One of the most frequent questions in parenting forum is about the differences between signs of pregnancy and period. It is in fact very difficult for many of us, even for experienced mothers, to tell the difference between early signs of pregnancy and signs which indicates that period is coming.
Before your period is coming, you may have tender or swollen breasts, you may experience headache, fatigue, constipation, acne. All these signs happen to be same or similar to those early pregnancy symptoms.
Table below shows the similar symptoms of the period and pregnancy.
| Similar Signs |
| Tender or swollen breast |
| Headache |
| Bloating |
| Constipation |
| Difficulty in sleeping or insomnia |
| Fatigue or tiredness |
Others Signs that may be similar for period and pregnancy
Morning Sickness
Almost every pregnant women will experience morning sickness during pregnancy. Therefore morning sickness is quite a reliable sign that a women is pregnant. However, this is not 100% sure as a small percentage of women will also experience vomiting or nausea during their periods.
Cramp
Signs that indicate the arrival of the period include abdominal or pelvic pain or cramp. Some pregnant women will also experience cramping in early pregnancy which may then need medical attention.
Difference in Signs of Period and Pregnancy
Table below shows the differences in signs of period and pregnancy
| Sign of Period | Signs of Pregnancy |
| Backache | --- |
| --- | Missed Period |
| --- | Darkening of Skin |
| --- | Increased Urination |
Backache - Sign of Period
Many will experience backache before or during period. Backache is not an EARLY sign of pregnancy. Pregnant women will only experience backache in the second and third trimester due to the growing uterus.
Missed Period or Spotting - Sign of Pregnancy
If you have regular menstrual cycles in the past and do not experience any major change in the regular life routine such as sudden increase in your stress level, long-distance travel or consumption of large unhealthy food, then a missed period is very likely to be an unmistakable sign that you are pregnant.
Spotting or very light bleeding is also an important sign of pregnancy. Women are advised to confirm whether they are pregnant immediately if they see spotting. Once pregnancy is confirmed, pregnant women should seek doctors' help immediately as spotting or very light bleeding may be a sign of miscarriage and it is therefore important to seek professional help immediately.
Increased Urination - Sign of Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there is a considerable increase in blood volume so a lot of fluid is processed through kidney which is eventually sent to the bladder. This may cause pregnant women to urinate more than often. In the early pregnancy, this symptom may not be obvious to many pregnant women.
In summary, a missed period is probably the only reliable pregnancy sign, provided that the women had regular period in the past do not experience any sudden weight gain or loss, long-distance travel. To confirm pregnancy, it is recommended that readers use pregnancy test kits or papers. Pregnancy test should also be carried out in the morning after waking up. Do not take any fluid before the test in order to avoid diluting the level of HCG in the urine.
If pregnant women see spotting and is confirmed pregnant through home pregnant test, they should call the doctors immediately for help.
Period or Pregnancy - Common Questions
Question 1: My last period was January 21st, based on ovulation kit, I ovulated on February 4th. I also had unprotected sex that day (more than once) I was suppose to start my period again February 18th, my period is now 25 days late. I have taken 3 pregnancy test but all comes out negative. But I have been very sleepy all day and feel nauseous. My stomach has been hurting I have had milky white discharge. I think that is all about the symptoms. I really do think I am pregnant, but this morning at 7 I woke up cramping (lasted about 10 minutes) like I was on my period, so I went to the bathroom. When I wiped there was light pink blood. I have not bled or cramped since then. Anyone can suggest me what to do next?
Answer: Your period has been delayed by so many days, this can be a symptom that you are pregnant. Your cramp that lasted about 10 minutes and spotting are all reliable symptoms that you may be pregnant. For others symptoms you mean like fatigue, they can be symptoms of both pregnancy and period.
I suggest you to visit a doctor to do a ultrasound scan first, this may be followed by a blood test. These two should be able to tell you whether you are pregnant or your period has just been irregular.
