The difference between pregnancy symptoms vs period symptoms and how you can tell the difference.
How do you know if your period is coming or your pregnant symptoms
Breast pain
Pregnancy symptoms vs period symptoms according to breast pain:
During periods
- Breast swelling and tenderness can occur during the second half of your menstrual cycle.
- Tenderness ranges from mild to severe and is usually the most severe right before your period.
- Women in their childbearing years tend to have more severe symptoms.
- Breast tissue may feel bumpy and dense, especially in the outer areas.
- You may have a feeling of breast fullness with tenderness and a heavy, dull pain.
The pain often improves during your period or right after, as your progesterone levels decrease.
During pregnancy
May feel sore, sensitive, or tender to the touch. They may also feel fuller and heavier.
This tenderness and swelling will usually happen one to two weeks after you conceive, and it can last for a while as your progesterone levels rise due to your pregnancy
Bleeding
Pregnancy symptoms vs period symptoms according to bleeding:
During periods
You generally won’t have bleeding or spotting if it’s Periods.
When you have your period, the flow is noticeably heavier and can last up to a week.
During pregnancy
For some, one of the first signs of pregnancy is light vaginal bleeding or spotting that’s usually pink or dark brown.
This typically happens 10 to 14 days after conception and is usually not enough to fill pads or tampons.
The spotting typically lasts for just a day or two, so it’s shorter than a normal period.
Mood changes
Pregnancy symptoms vs period symptoms according to mood changes
During periods
You may be irritable and feel a bit grouchy during Periods. You may also have crying spells and feel anxious.
These symptoms typically go away after your period starts.
Getting some exercise and plenty of sleep may help take the edge off of your PMS moodiness. However,
If you feel sad, overwhelmed, hopeless, or lack energy for two weeks or more, you could be depressed.
Be sure to talk to your doctor.
During pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, you can have mood changes that last until you give birth. You’re more likely to be emotional during pregnancy.
You may be ecstatic and excited, looking forward to the new member of your family.
You may also have moments of sadness and cry more easily.
As with PMS, these latter symptoms can also indicate depression.
If you’re concerned about your symptoms and think you might be depressed, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Depression during pregnancy is common, and it can — and should — be treated.
Fatigue
Pregnancy symptoms vs period symptoms according to fatigue:
During periods
Tiredness or fatigue is common during Periods, as is trouble sleeping. These symptoms should go away when your period starts.
Getting some exercise can help improve your sleep and lessen your fatigue.
During pregnancy
While you’re pregnant, increased levels of the hormone progesterone can make you tired.
Fatigue can be more pronounced during your first trimester, but it can last throughout your pregnancy as well.
To help your body cope, be sure to eat well and get lots of sleep.
This is the difference between Pregnancy symptoms vs period symptoms according to fatigue
Nausea
Pregnancy symptoms vs period symptoms according to nausea
During periods
You shouldn’t expect nausea or vomiting
If your period is late some digestive discomfort such as nausea can accompany symptoms of Periods.
During pregnancy
Morning sickness is one of the most classic and clear signs you’re pregnant. Bouts of nausea often begin a month after you get pregnant.
Vomiting may or may not accompany the nausea. Despite the name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day.
However, not all women experience morning sickness.
Food cravings and aversions
Pregnancy symptoms vs periods symptoms according to food cravings and aversions:
During periods
When you have Periods, you’ll likely notice that your eating habits change. You may crave chocolate, carbohydrates, sugars, sweets, or salty foods.
Or you may have a ravenous appetite. These cravings don’t happen to the same extent when you’re pregnant.
During pregnancy
You may have highly specific cravings, and you may be uninterested in other foods.
You may also have an aversion to certain smells and tastes,
even ones you once liked. These effects can last throughout pregnancy.
You could also have pica, in which you compulsively eat items that have no nutritional value, such as ice, dirt, dried paint flakes, or pieces of metal.
If you have cravings for nonfood items, talk to your doctor right away
This is the difference between Pregnancy symptoms vs period symptoms according to food cravings and aversions
Cramping
Pregnancy symptoms vs period symptoms according to cramping
During periods
If you have periods, you may experience dysmenorrhea,
which is cramps that happen 24 to 48 hours before your period.
The pain will probably decrease during your period and eventually go away by the end of your flow.
Menstrual cramps will often decrease after your first pregnancy or as you age.
Some women will experience more cramping as they start to go into menopause.
During pregnancy
Early in pregnancy, you may experience mild or light cramping.
These cramps will probably feel like the light cramps you get during your period, but they’ll be in your lower stomach or lower back.
If you have a history of pregnancy loss, don’t ignore these symptoms. Rest.
If they don’t subside, talk to your doctor. You can have the cramps for weeks up to months when you’re pregnant.
If you know you’re pregnant and these cramps are accompanied by any bleeding or watery discharge, see a doctor immediately.
Many symptoms can occur with both pregnancy and periods. These include mood changes, constipation, breast pain and tenderness, fatigue, bleeding, cramping, headaches, and appetite changes.
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