One of pregnancy's most notorious symptoms is food cravings. Some women find themselves chowing down on food they previously hated, while others can't stand the sight -- or smell -- of a once-loved food. Cravings can come at any point in pregnancy, even shortly after implantation. While food cravings can be a sign of pregnancy, cravings alone do not necessarily mean that you are pregnant.
When Cravings Start
Food cravings can serve as one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. Changing hormones that start after implantation can lead to cravings very early in your pregnancy. You might not have a positive home pregnancy test yet, but cravings could be your body's way of adjusting to the pregnancy. Cravings do not always start this early, however, so a lack of cravings does not mean that it is not possible that you are pregnant.
Premenstrual Cravings
Cravings, like many pregnancy symptoms, mimic symptoms that you might experience as your period approaches --- so you certainly can have some cravings without being pregnant. Many women crave high-carbohydrate foods in the days leading up to their period. Chocolate is another common PMS-related craving you might experience.
The Difference
There is no way for you to distinguish between pregnancy cravings and PMS cravings. Even if you find yourself craving pickles and ice cream, it is no guarantee that you are pregnant. On the other hand, you could be experiencing your common pre-period cravings but actually be pregnant. Until you take a home pregnancy test or have a test administered by your doctor, there is no way to know.
Pregnancy Symptoms
If you are pregnant, you will begin to experience other symptoms in conjunction with your cravings. Your breasts might begin to get tender, you might feel waves of nausea or your sense of smell might be heightened. Every woman experiences a different set of symptoms during early pregnancy, and while cravings might be a sign, the best ways to tell if your symptoms are real is to take a home pregnancy test or have one administered by your doctor.
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