Can You Get Period Cramps And Be Pregnant – Premenstrual syndrome causes many of the same symptoms as a first pregnancy. As a result, some women find it difficult to determine whether they are pregnant or about to start their period.
Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and pregnancy can vary from person to person, but often include breast tenderness, cramping, and mood changes.
Can You Get Period Cramps And Be Pregnant
In this article, we will compare the symptoms of PMS with the symptoms of first pregnancy and explore the differences between the two.
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Feeling irritable, anxious or sad, or crying is common in early pregnancy and in the days leading up to your period.
These PMS symptoms usually disappear when menstruation starts. However, if the mood persists and a person misses her periods, this may indicate pregnancy.
Persistent feelings of sadness may indicate depression. See a doctor if low mood lasts 2 weeks or longer.
Pregnant women are more likely to experience constipation during the first two trimesters, while women with PMS-related bowel problems experience relief after their period.
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However, in people with PMS, breast symptoms are usually more prominent just before menstruation, usually during or after menstruation.
Early in pregnancy, the breasts feel especially tender to the touch and often become heavy. There may be stinging or pain in the area around the nipple. Some women develop more noticeable blue veins near the surface of their breasts.
The progesterone hormone causes premenstrual fatigue and exhaustion. The fatigue usually disappears when menstruation begins.
For women with heavy periods, extreme fatigue can last throughout the period. Iron deficiency can also be a symptom of anemia.
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Fatigue is also a common symptom of early pregnancy. It often lasts through the first trimester, and some women feel fatigued for 9 months. Difficulty sleeping and frequent urination at night can increase fatigue during pregnancy.
There may be light spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy. This is called implantation bleeding and usually occurs 10-14 days after fertilization.
Many women do not experience implantation bleeding. Others may not notice. It is much lighter than menstruation.
PMS usually does not cause spotting, although the first day of the period may be very light. Usually, menstrual bleeding lasts longer
Is It Possible To Have Cramps Like You Are Going To Start Your Period When Pregnant?
Cramps are common during PMS and early pregnancy. Early pregnancy cramps are similar to menstrual cramps, but they can occur lower in the abdomen.
These cramps may last for weeks or months during pregnancy as the embryo implants and the uterus expands.
Many people with PMS have increased hunger and cravings for sweet or fatty foods or foods high in carbohydrates. Changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone just before menstruation influence cravings.
Many people crave certain foods and develop aversions to others, the sight or smell of which is very unpleasant. Food aversions are less common in people with PMS.
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Some pregnant women crave non-food items such as ice or dirt. Pica is the medical term for this phenomenon. Anyone with pica should talk to a doctor.
Some symptoms may indicate pregnancy before the upcoming period. However, a person can be sure only by taking a pregnancy test at home or visiting a doctor.
Missing a period is one of the most obvious signs of pregnancy. If the period is 1 week late and there is a possibility of pregnancy, take a pregnancy test.
Nausea and vomiting are not common symptoms of PMS, although minor digestive disturbances may occur immediately before menstruation.
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Although breast changes can occur during PMS and pregnancy, nipple changes rarely occur before menstruation.
If the areola, the colored area around the nipple, becomes darker or larger, this may indicate pregnancy. These changes may occur 1 or 2 weeks after conception.
Women who suspect they are pregnant should take a home pregnancy test. If the result is positive, consult a doctor to confirm the pregnancy and plan the next steps.
If the test result is negative but there is no period in 1 or 2 weeks, it is better to see a doctor.
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A doctor can determine the cause of a delayed or missed period and suggest treatment options. They can also address concerns about any unusual symptoms.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies only on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, medical journals and associations. We avoid using third party referrals. We link to primary sources – including studies, scientific references and statistics – in each article and in the sources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and up-to-date by reading our editorial policy. Ah, the age-old question: “Am I on my period or am I pregnant?” It’s a question that stirs anxiety, hope and excitement in generations of women around the world.
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, refers to the pleasant week or 2 before your period, when rapid hormonal fluctuations decrease.
Short of the right pregnancy test, navigating the difference between a raging case of PMS and a first pregnancy can be tricky, especially when your period decides to show up late.
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Because female biology is a cruel mistress, the symptoms of mil PMS can look the same as those of your early pregnancy. Let’s spot the difference, shall we?
Losing a uterus is no easy feat. Par for the course in PMS, crying and anxiety.
However, a sour mood softens soon after menstruation begins. If you suffer from monthly mood swings, getting plenty of exercise and sleep can help ease your mood.
Pregnancy can throw a wrench in your emotional stability until you give birth. However, unlike PMS, your mood swings are likely to be all over the place. From crying to pure joy, carrying a baby can be a real emotional roller coaster.
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Remember that depression during pregnancy is common and should be treated. So if you’re experiencing long-term excess, talk to your doctor about your options.
If you feel less “regular” while waiting for your period to appear, you can blame your hormones.
Higher-than-normal levels of progesterone in the latter half of the menstrual cycle are known to cause digestive problems in the form of constipation.
Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can make it difficult to stay second. The increase in progesterone relaxes your bowel muscles, which slows things down in the bowel movement department.
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Later, as your uterus expands and puts pressure on your intestines, it will be more difficult to drop another baby into the pool.
Spotting or bleeding isn’t typical of PMS, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant. Underlying conditions, including ovarian cysts or endometriosis, can cause irregular bleeding.
As a general rule, you should talk to your doctor about bleeding that occurs outside of your normal menstrual cycle.
Light vaginal bleeding is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Spotting during pregnancy is usually dark brown or light pink and occurs 10 to 14 days after conception. It usually only lasts for a few days and is very short compared to a period.
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Progesterone is a real pest when it comes to PMS. Increased levels of this hormone are associated with swollen and/or tender breasts during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Breast pain is likely to flare up right before your period, and disappear as your progesterone levels drop as your period begins.
Breast swelling and pain during pregnancy usually occurs 1 to 2 weeks after conception. This will last as long as progesterone levels remain high due to your pregnancy.
If your breast pain seems out of sync with your period or lasts longer than usual, it’s a good sign to take a pregnancy test.
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Feeling tired is a very common symptom of PMS, as is difficulty sleeping. You can expect to find a little pep in your step once your period starts, but in the meantime exercise will help you find any missing Zzz’s.
Progesterone strikes again! This time in the bedroom. An increase in this hormone, which can be annoying during pregnancy, can make you feel tired, especially in the first trimester.
Did you know there’s a fancy medical term for your PMS cramps? It’s called dysmenorrhea, but we continue to call it constipation (it’s much easier).
Cramps are most likely to occur 24 to 48 hours before your period and disappear when your period ends. The good news is that constipation tends to decrease with age even after your first pregnancy.
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Moderate to moderate constipation may occur early in pregnancy. The pain is similar to period pain, but usually strikes further south in your abdomen or back. This can cause gas and constipation (see above).
Remember that constipation during pregnancy can indicate pregnancy loss.
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