Do you still get period symptoms when pregnant. Distinguishing Period Symptoms from Early Pregnancy Signs: A Comprehensive Guide

26.06.202321.06.2023 by alexxlab

How do period symptoms differ from early pregnancy signs. Can you experience period-like symptoms while pregnant. What are the key indicators to differentiate between PMS and pregnancy. When should you take a pregnancy test to confirm your suspicions.

Содержание

Common Symptoms Shared by PMS and Early Pregnancy

Many women find themselves puzzled when trying to distinguish between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy symptoms. The similarity in these experiences often leads to confusion and uncertainty. Let’s explore the shared symptoms and their nuances to help you better understand your body’s signals.

Mood Changes: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Both PMS and early pregnancy can trigger significant mood swings. Women may experience irritability, anxiety, sadness, or frequent crying spells. The key difference lies in the duration of these symptoms:

PMS-related mood changes typically subside once menstruation begins
Pregnancy-related mood swings persist beyond the expected period date

It’s crucial to note that persistent feelings of sadness lasting more than two weeks may indicate depression, which affects approximately 10% of pregnant women worldwide. If you’re experiencing prolonged low moods, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Constipation: A Common Digestive Issue

Hormonal fluctuations can slow down bowel movements, leading to constipation in both PMS and early pregnancy. However, the timing and duration of this symptom can provide clues:

PMS-related constipation typically resolves once menstruation begins
Pregnancy-induced constipation may persist throughout the first two trimesters

Studies suggest that up to 38% of pregnant women experience constipation, making it a common early pregnancy symptom.

Breast Changes: Tenderness and Sensitivity

Breast-related symptoms are prevalent in both PMS and early pregnancy. These changes can include pain, tenderness, swelling, heaviness, and increased sensitivity. To differentiate between the two:

PMS breast symptoms are most noticeable just before menstruation and improve during or after the period
Pregnancy-related breast changes begin 1-2 weeks after conception and may persist throughout pregnancy

Pregnant women may also notice more prominent blue veins near the surface of their breasts and a particularly tender sensation when touched.

Fatigue: The Energy Drain

Feeling unusually tired is a common complaint in both PMS and early pregnancy. The hormone progesterone plays a significant role in causing fatigue. To distinguish between the two:

PMS-related fatigue typically improves once menstruation begins
Pregnancy fatigue often persists throughout the first trimester and may continue for the entire pregnancy

Pregnant women may experience additional factors contributing to their fatigue, such as difficulty sleeping and frequent nighttime urination.

Unique Early Pregnancy Symptoms to Watch For

While many symptoms overlap between PMS and early pregnancy, certain signs are more indicative of pregnancy. Understanding these unique symptoms can help you determine whether it’s time to take a pregnancy test.

Missed Period: The Most Obvious Sign

A missed period is often the first and most reliable indicator of pregnancy. However, it’s important to note that other factors, such as stress or hormonal imbalances, can also cause a missed period. If you’ve missed your period and are experiencing other pregnancy symptoms, it’s advisable to take a home pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider.

Implantation Bleeding: Light Spotting

Some women experience light spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy, known as implantation bleeding. This occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, typically 10-14 days after conception. Implantation bleeding is much lighter than a normal period and doesn’t occur in all pregnancies.

How does implantation bleeding differ from a light period?

Implantation bleeding is typically very light and may last only a few hours to a couple of days
It’s often pink or brown in color, rather than the bright red of menstrual blood
Unlike a period, implantation bleeding doesn’t become heavier over time

Nausea and Morning Sickness

While some women may experience mild nausea before their period, persistent nausea and vomiting, often referred to as “morning sickness,” is a telltale sign of early pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day or night.

When does morning sickness typically start?

Morning sickness usually begins around the 6th week of pregnancy
Some women may experience it earlier, while others may not have it at all
For most women, it subsides by the end of the first trimester

Differentiating Between PMS Cramps and Early Pregnancy Cramps

Both PMS and early pregnancy can cause abdominal cramps, making it challenging to distinguish between the two. However, there are subtle differences that can help you identify the cause of your discomfort.

PMS Cramps: Timing and Intensity

PMS cramps typically occur in the lower abdomen and lower back. They usually begin a few days before your period starts and may continue into the first day or two of menstruation. PMS cramps tend to be more intense and may be accompanied by other symptoms like bloating and mood swings.

Early Pregnancy Cramps: Location and Duration

Pregnancy cramps are often described as mild and intermittent. They may be felt lower in the abdomen and can persist for weeks or even months as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus. These cramps are usually less intense than menstrual cramps and may be accompanied by other early pregnancy symptoms.

How can you tell the difference between PMS cramps and early pregnancy cramps?

Timing: PMS cramps occur before and during menstruation, while pregnancy cramps can start soon after conception and continue
Intensity: PMS cramps are often more intense, while pregnancy cramps are usually milder
Location: Pregnancy cramps may be felt lower in the abdomen compared to PMS cramps
Duration: PMS cramps typically last for a few days, while pregnancy cramps can persist for weeks or months

Food Cravings and Aversions: A Telltale Sign of Pregnancy

While both PMS and pregnancy can affect appetite, the nature and intensity of these changes can provide valuable clues about your condition.

PMS Food Cravings

Many women experience increased appetite and specific food cravings in the days leading up to their period. These cravings are often for sweet, fatty, or carbohydrate-rich foods. The hormonal fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone are believed to influence these cravings.

