Period Cramps vs Early Pregnancy Cramps – What is the Difference?

Every month, people experience cramps, but sometimes wonder if they are period or pregnancy cramps. This question goes through many minds every month.
Period and early pregnancy cramps can feel similar. Moreover, the symptoms that accompany it are also similar. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. It can be challenging to understand the difference between them.

Cramping can be experienced during menstrual cycles as well as during early pregnancies, but there are a few differences between the two. Understand the difference between period and pregnancy cramps.

Period Cramps Vs Early Pregnancy Cramps:

Let us demystify period cramps and pregnancy cramps:

Period Cramps

Period cramps are mostly experienced before or during the menstrual cycle; they might be accompanied by several other symptoms such as nausea, bloating, body pain, irritation, and other PMS symptoms. Some people also experience breast pain, and the breast becomes tender.  The uterus contractions cause the cramps as they help you shed the uterus lining. Some women experience intense pain during the month, which makes it difficult for them to go about their day.

Moreover, factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health also contribute to period cramps. Some people experience severe period pain. It might be due to several conditions, such as fibroids (Which grow in the muscular wall of the uterus) or endometriosis (a condition in which tissue grows outside the uterus, mainly on the fallopian tubes or ovaries). These conditions require medical attention

Pregnancy Cramps:

Early pregnancy cramps may occur due to implantation; cramps are mild. If you are experiencing heavy bleeding along with cramps, consult your midwife. Some people experience spotting. Pregnancy cramps start right after conception. During pregnancy, you might feel tired because of the hormone progesterone.

Morning sickness is a common symptom during pregnancy, which can be accompanied by vomiting.

Causes For Early Pregnancy Cramps:

• Implantation Cramping: When the egg attaches to the uterus lining, it causes mild cramps. It happens one to two weeks after ovulation and may be accompanied by implantation bleeding.

• Uterine Expansion: During pregnancy, the uterus keeps expanding to make room for the developing fetus. This can cause cramps.

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnant women go through a lot of hormonal changes, which can cause a lot of discomfort. It is mostly due to the progesterone levels rising in the body.

• Blood Flow: During pregnancy, a lot of blood flows to the uterus, which helps to sustain the developing fetus. This can cause significant discomfort and cramping.

Also Read – Body Changes During Pregnancy: First Trimester

Difference between menstrual cramps and pregnancy cramps:

Timing and Duration:

Period cramps can start before or during a menstrual cycle, and cramps ease off as the cycle ends. On the other hand, pregnancy cramps can start anytime during early pregnancy.

Accompanied Symptoms

During periods, symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness might be experienced. Pregnant women might experience nausea, fatigue, back pain, and frequent urination.

Bleeding

This one symptom might tell the difference between period vs pregnancy cramps. Period cramps are accompanied by the menstrual cycle; they go hand in hand. On the other hand, if you notice light bleeding, aka spotting, it is short-lived and very light. This may be an indication of a pregnancy cramp. Nevertheless, to be sure, always take a pregnancy test. They do not require a prescription and are available at pharmacies.

Here are some tips to understand when you should take a pregnancy test:

• If you miss a period cycle, wait for some days, as sometimes even stress can delay your period.
• If you notice any pregnancy symptoms.
  
  

Take a test early in the morning. If you miss that time, consider doing it later in the day, but do not consume any fluids beforehand, as this might dilute HCG levels.

Managing period or pregnancy cramps:

Whether you are experiencing menstrual or pregnancy cramps, it is crucial to find some relief. There are many remedies to ease cramps and discomfort. If you are experiencing severe period cramps once in a while, you can consume medicines. But if you typically experience severe or irregular menstrual cycles, it is important to talk to a doctor, as they can provide you with a solution.

On the other hand, if you are experiencing pregnancy cramps, it is crucial to consult a doctor. But here are some remedies that you can do to find relief: exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and rest well. Heat therapy can be used for both types of cramps. Use a heating pad or a massage.

While mild cramps are manageable, you may sometimes experience sharp, intense pain.
If you notice or experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fever, unusual discharge, pain during urination, back pain, or any symptom that makes it hard to do normal activities.
Please do not ignore it; talk to your doctor about it and remain transparent with the doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What are some symptoms of period cramps?

Nausea, bloating, and body pain are some of the symptoms of period cramps.

Q. What are the causes of early pregnancy cramps?

Early pregnancy cramps are experienced due to the expansion of the uterus and hormonal changes.

Q. When are period cramps experienced?

Period cramps are experienced before or during the menstrual cycle.

Q. What is spotting?

Light vaginal bleeding, and it happens for a short period of time. It should be checked by a doctor.