Did you know that the symptoms for premenstrual syndrome or PMS and pregnancy are almost the same? Like many women, you might have mistaken the PMS symptoms for pregnancy signs, especially when conception is not planned.
This has caused many to wait anxiously for up to a fortnight to find out whether or not conception took place because of the similarity in the symptoms for PMS or pregnancy. For this reason it is important to understand the difference between the symptoms.
First and foremost, it can be extremely difficult for you to stay patient for two weeks, which is between your ovulation time and when your cycle is expected to begin, to know whether or not you are pregnant if you are trying to conceive. During this period of waiting, you might experience some symptoms that are similar to PMS.
This will make it nearly impossible for you to distinguish between PMS and pregnancy if you are expecting your first child. In these instances, doctors suggest that a pregnancy test is the only reliable method to know if conception occurred.
There are certain PMS symptoms that are not typical signs of pregnancy. For this reason, the common symptoms of pregnancy and PMS are highlighted below along with some explanations to help you distinguish one from the other.
Premenstrual Syndrome
PMS or premenstrual syndrome is a clinical condition classified by physical and psychological signs that may arise after the ovulation and ends with the onset of next period.
PMS comprises a variety of symptoms that females experience one or two weeks before the onset of their menstrual cycle. Every woman in her life may go through some degree of PMS.
The clinical signs and symptoms of PMS are very vast, and there are over 100 clinical signs that attribute to PMS. The physical symptoms are associated with hormonal imbalance whereas the acute symptoms are deliberating and the severe signs and symptoms are linked with irregular periods.
Pregnancy with typical signs and symptoms of PMS is possible. More than 90% of women experience PMS, however clinically there is no reliable association between Pregnancy and PMS Symptoms.
Researchers are still investigating the exact cause of these clinical PMS symptoms.
There are certain PMS symptoms that are not typical signs of pregnancy. For this reason, the common symptoms of pregnancy and PMS are highlighted below along with some explanations to help you distinguish one from the other.
Symptoms of PMS
PMS or Premenstrual syndrome takes place before the monthly period, which is usually in the second part of the menstrual cycle.
The symptoms refer to different physical, behavioral and emotional changes in the body. This condition will affect most women at some time in their lives, but persons experience it more in their late twenties and early forties.
These symptoms include bloating, fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, acne, leg pain, headaches, joint ache, migraine, muscle ache, low feelings, tearfulness, low sex drive, weight gain, swollen breasts, increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping, abnormal aggression, tenderness in breasts, less alert, abdominal discomfort, cramps, lower back pain, food cravings, changes in sleep pattern, abnormal changes in hair and skin, nipple discharge, and increased sensitivity to noise and light.
Please note that every woman will experience different PMS symptoms. You might experience similar symptoms monthly or slightly different ones with erratic intensity.
Symptoms of Pregnancy
Similar to PMS, symptoms of a pregnancy will be different for every woman. Some of the most common symptoms will be highlighted below, but bear in mind that they might necessarily be the same unless confirmed by your doctor.
These symptoms include missed period, cramps, leg pain, bloating, mood swings, pregnancy acne, constipation, nipple discharge, darkening of areola, morning sickness, breast tenderness, swelling in breasts, shortness of breath, backaches, headaches, fainting or dizziness, tingly or sore breasts, increased basal body temperature, urge to urinate frequently, extreme fatigue, implantation bleeding or spotting, breasts feeling fuller or heavier, milky/white vaginal discharge, food aversions or cravings, as well as increased sensitivity to odors, both pleasant and unpleasant.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PMS AND PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS
The following are some clinical signs and symptoms which are common in both conditions, PMS and Pregnancy
Breast pain:
Breast pain is the common symptom in both situations, PMS and pregnancy. Few other changes should be noticed such as swelling, or enlargement of the breast during early pregnancy as well as before period. The sensitivity of breast would be increased in both conditions, PMS, and pregnancy.
Back pain:
Back pain is the second most important and common symptom that can be experienced either a female is pregnant or her period is approaching. It is not a very severe type of back pain, but some women with other health complications might feel it quite painful.
Constipation:
Constipation is the other common symptom which can be observed in both conditions, PMS, and pregnancy. The leading cause of constipation is the digestive disturbance caused by an elevation of progesterone hormone levels during the second half of the menstrual cycle or early pregnancy.
Stress and Anxiety:
Stress, anxiety, and irritability are symptoms that can be experienced during early pregnancy and PMS. Mood changes are experienced during anxiety women might experience crying spells and sad feelings during that period.
Frequent Urination:
Frequent urination is the other important symptom which is common is PMS and pregnancy. Increased amount of urination also depends upon the liquid intake but as a symptom increased urination can happen without consuming much liquids.
Difference between PMS and Pregnancy Symptoms
The following will highlight some of the symptoms that might help you differentiate PMS from pregnancy:
Implantation bleeding or spotting: This usually happens six to twelve days after egg fertilization whenever the fertilized egg affixes itself to the uterus linings. The bleeding is lighter, shorter, and the blood will have a brownish or pink color.