Pregnancy Food Cravings and Aversions

Pregnancy cravings can be more intense and specific than PMS cravings. Research indicates that 50-90% of pregnant women in the United States experience food cravings. These cravings can be for particular foods or even non-food items (a condition known as pica).

Uniquely, pregnancy often brings about food aversions as well. Many women find that certain smells or tastes that were previously enjoyable become unpleasant or even nauseating during pregnancy.

What are some common pregnancy food cravings and aversions?

Cravings: Pickles, ice cream, fruit, chocolate, spicy foods
Aversions: Coffee, meat, eggs, certain strong-smelling foods

If you’re experiencing strong food aversions or cravings for non-food items, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider, as these could be signs of pregnancy or nutritional deficiencies.

The Role of Hormones in PMS and Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Understanding the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy can help explain why many symptoms are similar between the two conditions.

Hormonal Fluctuations in PMS

During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the time between ovulation and the start of menstruation), hormones like estrogen and progesterone fluctuate. These changes can cause various PMS symptoms:

Estrogen drops, which can lead to mood swings and irritability
Progesterone rises, potentially causing bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue
These hormonal changes typically resolve once menstruation begins

Hormonal Changes in Early Pregnancy

If conception occurs, hormone levels change dramatically to support the developing pregnancy:

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) levels rise rapidly, causing many early pregnancy symptoms
Progesterone remains elevated, contributing to fatigue, breast changes, and mood swings
Estrogen levels also increase, which can cause nausea and heightened sense of smell

These hormonal changes persist throughout pregnancy, although their effects may vary as the pregnancy progresses.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Given the similarity between PMS and early pregnancy symptoms, taking a pregnancy test is often the most reliable way to determine if you’re pregnant. But timing is crucial for accurate results.

The Best Time to Test

For the most accurate results, it’s best to wait until after your missed period to take a pregnancy test. This is because hCG levels need time to build up in your system to be detectable.

Most home pregnancy tests are accurate from the first day of your missed period
Some sensitive tests can detect pregnancy up to 5 days before your missed period
Testing too early can lead to false negative results

Types of Pregnancy Tests

There are two main types of pregnancy tests available:

Urine tests: These are the most common home pregnancy tests and detect hCG in urine
Blood tests: Conducted by healthcare providers, these can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests

If you receive a positive result on a home pregnancy test, it’s advisable to confirm the result with your healthcare provider. They can perform additional tests and provide guidance for early prenatal care.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While many PMS and early pregnancy symptoms can be managed at home, there are situations where it’s important to consult a healthcare provider:

Persistent or severe abdominal pain
Heavy bleeding or clotting
Severe nausea and vomiting that prevents you from keeping food or liquids down
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as burning during urination or frequent urges to urinate
Fever or signs of infection
Persistent mood changes or feelings of depression lasting more than two weeks

Remember, every woman’s body is unique, and experiences can vary greatly. If you’re unsure about your symptoms or have concerns about your health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and ensure you receive appropriate care, whether you’re experiencing PMS or the early stages of pregnancy.

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

Health Conditions
- Featured
  - Breast Cancer
  - IBD
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  - Rheumatoid Arthritis
  - Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
  - Acid Reflux
  - ADHD
  - Allergies
  - Alzheimer’s & Dementia
  - Bipolar Disorder
  - Cancer
  - Crohn’s Disease
  - Chronic Pain
  - Cold & Flu
  - COPD
  - Depression
  - Fibromyalgia
  - Heart Disease
  - High Cholesterol
  - HIV
  - Hypertension
  - IPF
  - Osteoarthritis
  - Psoriasis
  - Skin Disorders and Care
  - STDs
Discover
- Wellness Topics
  - Nutrition
  - Fitness
  - Skin Care
  - Sexual Health
  - Women’s Health
  - Mental Well-Being
  - Sleep
- Product Reviews
  - Vitamins & Supplements
  - Sleep
  - Mental Health
  - Nutrition
  - At-Home Testing
  - CBD
  - Men’s Health
- Original Series
  - Fresh Food Fast
  - Diagnosis Diaries
  - You’re Not Alone
  - Present Tense
- Video Series
  - Youth in Focus
  - Healthy Harvest
  - No More Silence
  - Future of Health
Plan
- Health Challenges
  - Mindful Eating
  - Sugar Savvy
  - Move Your Body
  - Gut Health
  - Mood Foods
  - Align Your Spine
- Find Care
  - Primary Care
  - Mental Health
  - OB-GYN
  - Dermatologists
  - Neurologists
  - Cardiologists
  - Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
  - Weight Management
  - Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
  - Are You a Workaholic?
  - How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
  - Health News
  - Find a Diet
  - Find Healthy Snacks
  - Drugs A-Z
  - Health A-Z
Connect
- - Breast Cancer
  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  - Psoriatic Arthritis
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis
  - Psoriasis

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

Parenthood
Pregnancy
Getting Pregnant

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).
womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/depression-pregnancy. html
Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods. (2015).
acog.org/-/media/For-Patients/faq046.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20150629T2112053037
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Pregnancy week by week.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047208
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853
Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. (2015).
acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Morning-Sickness-Nausea-and-Vomiting-of-Pregnancy
Premenstrual syndrome. (2010).
womenshealth.gov/files/documents/fact-sheet-premenstrual-syndrome.pdf

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.