Pregnancy symptoms and menstruation, such as tender breasts, bleeding, and nausea, may look the same in women, but how can you tell them apart?
In our article, we will learn about the most prominent differences between the signs of being pregnant or experiencing premenstrual syndrome cramps. Keep reading.
Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a menstrual disorder that causes a group of menstrual-related symptoms that occur one to two weeks before your period and usually disappear after the start of your period.
- Symptoms of PMS are similar to those of early pregnancy and some subtle differences change from woman to woman.
What is the difference between pregnancy symptoms and the menstrual cycle?
Symptoms of a pregnant woman in the first weeks may be similar to premenstrual symptoms, but the differences lie in the severity and duration of symptoms, when they begin and when they end. Here are the main differences:
breast pain
- Breast pain in both pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome occurs as follows:
PMS
- Breast swelling and pain may occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle and tenderness ranges from mild to severe and is most severe in a woman's childbearing years.
- Breast pain is usually most severe just before your period.
- A woman may feel special bumps or lumps in the outer areas.
- The pain often improves during or just after your period, as your progesterone levels drop.
pregnancy
- A woman may feel pain, sensitivity, tenderness, or heaviness in the breasts during early pregnancy one to two weeks after conception.
- Breast pain continues for a while as a woman's progesterone levels rise due to pregnancy.
vaginal bleeding
- The difference between pregnancy and menstrual bleeding symptoms is:
PMS
- In general, you will only have bleeding or spotting on the days of your period, and the flow is noticeably heavier and may last for up to a week.
pregnancy
- One of the first signs of pregnancy is light vaginal bleeding, which is usually pink or dark brown.
- This usually occurs 10 to 14 days after conception and is usually not enough to fill a sanitary napkin or tampon and the spotting only lasts a day or two, so it's shorter than a normal cycle.
mood changes
- Mood changes in both pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome occur as follows:
PMS
- A woman may experience some anxiety and depression during her period or bouts of crying, and these symptoms usually disappear after the start of her period.
pregnancy
- A pregnant woman may have mood changes that persist until delivery.
feeling tired
- The difference between symptoms of fatigue in pregnancy and menstruation:
PMS
- Tiredness or fatigue and trouble sleeping are common symptoms of menstruation, and they often go away when you start your period.
- Doing some exercises may help improve your sleep and reduce fatigue.
pregnancy
- High levels of the hormone progesterone make you feel tired, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Fatigue may persist throughout pregnancy. So, make sure you eat healthy food regularly and get enough sleep.
nausea
- Nausea occurs in both pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome as follows:
PMS
- The cycle may be accompanied by some digestive discomfort such as nausea.
pregnancy
- Morning sickness is one of the most obvious signs of your pregnancy, and it occurs at any time of the day and often begins a month after conception. Nausea may be accompanied by vomiting.
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Cravings for food and aversion
- Eating habits change in both pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome as follows:
PMS
- You may notice a change in your eating habits in PMS; You may crave chocolate, carbohydrates, sugars, sweets, or salty foods. Or your appetite increases.
pregnancy
- You may have a strong craving for foods or an aversion to certain smells and tastes, even those you liked before and these effects often persist throughout pregnancy.
- You can also have pica syndrome, in which you compulsively eat items that have no nutritional value, such as snow, dirt, dried paint chips, or coins. It is a condition that requires immediate medical advice.
convulsions
- Cramps and cramps occur in both pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome as follows:
PMS
- You may experience dysmenorrhea if you have premenstrual syndrome, which is cramping that occurs 24 to 48 hours before your period.
- The pain often decreases during your period and eventually goes away with bleeding.
- Period cramps usually decrease after the first pregnancy or as you age, and some women experience more cramps around menopause.
pregnancy
- You may have mild cramps early in pregnancy, but they will be in your lower stomach or lower back and may last for months into your pregnancy.
- Don't ignore symptoms if you have a history of miscarriage.