Many women do not know the difference between the characteristics of pregnant and menstruating people. This is because not infrequently the early symptoms of pregnancy are similar to the symptoms when you are about to enter your period. Come on, know what the difference is!
Some of the early signs of pregnancy and the early symptoms of menstruation or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be very similar because in both these conditions there is an increase in the hormone progesterone. Although difficult, the differences in the characteristics of pregnant and menstruating people can still be known, how come.
How to Distinguish the Characteristics of Pregnant and Menstruating People
The following are the differences in the characteristics of pregnant and menstruating people that you need to know:
1. Breast pain
One of the characteristics of pregnant and menstruating people that is usually experienced is breast pain. During PMS, breast pain occurs before menstruation and will usually subside when menstruation begins or during menstruation.
Meanwhile, breast pain associated with pregnancy will usually continue throughout the pregnancy. Breast pain due to pregnancy also feels more sore, sensitive, and heavier than that caused by PMS.
2. Mood swings
During PMS, women generally experience mood swings, for example, become more emotional and cry easily, as well as during pregnancy. This change in atmosphere occurs due to hormonal changes.
now, if caused by PMS, this mood instability will usually improve when menstruation begins. However, if caused by pregnancy, mood can continue to rise and fall throughout pregnancy until delivery.
3. Increased appetite and cravings
The differences in the characteristics of pregnant and menstruating people that are also clearly visible are the increased appetite and increased appetite cravings. When PMS, you can become more appetite and want more foods that contain lots of carbohydrates and high in sugar or salt.
The difference with cravings while pregnant, cravings experienced when PMS is still relatively mild. while pregnant, cravings Food can be very specific. In fact, pregnant women may refuse other foods they don't crave because they feel nauseous when they smell it.
4. Fatigue
Differences in the characteristics of pregnant and menstruating people can also lie in the level of fatigue felt. The feeling of tiredness that appears during PMS will usually go away once menstruation has taken place. Meanwhile in pregnant women, fatigue can appear since the first trimester of pregnancy and can last throughout pregnancy.
5. Stomach cramps
Abdominal cramps can occur during PMS, approximately 1-2 days before menstruation begins. Cramping that occurs during PMS can be so severe that it makes a person unable to do anything. Meanwhile, abdominal cramps in early pregnancy usually occur due to the implantation process. The pain was mild and lasted quickly.
It is important to know the differences between the characteristics of pregnant and menstruating people, especially if you are planning a pregnancy. If you experience the above symptoms, you need to pay attention to whether this is a sign of pregnancy or a sign of PMS.
Before you believe these symptoms are just a sign of PMS, take care of your health by eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and cigarette smoke.
PMS symptoms usually last 5–11 days before your period starts. Now, If after this period you do not have a period, you should take a pregnancy test or see a doctor. The sooner it is checked, the better the doctor's monitoring of your health and that of your fetus will be.