the bathroom.
6. Getting pregnant and having ovarian cysts come with headaches
The causes of these headaches seem to be the same for both ovarian cysts and pregnancy. It all has to do with a flood of hormones that the body is not accustomed to - the difference being that a pregnancy is a natural good while a cyst is not.
7. Cramping is a common sign of both pregnancy and ovarian cysts
For some women, cramping is something that they often experience when they are having their periods. Any mild uterine cramping that they experience may also be a sign of pregnancy. It may however also be a symptom of ovarian cysts or any of its complications. Only further tests can be able to confirm what the cramping means.
8. Backaches
Backaches that come from nowhere can be an indication of a pregnancy. It may be an indication of the body loosening up as it prepares for the pregnancy. It may also be as a result of the excessive strain that the weight gain, associated with pregnancy, exerts on a woman’s back.
But it can also be a way through which your body is trying to tell you that there is something seriously wrong with your reproductive system. And that the cysts in your ovaries are growing out of proportion.
9. Bloating/Swelling of the abdomen is another similarity
This is the most visible sign of pregnancy and for most women, it is usually enough to dispel any doubts about their pregnancy status. However, it’s not always a reliable sign of pregnancy, as some women have found out.
For Lorna Fulton, the fact that she had to change dress sizes, and the symptoms she experienced, were enough to convince her that she was pregnant. In fact, she looked 9 months pregnant. However, her hopes were dashed when she was told that the size of her belly had nothing to do with getting pregnant. It all had everything to do with a 70 lb cyst.
10. Ovarian cysts and pregnancy can both cause dizziness or fainting
Pregnant women tend to experience spells of dizziness or fainting as a result of having low blood pressure or low levels of blood sugar. Taking a lot of water and eating enough for two can be enough to prevent such episodes.
However, common home remedies for managing these side effects of pregnancy may sometimes prove effective. Especially if the fainting and dizziness is as a result of the presence of cysts on ovaries.
11. Spotting may a sign of pregnancy or the presence of cysts in ovaries
While having no-period is a common sign of pregnancy, having a lighter-than-usual bleeding can also be a sign that you are pregnant. If it comes a few days earlier than expected, the more it is likely to be a sign of pregnancy.
This type of spotting usually occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself on the uterine wall. This bleeding is known as implantation bleeding. However, it is not the only reason why a woman can experience spotting or abnormal bleeding. A ruptured cyst can also be to blame for the spotting.
12. Late Period
Having a missed period is what usually prompts most women to take a pregnancy test. As it turns out, having a late period should also be a reason to pay a visit to the clinic as it may be a sign that ovarian cysts are messing up your menstrual cycle.
Want to learn more about ovarian cysts? Go to the Ovarian Cyst Miracle official website, its a good place to start
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Anything on your mind? Share it in the comments below
Feeling generous? Buy us a coffee (click on the donate button on the top right corner or here)
(Don’t forget to click on the like button. Help us to spread the word about ovarian cysts by sharing this post. Thank you :)
Sources