Missed period: If your menstrual cycles are regular, then this will be one of the reliable pregnancy symptoms that you will experience.
Frequent urination: When you are pregnant, your uterus will grow and then push against your urinary bladder. You will have a regular urge to urinate when this happens.
Shortness of breath: Like most pregnant women, you might feel shortness of breath during this time. This happens because the developing embryo needs extra needs oxygen. According to experts, you should report to a doctor immediately if you feel this symptom suddenly and it’s accompanied by pain or worsens when you are lying down.
Morning sickness: This symptom is experienced by nearly 90% of women during pregnancy. It is referred to as a feeling of nausea and can take place at any time during the day.
Increased sensitivity to odors: You might develop extreme dislikes for certain smells and odors when you are pregnant. These include ones that might have been pleasant to you before.
Darkening of the areola: An increase in your estrogens levels will expand the areolar size, causing it to darken as your pregnancy progress.
Increased basal body temperature: This is a most likely positive pregnancy sign if it persists for eighteen days or more after ovulation.
All in all, it might be easier to deduce the difference between pregnancy and PMS symptoms in black and white than when it’s the real thing. As an example, most cases occur when a missed period is a false alarm for pregnancy.
This too can be said for darkening of the areola, among other things. In the end, the best way to know if you are experiencing pregnancy or PMS symptoms will be to take a pregnancy test.
References:
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1. Samadi, Z., Taghian, F., & Valiani, M. (2013). The effects of 8 weeks of regular aerobic exercise on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in non-athlete girls. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 18(1), 14.
2. Ryu, A., & Kim, T. H. (2015). Premenstrual syndrome: a mini review. Maturitas, 82(4), 436-440.
3. Baker, L. J., & O’Brien, P. M. S. (2012). Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): a peri-menopausal perspective. Maturitas, 72(2), 121-125.
4. Foxcroft, K. F., Callaway, L. K., Byrne, N. M., & Webster, J. (2013). Development and validation of a pregnancy symptoms inventory. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 13(1), 3.
5. Winkel, S., Einsle, F., Wittchen, H. U., & Martini, J. (2013). Premenstrual symptoms are associated with psychological and physical symptoms in early pregnancy. Archives of women’s mental health, 16(2), 109-115.
6. Earnshaw, V. A., Rosenthal, L., Lewis, J. B., Stasko, E. C., Tobin, J. N., Lewis, T. T., … & Ickovics, J. R. (2012). Maternal experiences with everyday discrimination and infant birth weight: A test of mediators and moderators among young, urban women of color. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 45(1), 13-23.
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Hey guys, Im over a month late, and usually my period has been on time. The only time when my period was acting up was in October 2015 but I was still spotting for the full 5 days. I’ve done 5 pregnancy tests 3 came back unclear and 2 came back negative. I have really some symptoma, a little nauseated sometimes after I eat, abdominal pains that are a little bit different than pms cramps. My boobs are sore but only if I poke at them. I’ve had unprotected sex once. I don’t know what to think. Am I pregnant? Is anyone else in the same situation as me? I’m not trying to get pregnant but if I was then I’d be very excited because I’ve always wanted a child. I don’t have any kids so I don’t know what to expect if I was ever pregnant. These past 2 weeks I’ve had cramps that have come and gone but when I get them they’re like sharp pains in my lower right abdominal. They definitely feel a little different from my normal pms cramps, but I just assumed that it is, yet my period hasn’t come. I’m just worried that if I am indeed pregnant what I should do because I wouldn’t wanna do something wrong and end up hurting it. I don’t even know if I’m making sense. There are so many emotions running through my head. Thanks for taking your time to read my comment 🙂
Ps: I’ve also been very tired lately.
Why don’t you see a doctor?
Hello, I’m spotting brown discharge instead of my period its not a whole lot but it’s not my period. Iv never had that happen before and also my period is never really regular. What could this be??
There could be many many reasons, I would talk to a doctor.
Hey,
Not sure if I’m pregnant or pms! I’ve been taking clomid 50mg for the last 3 monhs! And this time my breast hurt(but also they do with pms ) but they usually feel dense and this time they feel more liquids lol (if you get me) I felt dizzy this morning (but I could have just been hungry)
I have cramps here and there in my abdominal area and I guess I’ve been a little more tired than usual …my period isn’t due until the 27th of Feb and it’s only 18th Feb … not sure what to expect!
Please let me know your thoughts
Thanks
Hi Bbump, The best thing to do would be to take a pregnancy test now or just wait to see if you miss your period. Good Luck to you!
I am 43, i took depo provera injection oct 4th 2015 , for three months nov, dec and jan i had heavy bleeding with cramps, confusion and skin rashes, now this feb my period is delayed.. my breast are tender and swoolen and hurt, the ereola is dark and my nipples are bigger in size. what happen to me.. Is this menopause?
