Do you still get period symptoms when pregnant: How to tell the difference

26.06.202321.06.2023 by alexxlab

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How to tell the difference

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) causes several symptoms that resemble early pregnancy. However, it is possible to differentiate between PMS and pregnancy symptoms.

Symptoms of both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and pregnancy can vary from person to person, but they often include tenderness in the breasts, cramping, and changes in mood.

In this article, we compare the symptoms of PMS with those of early pregnancy and explore the differences between the two.

Symptoms common to both PMS and pregnancy include:

Changes in mood

Share on PinterestStomach cramps can be a symptom of both PMS and early pregnancy.

Feeling irritable, anxious, or sad, or having crying spells, are common in both early pregnancy and the days leading up to a period.

These symptoms of PMS typically disappear once menstruation begins. However, if mood changes persist and a person misses their period, this may suggest pregnancy.

Persistent feelings of sadness can indicate depression. See a doctor if low moods last for 2 weeks or more.

About 10 percent of pregnant women worldwide experience a mental health condition, depression being the most common.

Constipation

Hormonal changes are a common cause of constipation in women. The fluctuations can slow down bowel movements.

Research suggests that constipation affects up to 38 percent of women during pregnancy, but it also affects many women just before their periods.

Pregnant women are most likely to have constipation in the first two trimesters, while women with PMS-related bowel problems typically experience relief after their periods begin.

Breast pain and tenderness

Breast changes are a common symptom of both PMS and early pregnancy. The changes can include:

pain
tenderness
swelling
heaviness
sensitivity
bumpy breast tissue

The severity of these symptoms varies among individuals.

However, in people with PMS, breast-related symptoms are usually most significant just before a menstrual period, and they typically get better during the period or just after it ends.

In early pregnancy, the breasts may feel particularly tender to the touch, and they often get heavier. The area around the nipple may sting or feel sore. Some women also develop more noticeable blue veins near the surface of the breasts.

Breast symptoms during pregnancy begin 1 or 2 weeks after conception and may persist until childbirth.

Fatigue

The hormone progesterone contributes to tiredness and fatigue before a period. Fatigue typically goes away once the period begins.

For women with heavy periods, excessive tiredness can last throughout the period. It may also be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia.

Fatigue is also a common symptom of early pregnancy. It often persists throughout the first trimester, and some women feel tired for the full 9 months. Difficulty sleeping and frequent nighttime urination can make pregnancy fatigue worse.

Bleeding or spotting

Light spotting or bleeding can occur in early pregnancy. This is called implantation bleeding, and it typically occurs 10–14 days after fertilization.

Many women do not experience implantation bleeding. Others may not notice it. It is much lighter than menstruation.

PMS does not typically cause spotting, although a period can be very light on the first day. Usually, menstrual bleeding lasts for 4 or 5 days, and it causes more significant blood loss than the spotting of implantation.

Cramping

Cramping is common in both PMS and early pregnancy. Early pregnancy cramps are similar to menstrual cramps, but they can occur lower down in the stomach.

These cramps may persist for weeks or months during pregnancy, as the embryo implants and the uterus stretches.

Headaches and back pain

Hormonal changes can cause both headaches and back pain in early pregnancy and before the menstrual period.

Changes in appetite

Share on PinterestChanges in hormones may cause women to crave sweet foods before their period.

Increased appetite and food cravings are common symptoms of pregnancy, but they can also occur with PMS.

Many people with PMS experience increased appetite and cravings for sweet or fatty foods, or carbohydrate-rich meals. Changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone likely influence cravings just before a period.

Research indicates that 50–90 percent of pregnant women in the United States have cravings.

Many crave specific foods and have aversions to others, finding their sight or smell deeply unpleasant. Food aversions are much less common in people with PMS.

Some pregnant women crave non-food items, such as ice or dirt. The medical term for this phenomenon is pica. Anyone with pica should speak to a doctor.

