Is My Period Late or Am I Pregnant?

Let’s be honest: it can be hard to tell if you’re pregnant when some period symptoms are similar to pregnancy symptoms. If you think you might be pregnant and live in the greater Atlanta area – Cherokee, Cobb and Fulton counties, we at Options Medical Clinic and Options Medical Mobile ATL want to help you determine with certainty if you’re experiencing a monthly period or are pregnant. 

Schedule an Appointment

Overlapping Symptoms 

There are numerous overlapping period and pregnancy symptoms. The reason for this is that during both your period and pregnancy, your hormones fluctuate. Overlapping symptoms include but are not limited to: 

• Cramping

  If you’re on your period, the cramping occurs because the uterus is preparing to and will expel its lining. If you’re pregnant, you may cramp due to your uterus expanding. 

• Breast Changes

  If your breasts are tender, swollen, sensitive, heavy, or you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in them, these are all symptoms linked to pregnancy and period. 

• Fatigue

  Have you ever noticed before your period, you can feel lethargic with little energy? This symptom can be associated with the onset of your period or pregnancy. Period fatigue can be caused by hormonal changes, low iron, a dip in your blood glucose, or disturbed sleep. Pregnancy fatigue occurs most often because of your body doubling the amount of blood production and hormonal changes. Both the increase in blood and the production of progesterone causes you to feel fatigued during your first trimester. 

• Headaches

  When it comes to your period, a headache can be triggered by fluctuating hormonal levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone. The same can be true for first-trimester headaches, but the increased blood flow can also cause headaches for pregnant women. 

• Appetite Changes

  Although food cravings are commonly associated with pregnant women, women who are experiencing PMS or on their period may also experience food cravings. Additionally, food aversions, along with nausea, can happen to both women who are pregnant and women who are on their period. 

Pregnancy Symptoms 

There are two symptoms unique to pregnancy. They are: 

• Missed Period

  This one is easy to spot if you experience regular periods. However, if you don’t, it can be hard to know. A normal menstrual cycle is from 21 to 35 days. If you have gone past that timeframe, you may have missed your period. It is possible to skip a period due to high levels of stress or drastic weight loss. However, if you have been sexually active, you may be experiencing a pregnancy. 

• Nipple Change

  Although your breasts will get sore during your period, your nipples typically remain the same. However, if you’re pregnant, your areolas become darker. Keep in mind that nipple changes typically occur in the second trimester. 

How You Can Be Certain You’re Pregnant or Not 

In order to be certain whether your period is late or if you’re experiencing a pregnancy, you will need to take a pregnancy test followed by an ultrasound. An ultrasound is the only way to know without a doubt if you’re pregnant. Additionally, an ultrasound can detect if the fetus is in the right position, if you’re pregnant with twins, how far along you are in your pregnancy, and if there are any irregularities with your pregnancy. 

Don’t wait; put your mind at ease. 

Schedule an Appointment