Pregnancy

Although the sensations are close, the breast tenderness linked to pregnancy is often more intense and lasting. At the start of pregnancy, the breasts may appear heavier, the nipples darker or more sensitive to the touch, and small bumps (Montgomery tubercles) may appear on the areola, which happens more rarely during premenstrual syndrome.

Due to the increased blood flow in the pelvic area, the vulva can change in appearance: it sometimes appears more congested ou prend une teinte légèrement plus violacée. There is also often an increase in vaginal discharge (leukorrhea), which becomes more opaque and abundant to protect the uterus.

Implantation (implantation of the egg into the uterus) usually occurs 6 to 10 days after ovulation. Some women describe slight tightness in the lower abdomen, very localized and brief. These sensations can sometimes be accompanied by slight spotting (small pink or brown discharge) called “implantation bleeding”.

Feelings of pelvic gravity can be felt from the first weeks (around the 4th or 5th week of pregnancy). They are due to hormonal impregnation (progesterone) which softens the tissues and to the increase in the vascularization of the uterus which begins to grow.

The tightness in the ligaments often appear within the first month. They usually appear on the sides of the lower abdomen (towards the groin). This is a sign that the uterus is growing and the ligaments that support it are stretching to accommodate this physiological change.