Some symptoms are more likely to indicate early pregnancy than an impending period. However, a person can only be sure by taking a home pregnancy test or visiting a doctor.

Symptoms that are likelier to signal pregnancy include:

A missed period

Missing a period is one of the most obvious signs of pregnancy. If a period is 1 week late and pregnancy is a possibility, take a pregnancy test.

Many tests are highly sensitive and can detect pregnancy hormones several days before a missed period.

However, there can be many other reasons for a missed or late period, such as:

stress
low body weight
polycystic ovary syndrome
going on or off birth control, or switching methods
having a medical condition, such as thyroid disease or diabetes
menopause

Nausea

Share on PinterestNausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy.

While mild digestive discomfort can occur just before a menstrual period, nausea and vomiting are not typical PMS symptoms.

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.

Nipple changes

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.

PMS Symptoms vs. Pregnancy Symptoms: 7 Comparisons

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Stacey Feintuch — Updated on February 9, 2023

Though symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and pregnancy are often similar, there are several key differences and certain symptoms that are unique to each.

Overview

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. Typically, PMS symptoms happen one to two weeks before your period. They usually stop after your period starts.

The symptoms of PMS can be very similar to those of early pregnancy. Read on to learn how to tell the difference. But remember, these differences are subtle and vary from woman to woman.

1. Breast pain

PMS: During PMS, 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.

Pregnancy: Your breasts during early 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.

2. Bleeding

PMS: You generally won’t have bleeding or spotting if it’s PMS. When you have your period, the flow is noticeably heavier and can last up to a week.

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.

3. Mood changes

PMS: You may be irritable and feel a bit grouchy during PMS. 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.

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.

4. Fatigue

PMS: Tiredness or fatigue is common during PMS, 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.

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.

5. Nausea

PMS: You shouldn’t expect nausea or vomiting if your period is late but some digestive discomfort such as nausea can accompany symptoms of PMS.

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.

6. Food cravings and aversions

PMS: When you have PMS, 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.

Pregnancy: You may have highly specific cravings, and you may be totally 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.

7. Cramping

PMS: If you have PMS, you may experience dysmenorrhea, which are 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.

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.

Takeaway

It’s important to know the cause of your symptoms. If you’re pregnant, the sooner you find out, the sooner you can get the right care. The best way to tell the difference between symptoms of PMS and early pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test.

It can also be helpful to track your symptoms so you notice when there’s a change in your typical pattern. If you have questions or concerns about any of your symptoms, be sure to see your doctor.

Read this article in Spanish.

Last medically reviewed on January 16, 2018

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How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Cheng C-Y, et al. (2014). Survey of trend and factors in perinatal maternal fatigue.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nhs.12149/full
Depression during and after pregnancy. (2017).
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Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods. (2015).
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Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Pregnancy week by week.
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Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853
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Premenstrual syndrome. (2010).
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Feb 9, 2023

Written By

Stacey Feintuch

Edited By

Stassi Myer – CE

Jan 16, 2018

Written By

Stacey Feintuch

Edited By

Stassi Myer – CE

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Stacey Feintuch — Updated on February 9, 2023

SM-Clinic gynecologist told whether menstruation can occur during pregnancy

Is the appearance of bloody discharge in a future mother a reason to see a doctor or is it normal for early pregnancy? We understand.
Tatyana Vladimirovna Grigoryeva, an obstetrician-gynecologist at SM-Clinic, told the readers of Letidor about what the menstrual cycle is, as well as about menstruation during pregnancy.

Tatyana Vladimirovna Grigorieva, obstetrician-gynecologist “SM-Clinic”

Can menstruation guarantee that pregnancy has not occurred

First, let’s remember what the menstrual cycle is. This is the alternation of the menstruation itself (lasts 3-7 days), the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. During menstruation, the mucous membranes of the uterus are shed. The process is accompanied by bleeding (this happens at the end of the ovulatory cycle). If there was no ovulation, then the bleeding is called menstrual-like.

