Difference between Pregnancy and Menopause

Key Difference: Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your previous normal period. The weeks are grouped into three trimesters. On the other hand, menopause is defined as the end of fertility. It is considered to have occurred once 12 consecutive months have conceded since a woman's previous menstrual period.

Pregnancy and Menopause are a very sensitive issue, which is mostly discussed by all girls and women. The common indicator or similarity between pregnancy and menopause is a missed period.

Wikipedia defines Pregnancy as, “the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as an embryo or fetus, in a woman's uterus.” Becoming a mother is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. Almost each and every woman wants to experience this best moment. However, how will a woman come to know that she is pregnant? A pregnancy test is the easiest way to know for sure. Nevertheless, a girl may notice some delicate signs of pregnancy such as fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, and breast tenderness.

A woman could refer for pregnancy to her previous menstrual cycles and the date of the last few times she got intimate, particularly when had unprotected sex, to calculate if pregnancy is possible.

Wikipedia defines Menopause as, “the "end of monthly cycles" (the end of monthly periods or menstruation).” It is basically that period of time in women’s life when she has come to an end to have menstrual period for a full year. It usually occurs at the age of 40 to 55; and finally signals the end of the fertile stage in women’s life. In layman’s term, after menopause a woman can’t conceive.

During menopause, a woman experiences lots of drastic changes in her life. No uncertainty, but it can be easily recognized, as there are certain symptoms of it. The period leading up to menopause is known as ‘premenopause’ or ‘perimenopause’. Menopause is a natural process. In a basic sense, woman always experiences two phases in her life; a time when her puberty period starts, when she produces hormones; and a time when her menopause takes place, when she withdraws from her puberty stage.

Both, pregnancy and menopause play a vital role in a woman’s life. Being pregnant is considered as a gift from God, while the menopausal stage is a reminder that one should take extra care of herself as she reaches to this prime age. Reaching the forties (40s) doesn’t mean that time has stopped; instead, one can enjoy more of life as one has a fit and energetic lifestyle.

Comparison between Pregnancy and Menopause:

 

Pregnancy

Menopause

Description

Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your previous normal period. The weeks are grouped into three trimesters.

Menopause is defined as the end of fertility. It is considered to have occurred once 12 consecutive months have conceded since a woman's previous menstrual period.

Stages

  • First trimester (week 1-week 12)
  • Second trimester (week 13-week 28)
  • Third trimester (week 29-week 40)
  • Premenopause
  • Perimenopause
  • Natural Menopause
  • Postmenopause

Symptoms

  • Missed period (though spotting may occur, but should go away in a day or so)
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Craving
  • Swelling
  • Tender breasts
  • Morning sickness
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Increased Urination
  • Melasma
  • Elevated Basal Body Temperature
  • Hot flushes and night sweats
  • Loss of libido (sexual desire)
  • Vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
  • Palpitations (changes in heart rate)
  • Headaches
  • Mood changes, such as depression, anxiety or tiredness
  • Sleeping problems, such as insomnia
  • Urinary tract infections

 

 

Signs

  • Fatigue
  • Food Aversions
  • Sensitivity to Smells
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Irregular periods
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Sleep problems
  • Mood changes
  • Weight gain and slowed metabolism
  • Thinning hair and dry skin
  • Loss of breast fullness

Age

There is no particular age for pregnancy. A woman can get pregnant when her menstrual cycle is normal.

Menopause usually takes place in the age group between 40 to 55.

Process

Pregnancy is a conception process

Menopause is a natural process

Months

40 weeks or 9 months

12 consecutive months

Image Courtesy: vancouverdentalsedationgroup.com, 34-menopause-symptoms.com

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