Period vs Pregnancy Symptoms: Can You Tell the Difference?

It isn’t always easy to tell whether you are pregnant, have PMS (premenstrual syndrome), or are about to get your period. Some PMS symptoms, however, are quite similar to the ones typical of early pregnancies, including mood swings, fatigue, and cramps. Hormones are the responsible parties for these changes.

After ovulation, estrogen levels drop while progesterone levels rise. High progesterone levels are crucial for the body during this period in the event of pregnancy, but they also cause many PMS symptoms.

Although a pregnancy test is the best way to determine if you are expecting, understanding the difference between pregnancy and period symptoms can be useful!

Mood Changes

Period:

Anxiety, depression, irritability, and crying spells are common PMS symptoms. Luckily, they disappear once you start menstruating. If your mood swings are bothering you, you could try getting plenty of sleep and exercising.

Pregnancy:

Mood changes are common in early pregnancy but they can last until you give birth. It is an overwhelming time full of rapid changes, so it’s quite common to feel stressed, irritable, and anxious. Your hormones are also wreaking havoc, provoking sadness, euphoria, crying spells, and depression. However, it’s important to note that many women are prone to developing depression during pregnancy. If this symptom persists for over two weeks, get in touch with your doctor to tackle it early on.

Breasts tenderness and pain

Period:

Are your breasts tender and swollen? That’s completely normal! Breast tenderness can be mild or severe. You can also feel a bit of pain, which is most common during your childbearing years. There’s also a chance that the breast tissue becomes bumpy in certain areas. But, if you notice something abnormal or are in extreme pain, make sure to get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible!

Pregnancy:

One or two weeks after conception, your breasts begin changing. They feel heavier and tender to the touch. In addition, the nipple area darkens and feels sore. Some women also develop prominent blue veins near the breasts’ skin surface.

Food cravings

Period:

Prior to the onset of your period, your appetite can change. Perhaps you find yourself craving sweet food or salty meals. Or, it could be that you are hungrier than usual.

Pregnancy:

Pregnancy cravings are a lot different. For starters, you crave specific foods, even foods you used to dislike. It’s possible to develop an aversion to certain tastes and smells. These peculiar and intense cravings may last throughout your pregnancy.

Cramps

Period:

Around 80% of women will experience period pain at some point in their lives. Your uterus contracts, causing cramps 1 or 2 days before your period. The cramps can be light, mild, or intense and you feel them in your lower belly. Luckily, they will decrease with age or after your first pregnancy.

Pregnancy:

In early pregnancy, you may get cramps that are very similar to the ones you normally experience during your period. But, you may feel them further down your belly or in your lower back.

Fatigue

Period:

Feeling tired and fatigued is common during PMS. These symptoms usually go away as your period begins. However, if you go through heavy periods, it’s likely that you’ll feel tired throughout the duration of your period.

Pregnancy:

Fatigue is a common symptom of the first pregnancy trimester. It also reappears at the end of pregnancy. However, you may feel fatigued throughout the entirety of the nine months. Other symptoms such as sleeping issues and frequent urination can make fatigue even more severe.

Constipation

Period:

Hormonal changes during PMS can cause digestive issues, including diarrhea and constipation. Thankfully, you may get relief at the start of your period.

Pregnancy:

Research shows that approximately 11% to 38% of pregnant women develop constipation. This is especially common during the first two trimesters.

Bleeding or spotting

Period:

You won’t notice any bleeding or spotting if it’s PMS. But, once your period starts, the flow becomes heavier and can last between 3 to 7 days.

Pregnancy:

About 10 to 14 days after conception, you may notice a small amount of spotting or bleeding known as “implantation bleeding”. Telling the difference between implantation bleeding and menstruation bleeding can be tough, but there are some key differences. Implantation bleeding, for example, is pink and brownish and it’s very light. It’s also very brief, lasting around 1 to 3 days.

Unique signs of pregnancy

• Missed or late period;
• Increase in vaginal discharge;
• Smell sensitivity;
• Changes in your areolas;
• Nausea and vomiting.

A final note

It’s important to bear in mind that everybody is different. Perhaps you don’t usually experience PMS symptoms or have uneventful periods. Or, you go through symptoms that weren’t mentioned above. In any case, there are always plenty of resources you can access if you have doubts.

Talking to a healthcare professional is the most straightforward way to determine whether there’s something unusual about your period or whether you are expecting it.

And, if you would like a tool to deal with stress and anxiety during these stressful times, Beginning.com is here for you! Check out our sound journeys to relax and achieve some mental peace.

Expect no surprises! Track your menstrual cycle, including your period and fertile days. Simply log your dates on Beginning.com. Want to learn more? Watch our Period 101 masterclass and discover everything menses-related.