It is extremely rare for two eggs to mature in one cycle (but this happens!): one is fertilized, and the second is rejected by the body and causes the onset of menstruation.

Menstruation during pregnancy cannot be normal.

However, do we always understand the nature of bleeding from the vagina without medical diagnosis? If during the alleged menstruation a woman noticed spotting, but their nature is different from the usual menstruation (the discharge is scarce, ends quickly, has a brown or bright scarlet color) and you remember that unprotected intercourse took place – this is a reason to do pregnancy test and see a doctor.

What can menstruation mean during pregnancy

After fertilization of the egg and the onset of pregnancy, menstruation does not occur throughout the entire process of bearing the fetus.

It should be remembered that the appearance of any bloody discharge from the vagina during a confirmed pregnancy (positive urinary pregnancy test, ultrasound data, hCG values) indicates possible pathologies. For example, when there is a threat of miscarriage and termination of pregnancy (started spontaneous abortion), placenta previa (low, marginal, complete).

Scanty spotting during the first days of pregnancy may be nothing more than implantation bleeding. Implantation of a fertilized egg (blastocyst) into the endometrium occurs 7-10 days after conception, that is, in fact, approximately on the days when menstruation should come in case of late ovulation.

The introduction of the blastocyst is accompanied by the destruction of the capillaries, and, consequently, there is a release of blood in a small amount. But, unlike true menstrual bleeding, implantation does not last long: in most cases, a day, or even less.

What effect does progesterone have on the mucous membranes of the uterus

Progesterone is the most important hormone throughout pregnancy. It is involved in the preparation of the endometrium for the implantation of a fertilized egg, the development of the fetus, and prevents premature birth. The reason for the occurrence of bloody discharge from the vagina, including on the days on which the woman previously had menstruation, may be a lack of this hormone.

Left unattended, hormonal bleeding can lead to spontaneous abortion.

However, in most cases, with timely treatment, it is possible to remove the deficient condition and minimize the risks.

Can spotting indicate an ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg deviates from its intended path and attaches in the wrong place – outside the uterine cavity. The appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract is not uncommon in ectopic pregnancy.

In contrast to menstrual bleeding, they are thicker and darker in color.

It should be remembered that in the early stages, the signs of an ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy are very similar to the signs of a normal pregnancy (delayed menstruation, swelling of the mammary glands, positive urine pregnancy test).

Any suspected ectopic pregnancy is an indication for emergency hospitalization, as this is a life-threatening condition.

When do menstrual flow occur and what does it mean

In most other cases, bleeding during early pregnancy (in the first trimester) is an alarming symptom.

For example, it may indicate that the placenta is located in the lower part of the uterus and covers its internal os (this can be interpreted as a threat of abortion).

In the second and third trimester, bleeding may indicate uterine rupture (eg, may occur if there is a scar on the uterus from a previous birth), premature detachment of a normally located placenta, and other problems.

Bleeding during pregnancy is a sure sign for the expectant mother that she needs to see a doctor immediately.

It is important to remember that periods during pregnancy are not normal. For any bleeding in this case, the help of a specialist is needed.

How often do periods occur during pregnancy

15-20% of pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion in the early stages. However, it is important to understand that although bloody discharge from the vagina against the background of a live intrauterine pregnancy is designated by doctors as a “threat of miscarriage”, but in a large number of cases, despite a formidable diagnosis, such a pregnancy is safely carried out.

If abortion does occur, in most cases (overwhelming) it is a genetic abnormality of the fetus that is incompatible with life. Other reasons include infectious diseases in the early stages, hormonal disruptions, physical overload, and so on.

Should I see a doctor if bleeding occurs during pregnancy only after intercourse

The appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract after intercourse may indicate erosion of the cervix, the presence of polyps of the cervical canal. Allocations in this case are usually meager and pass quickly.

However, only a doctor can find out if this is true or if there is a risk of miscarriage.

Couples are advised to have sexual rest until the diagnosis is made.