Hi my bf and I have been trying to conceive for 2 years i had a m/c in February of 2014 and I’ve been trying since than I been to the doctors and all they tell me is that I need to take prenatal not really much advice I’ve done a whole lot of other things to help me become pregnant but still nothing. Please help I don’t know what to do I really want to have a baby !!
Hello,You can try taking folic acid before you get pregnant also there are fertility drugs you can take if you are not against them you will get pregnant sometimes it just takes a little time good luck 🙂
I haven’t had my period since December 31 and that was after 16 days straight of bleeding. After the eighth day, it was lighter but still consistent and I thought that was so weird bc I have never experienced that. Might also be bc of a Plan B pill I took earlier around December then in January I made the mistake of having to take the pill again right around the time I should have gotten my period and so now February, I skipped a month. I’m having all the pregnancy symptoms but I’ve take two tests and they resulted negative. I’m panicking and legit don’t know what to do. I have the cravings, the tiredness, the urge to pee a lot and the bloating is crazy. I don’t know what to think. But both times I took the pill within the 24 hours. So any advice/ help?
If you experience extensive bleeding you should always consult a doctor as there could be an underlying cause. Since the tests came back negative I dont think your pregnant, but your hormone levels could have been thrown off from taking the Plan B pill around your period. If your symptoms continue I would talk to a doctor to make sure nothing is wrong.
I would suggest going to the doctor and getting a blood test. The urine test are not accurate for everyone, the blood tsets are better. I couldn’t get a pee or blood test to work until I was almost 9 weeks pregnant with my daughter. So, you need to see a doctor.
I saw my period on 16 january after some days i had sex and now feeling some pain in my stomach, headache, back pain, frequent urination, is it a sign of pregnancy or my pms
Hi,Does it hurt when you pee? it would be too soon to have pregnancy symptoms,if this does not get better and seems to gets worse then you will need to go too your doctor to check this out.
I have been experiencing a frequent urge to pee but when I pee, it hurts so much. I once peed with blood but only once then all nexts are just some dirty urine. Is that part any of the two?
It may have a urinary tract infection that needs urgent treatment. You need to seek medical attention.
You REALLY need to go to the doctor. It sounds like a kidney or Urinary tract infection. Best of luck!
That sounds like a uti or bladder infection. I’d see a dr
Hi I had pregnancy symptoms but I got my periods 2 weeks late after that but I still have the symptoms could I still be pregnant.,
Hi. if you got your period then it seems you are not pregnant
Hello my period is very irregular this time around. this month Jan I have been bloated all month and it hasn’t gone down, my nipples have been killing me as well, my weight has dropped, I’m dizzy all the time pee every 20 minutes a little nausea swollen feet checked my vitals perfectly healthy feeling feverish with no fever, lower back pain, and of course pressure in my abdomen could I still be pregnant ? My period is usually a silent creeper none of this is normal for me?
Hi,If you had unprotected sex yes you could be pregnant take a pregnancy test to find out.
Hello. I’m not sure what to do here. I had a partial hysterectomy in May 2015…but my boobs are tender, I’m eating & sleeping more, having vivid dreams & dizzy spells are common. Plus my husband’s cologne stinks to me now. I Googled if it’s possible & the answer was yes but rare. Advice please.
Hello!
I am following an app to determine my menstrual cycle since I am not 28 days- usually between 32-34. My last period was December 15 and, according to the app, my next cycle is to start tomorrow. I usually experience breast tenderness a week prior to getting my period, then intense abdominal cramping one day prior to the first day flow. However, this month, I didn’t have any PMS features last week, and just started experiencing breast tenderness and food cravings today (one day before the projected start of me period). Do you think I’m PMSing or are these pregnancy symptoms? Does PMS usually occur 1 week prior to the start of the cycle or can it be at any time? I guess if my period is late, I can either chalk it up to the inaccuracy of my app, or that I am actually pregnant. The suspense is awful!
Hello, I am trying to get pregnant too. My last period was on 13th Dec 2015. Had contact with my husband on the fertile days as calculated. My period is to start today and i got abdominal cramps and heaviness in the morning (not now). Now the thing is, were those one of the pregnancy sign or is it period cramps.
Hi, Abdominal cramps are signs of early pregnancy but the only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test.good luck 🙂
Hello, my last period was on November 27th to December 3Rd or 4th. I don’t get sore breasts before my period ever. Although it’s now January 5th and I haven’t gotten another period since November…I’ve had light cramping for about three weeks now and sore breast for just over a week now.. I’m not sure if I should wait and give my body time to see it my period comes or see a doctor…
Hello,Try taking a pregnancy test then visit your doctor.
Hi, Those symptoms could be signs of PMS also best thing to do is wait until you missed at least one period then take a pregnancy test.
My boyfriend and I have been trying to conceive for about 2 months now. My period isn’t due for another 7 days but for the past 4 days I have been experiencing hot flashes bloating ( my stomach is a little firm ) headaches, mild back pain, and on off cramping. Is this early signs or am I gonna get a sad visit from flow?