Imagine this: You’re ticking all the boxes—eating your greens, logging those steps, keeping up with your vitamins. You’re gearing up (or maybe just daydreaming) for a positive pregnancy test. So, when abdominal cramps hit, you chalk it up to maybe a little too much kale… or the rollercoaster of hormones that comes with TTC life.

But what if those "normal" symptoms aren’t so normal? What if they’re masking something far more serious—something your doctor might miss if you (and they!) aren’t paying attention?

Let’s talk about the jaw-dropping story of Jenna Scott, featured in Business Insider. At just 31—yep, thirty-one!—her aches and pains were dismissed as typical, run-of-the-mill pregnancy or IBS woes. Spoiler alert: She actually had stage 4 colon cancer.

Before you panic-search "colon cancer symptoms" at 2 AM, let’s break down what Jenna’s story means for anyone on the road to parenthood. It’s time to uncover the warning signs that even the healthiest, most fertility-focused among us can’t afford to ignore.

The Symptom Trap: When Pregnant Isn’t the Only Explanation

We all know the pregnancy symptom bingo: bloating, cramping, nausea, exhaustion. If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), you’re probably hyper-aware of every twinge your body makes.

But here’s the twist—those same symptoms can be red flags for conditions that have nothing to do with babies. According to Jenna’s story, her concerns were repeatedly brushed aside until things got critical. Why? Because we—and sometimes our doctors—tend to put pregnancy in the spotlight and ignore the shadows.

So, what’s actually normal? And what’s a 🚩 red flag?

• Persistent, unexplained pain that doesn’t line up with your cycle
• Blood where it shouldn’t be (not your period?)
• New digestive issues (suddenly can’t handle your go-to foods?)
• Sudden, dramatic fatigue that no nap can fix

If any of this sounds familiar—especially if you keep getting the "That’s just pregnancy!" line—don’t settle for a pat on the back!

Doctors Are Human, Too (And Why Second Opinions Are a Superpower)

We all want our healthcare team to be superheroes. But sometimes even the best of the best get tunnel vision. Jenna’s doctors chalked up her symptoms to pregnancy, delaying a correct diagnosis for a YEAR.

If your gut (literally or figuratively) says something’s off, advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, request tests, or get a second (or third!) opinion. Here’s a cheeky checklist to supercharge your next doctor visit:

• Arrive armed with a list of symptoms (dates, duration, details!)
• Be clear about what’s changed ("This isn’t how I felt before")
• Ask: ‘Could it be something other than pregnancy?’
• Request relevant screenings if worried (e.g., GI, hormone panels)

It’s not being rude. It’s being alive.

Navigating TTC: Balancing Hope and Realism

Let’s face it, the TTC journey is an emotional rollercoaster even on a good day. The excitement of a possible baby bump can sometimes blind us to important health clues.

• Don’t ignore persistent pain, new digestive symptoms, or anything that just feels off.
• Track your symptoms. There are digital tools, apps, and even good old-fashioned journals that can help—sometimes these notes are the key to connecting the dots for your doctor.

And hey, if you’re looking for a low-stress way to start your journey, check out this guide to at-home conception kits and resources. It’s loaded with info on safe, supported ways to TTC outside of clinical settings and how to track your fertility—bonus points for discreet packaging and kits designed for all kinds of bodies and situations.

When “Just Google It” Isn’t Enough: Trust, But Verify

TL;DR—WebMD is not your primary care doc. Jenna’s story is a reminder that not every ache is innocent, and not every cramp means you should start shopping for onesies. Let’s repeat it for the folks in the back: YOU are your own best advocate.

• Don’t downplay your experience just because it fits a TTC or pregnancy narrative
• Don’t settle for dismissals if your intuition nags you
• Don’t stop asking questions until you get answers that make sense

Wrapping Up: Because Parenthood Starts With You

We all want to focus on what matters most—the dream of new life. But as Jenna’s journey reveals, that dream relies on caring for your own health first, even when it means pressing pause on the TTC talk and demanding real answers.

If you take away one thing: Listen to your body, trust your gut, and never let “it’s just pregnancy” be the end of the conversation. Because the best step toward growing your family is making sure you’re here, healthy, and empowered to do it.

Have you ever had your symptoms dismissed as “just pregnancy stuff”? Share your story below—let’s start a conversation that could save lives!