Sometimes it can be really hard to tell the difference between pregnancy cramps vs period cramps. Here is all the information you need to know about the differences between the two!
Whether you’re wondering what to expect during the first trimester of pregnancy or are trying to determine if what you’re experiencing are pregnancy symptoms or period symptoms, then you have come to the right place.
This post breaks down everything from pregnancy cramps vs period cramps, the early pregnancy signs to look out for, what implantation cramping is and so much more!
This post is all about pregnancy cramps vs period cramps.
Pregnancy Cramps vs Period Cramps
Pregnancy cramps in the first trimester are usually mild and felt in the pelvic and lower abdomen area. And believe it or not, cramping during pregnancy can feel a lot like period cramping. The only real way to know if they are PMS or pregnancy is if your period arrives within a few days.
But implantation cramping is different from period cramping so let’s get into it!
Period Cramping
Period cramps happen during a period (approximately every 28 days) as long as you aren’t pregnant.They occur when the uterus contracts to expel its lining. Pain and inflammation can also occur during this process.
Pregnancy Cramping
Not everyone experiences cramps during implantation in the first trimester of pregnancy. But if you do, it’s usually pretty mild or moderate. Anything that feels intense, though, should be monitored by your doctor.
Implantation occurs between six to twelve days after ovulation, which is about the time when a person would start their period.
If the egg has been fertilized, your body will prepare the uterus lining to receive and protect the egg rather than expel the lining like you do during your period.
It’s possible that you will experience some light bleeding but not everyone does.
Pregnancy Symptoms vs Period Symptoms
It can be really difficult to differentiate between pregnancy cramps vs period cramps because they feel pretty similar. Because of this, it’s helpful to understand the common signs and symptoms of pregnancy and your period.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Tender breasts
- Bleeding or cramping
- Food cravings or aversions
- Headache
- Constipation
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Missed period
Period Symptoms
- Moodiness
- Food cravings
- Cramps in the lower abdomen or back
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
- Bloating and fluid retention
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headaches
- Low energy and fatigue
Pregnancy Symptoms
Fatigue
Most women experience exhaustion and fatigue during the first trimester of pregnancy. I think every pregnant woman out there will tell you that exhaustion during the first 12 weeks can be pretty intense but it is 100% normal.
Many women are also dealing with nausea and many of the first trimester body changes listed below too, so it can be challenging getting out of bed and not falling asleep at your desk at 10am.
Tender Breasts
Hormonal changes are to blame for tender and sore breasts early on in pregnancy. But once your body adjusts to the hormonal changes, women typically start to feel some improvement. This can sometimes take weeks but it usually doesn’t last all nine months.
Bleeding or Cramping
This is also known as implantation bleeding. If you experience implantation bleeding, it is usually light and occurs about ten to fourteen days after conception. You might mistake it for your period but it’s really an early sign of pregnancy.
But don’t worry, it’s not dangerous and doesn’t require treatment.
Food Cravings or Aversions
Strong cravings and strong aversions are common during pregnancy and we can thank our changing hormones for that.
The amount of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) doubles every few days during the first trimester of pregnancy and peak/level off around week eleven and generally leads to food aversions. Some women experience food aversions for a limited time while others experience them for the entire nine months of pregnancy.
Headache
It’s not always clear what causes headaches during early pregnancy but some attribute it to hormonal changes and increased blood flow. Stress, exhaustion and eye strain can also cause them.
Managing headaches is not fun during pregnancy because you can’t just take any medicine like you would pre-pregnancy. Acetaminophen is usually safe during pregnancy but it’s important that you talk to your doctor before taking any medicine.
If you experience dizziness, blurred vision or changes in your field of vision, it is especially important that you call your doctor. Headaches during pregnancy can sometimes be caused by high blood pressure so it is always a good idea to speak with your doctor about any new or worsening headaches so he/she can properly treat you.
Constipation
Constipation during pregnancy is caused by the pregnancy hormone called progesterone. It usually slows the movement of food through your digestive system and leads to constipation.
You can prevent or alleviate constipation by drinking a lot of water, including high fiber foods in your diet and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
Mood Swings
You can expect to be a big ball of emotions during pregnancy. It sounds dramatic but you can blame your pregnancy hormones for it!
During the first trimester of pregnancy, higher levels of estrogen and progesterone can lead to mood swings. You can be blissfully happy one day and irritable or sad the next. Pregnancy is also a huge life change which contributes to the emotions flowing like they do!
Bloating
This is another completely normal pregnancy symptom in the first trimester. During pregnancy, your uterus expands and stretches to accommodate your growing baby. All of this combined with hormonal changes can lead to gas, constipation and bloating.
The best thing you can do if/when you experience bloating is to wear loose fitting clothes. This means break out the sweatpants and dresses when you can.
Missed Period
This doesn’t always mean you’re pregnant but it is usually a pretty strong indicator that you may be. Once you have missed your period for more than a few days, it’s probably time to take a pregnancy test and confirm if you are pregnant or not.
When To Take a Pregnancy Test
The best time to take an at home pregnancy test is about one week after your missed period or two weeks after unprotected sex. This is usually adequate time for enough of the hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to build up in your urine.
If the pregnancy test is positive, it’s important you confirm the pregnancy at your doctor’s office. Your doctor will most likely conduct another urine test as well as schedule you for an ultrasound and blood test.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you should do after a positive pregnancy test.
This post was all about pregnancy cramps vs period cramps.