What is the difference between pregnancy signs and period signs

Short of a proper pregnancy test, navigating the difference between a raging case of PMS and early pregnancy can be tricky at best, especially when your period decides to make a fashionably late appearance. Because female biology is a cruel mistress, it just so happens that your run-of-the-mill PMS symptoms can look and feel a mighty lot like those of early pregnancy. Shedding your uterine lining is no walk in the proverbial park. Irritability is par for the PMS course, complete with crying spells and anxiety.

However, a sour mood tends to sweeten shortly after the period starts. If you suffer from monthly moodiness, exercising and getting plenty of sleep can help you feel less out of sorts. Pregnancy can throw a wrench in your emotional stability up until you give birth.

However, unlike with PMS, your mood is likely to bounce all over the place. From bouts of crying to pure elation, carrying a child can be a real emotional rollercoaster. Keep in mind that depression during pregnancy is common and ought to be treated. Higher than normal levels of progesterone in the latter half of your menstrual cycle have been known to cause digestive disturbances in the form of constipation.

The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy may make it harder to go number two. Increased progesterone relaxes your intestinal muscles, which can slow things down in the pooping department. Later on, as your uterus expands and puts pressure on your intestines, it may become even harder to — ahem — drop a different kid off at the pool. Underlying conditions including ovarian cysts or endometriosis can cause irregular bleeding. As a rule of thumb, you should talk to your doctor about any bleeding that occurs outside of your normal menstrual cycle.

Light vaginal bleeding can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. Pregnancy-related spotting is typically dark brown or light pink in color and occurs 10 to 14 days after conception.

It usually lasts only a few days and is low in volume compared to a period. Progesterone is a real pest, when it comes to PMS. Breast pain is likely to flare right before your period, and wear off as you start your period and your progesterone levels decrease.

Pregnancy-related breast swelling and soreness tends to strike 1 to 2 weeks after you conceive. It can last as long as progesterone levels remain elevated as a result of your pregnancy. Feeling tired is a very common symptom of PMS, as is having a hard time sleeping. Pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin hCG , which is present in the blood and urine of a pregnant person. Article was originally published Nov.

Science is evolving each day on how coronavirus affects pregnancy, lactation, and postpartum. When you subscribe to Clue Plus, you don't only get new features: you also fund important research, support data privacy, Clue Birth Control. Close main menu Homepage Encyclopedia. Menstrual Cycle. Birth Control. About Clue. They are, however, common symptoms of early pregnancy.

Nausea affects up to 80 percent of pregnant women. Nausea and vomiting usually start before the 9th week of pregnancy. Typically, these symptoms subside by the second trimester, but some women experience nausea throughout pregnancy. Although breast changes can occur during both PMS and pregnancy, changes to the nipples rarely happen before a period.

If the areola, the colored area around the nipple, gets darker or larger, this can suggest pregnancy. These changes can occur as early as 1 or 2 weeks after conception. Women who suspect that they are pregnant should take a home pregnancy test. If the result is positive, make an appointment with a doctor to confirm the pregnancy and plan the next steps.

If the test is negative, but no period occurs within 1 or 2 weeks of when it was due, it is also a good idea to see a doctor. The doctor can help determine the reason for a late or missed period and recommend treatment options. They can also address concerns about any unusual symptoms. A missed period is often one of the first signs of pregnancy, but there are a variety of other reasons why a person might not menstruate. Learn which….

Menstrual cramps are a natural occurrence, but severe cramps can affect a person's quality of life. Here, learn how to manage them and when to see a…. Many women experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome PMS , including anxiety, pain, mood swings, and food cravings.

For some, it can make everyday…. How to tell the difference between PMS and pregnancy symptoms. Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P. Mutual symptoms Symptoms unique to pregnancy When to see a doctor Premenstrual syndrome causes several symptoms that closely resemble those of early pregnancy.

Mutual symptoms of PMS and pregnancy. Share on Pinterest Changes in hormones may cause women to crave sweet foods before their period. Symptoms unique to pregnancy. Share on Pinterest Nausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy. When to see a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage.