What is the difference between being pregnant and period

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. When you have your period, the flow is noticeably heavier and can last up to a week. This typically happens 10 to 14 days after conception and is usually not enough to fill pads or tampons.

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. 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. Depression during pregnancy is common, and it can — and should — be treated.

These symptoms should go away when your period starts. Getting some exercise can help improve your sleep and lessen your fatigue. 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. Bouts of nausea often begin a month after you get pregnant. Vomiting may or may not accompany the nausea.

Activities that never phased you before may tire you out, and you might want to sleep a lot even if you have gotten hours already. The body is producing more blood to support the developing baby, which can cause fatigue and increase your need for nutrients.

These symptoms usually last through the first trimester and can be alleviated by resting, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and drinking plenty of fluids.

In the first few weeks of pregnancy, your breasts may become heavy, tender, swollen, or tender. Some women experience this symptom before their period, so it can be confused with PMS. However, one thing that happens during the early weeks of pregnancy that does not occur during a regular menstrual cycle might tip you off.

If your areolas — the circles of pigmented skin surrounding the nipples — may darken or even become enlarged. Some women experience spotting as an early sign of pregnancy. Small amounts of light pink or brownish blood may appear a week or so before your period is due. This type of spotting is called implantation bleeding. As the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, it can cause irritation and light bleeding. Sometimes this is mistaken as a period, but spotting is usually much lighter than a regular period.

Another sign of early pregnancy that can be confused with PMS or a regular period is cramping. During pregnancy, blood flow increases all over the body. Getting Pregnant. PMS vs. Medically Reviewed by Andrei Rebarber, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Many early pregnancy symptoms mimic those of PMS, making it difficult to determine whether you might be pregnant before you get a positive test.

Still, there are a few specific symptoms that tend to indicate pregnancy you can look out for. Back to Top. In This Article. Continue Reading Below. Save Pin FB More. An image of a woman drinking coffee. Credit: Getty Images. Art: Jillian Sellers. Here's How to Tell. By Paige Fowler. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment Cancel Submit. Close this dialog window Review for.