The fact is that during intimate caresses in the body of a woman, oxytocin is released – a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions.

Published on the portal letidor.ru

Periods during pregnancy | Can there be menstruation during pregnancy

Tatyana

Azov

It would seem that pregnancy and menstruation are incompatible concepts. During menstruation, the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus) is shed, and in the case of implantation of a fertilized egg, on the contrary, it grows. However, the question of whether there can be menstruation during pregnancy arises in expectant mothers quite often. As a rule, the reason for it is spotting, reminiscent of menstruation.

Menstruation during pregnancy: true or myth?

Popular rumor claims that menstruation during pregnancy is not uncommon. Perhaps you are also familiar with stories in which women say that they “got their period during pregnancy, and this happened more than once.” Should we trust these stories?

Normally, hormonal changes that occur with the onset of pregnancy should prevent endometrial rejection and the onset of menstruation. However, there are exceptions. According to experts, a single menstruation is possible in early pregnancy. It can be explained by late ovulation and, accordingly, late attachment of a fertilized egg. Menstruation will pass, and the delay will occur only in the next cycle.

As for the other cases, most likely, there is a substitution of concepts. For menstruation during pregnancy, spotting is usually taken, which can be triggered by a variety of reasons. Among them are:

Attachment of a fertilized ovum (or rather, it is called a “blastocyst”). 7-10 days after conception, it is implanted in the endometrium. At this time, it becomes thick and “juicy”. It contains many blood vessels. Therefore, sometimes the introduction of the blastocyst is accompanied by the destruction of capillaries and minor blood loss. In this case, the expectant mother has nothing to fear: the imaginary “menstruation” will end within 1-2 days.
Injury to the cervical mucosa during intercourse or gynecological examination. Discharges are usually scanty and pass quickly.
Threat of miscarriage. This is one of the most common causes of “menstruation” during pregnancy.
Polyp of the cervix. It can also cause spotting, which is mistaken for regular menstruation during pregnancy. The doctor can easily detect this anomaly during the examination and offer to remove it. The upcoming operation should not harm the course of pregnancy.

Menstruation during pregnancy or threatened miscarriage?

The cause of spotting may be a miscarriage. The list of factors that provoke it includes:

Hormonal disorders in a pregnant woman. Bloody discharge appears due to an excess of androgens or a deficiency of progesterone (an important hormone for the development of pregnancy). To avoid such a problem, experts advise taking care of “leveling” the hormonal background six months – a year before conception. This task can be successfully dealt with with the help of birth control pills.
One of the complications of artificial termination of pregnancy may be recurrent miscarriage.
Bad habits. Smoking and alcohol adversely affect the embryo and can lead to its death.
Monotonous food. Lack of vitamins and minerals can lead to detachment of the fetal egg. This threat is created by a deficiency of B vitamins, ascorbic acid and iodine.
Infectious diseases. In the early stages, the embryo is especially vulnerable. Any infection (from acute respiratory infections and flu to herpes and syphilis) is fraught with spontaneous abortion.
Physical overload. Weights weighing more than 2 kilograms can increase pressure in the abdominal cavity and provoke detachment of the fetal egg.
Taking antibiotics and other medications. They can cause anomalies in the development of the embryo that are incompatible with life.
Multiple pregnancy. Abundant “menstruation” during pregnancy can be explained by the threat of miscarriage or the death of one of the embryos.
Ectopic pregnancy. Implantation of a fertilized egg occurs outside the uterus: most often in the fallopian tubes. A few weeks after this, the woman develops weakness, cramping pains in the abdomen and bloody discharge. They can be scarce or abundant, but in any case require urgent hospitalization. An ectopic pregnancy can lead to a rupture of the tube, severe bleeding and, as a result, death.
Genetic defects of the fetus. The resulting mutations are incompatible with the further development of the embryo. The sudden onset of heavy “menstruation” during pregnancy speaks of its natural interruption.

Menstruation during pregnancy: an algorithm of actions

First of all, try not to be nervous.