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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I’m 23. I had fun with my boyfriend on the day of my ovulation but there was no sexual intercourse or penetration and he ejaculated on top of me with sperm just on my vagina. Two weeks later I’m having these symptoms: weight gain, breast tenderness, low sex drive and lower abdominal cramps. Could I get pregnant without actual penetration?
Hello Jeanine, yes you can get pregnant without penetration if the sperms landed on your vagina and some way worked it’s way up then you could have conceived.
Hi. My name is Alex. Me and my boyfriend had sex on July 24th Right after my ovulation it was a protected sex. I’m 6 days late now. I was suppose to have my period last August 6. I have been feeling Hungry almost all the time. I had cramps 1 time and I had this white discharge. Is this PMS or Something I hoped that’s not true. Please Help
Hi there Alex, if you think you might be pregnant then take a test 7 days after a missed period.
I had taken pregnancy test 1 week after my missed period and another one in 2 weeks both came back negative. Still no period. I am now in my 3 weeks delayed. Haven’t been getting pregnancy symptoms like nausea it’s been a month since we had last sex. I had excessive stress for 3 days thinking when will my period come. Is this the reason why i’m late? Help please
Hello Alex, stress can cause our period to come too early or late. Has it come as yet?
No it hasn’t. I’m planning to take a blood test soon. But i’m afraid to goto the doctor. My only question is. Is pregnancy test reliable if taken correctly? I’ve been getting symptoms but I don’t know if it’s PMS or Pregnancy. That’s why I had taken pregnancy test 1 week after missed period and another in 2 weeks after missed period. To find out if it’s PMS or not. All came back negative. So another question is. Is this PMS or Pregnancy?
Hello Alex, sounds like Premenstrual Syndrome.
Hi, I had sex with my boyfriend unprotected almost like everyday and we usually do it always but i never get pregnant and last month June I had sex with him and had my period its was short for like 3 days and the discharge was brownish and i have period pains but this time nope. After like 5 days from my period. I slept with him again for 2 days but then I started losing my appetite, feeling nausea,tired,bloating, constipation, headache, backache,moody,having pregnancy dreams and weird dreams but then on July I got my period again and I had period pains and it was longer than usual and heavy weird,my period was mixed with cervical mucus and after my period the mucus continued and I sometimes feel bloated, always tired,frequent trips to the toilet, I eat a lot,I can smell things from afar,sometimes nauseous, moody,headache and my boobs look big with some milky white things,and pains from my left,middle and right abdomen, my pants feel tight I took a lot of pregnancy test but they negative.please help me I’m afraid to go to the hospital
Hello Mukele, please take a pregnancy test one week after your missed period.
Hi, am Eunice I had my period on 4th July and I had sex on 11th-16th and 19.
Am feeling tiredness, cramp, headache, breast tender, shoulder pain, back pain, stomach ache,etc. Am worried if am pregnant or is signs of pms. Please help me to know. The serious note is that am having cramping for four days now.
Hello Eunice, it could be either pregnancy or PMS. Take a pregnancy test 1 week after if you have a missed period to confirm.
Hi, I am 19 years old.
My last menstrual start day was 21 June. I had sex on the 4th July using protection and again on the 11th July without protection and took an emergency pill within 4 hours. Next day I had watery discharge from my vagina and it continues till now. On 21 July slight white discharge came out from my right breast after pressing. I also feel sleepy,tired,breast pain,food cravings,back pain. What might be the reason for this? Is it PMS syndrome or pregnancy syndromes?
Hi there Nirima, this could mean both or none. However if you miss your next period take a pregnancy test 1 week after.
My lmp was June 23 to 26, I had sex July 06. I got a vaginal discharge July 10 until July 15, with some blood. July 15 to 16 it became white discharge. My breast become tender 4 days before my expected period. I already took Pt July 13, negative. ( I didn’t experience nausea, fatigue, constipation, cramps, no cravings, etc)Am I having early signs of pregnancy or pms?
Hello Joan, this could be either or. If you miss your next period take a pregnancy test 1 week after.
I had sex June 19 while on my period. My period was due for July 15 but it didn’t come on, my period is now 7 days late. I’m not stressing at all. I have been cramping a lot but no symptoms of pregnancy. It’s just unusual for me to experience this. I’ve never had this happen to me. I also did 2 pregnancy test, and they were both negative. Test today? Could I be pregnant?
Hello there Monica, since you are now 1 week late it is a good time to retest.
Test morning afternoon or night?
Hello there Monica, early morning is best.
Thank you, I will let you know the results.
Okay Monica. Great!
Hi , we had sex last june 14, but he just inserted the tip and there’s no precum , he ejaculated 2 times before we do that because I did bj .It takes 1-2 seconds before he pulled out. And I am 5 days delayed , I have an irregular period. Please help. Need answers. Thanks guys.
Hello Odessa, take a pregnancy test 1 week after your missed period.
I had sex for the first time about 2 weeks ago and it was with a condom.The problem is my period is suppose to come before the 9th. I’m not sure if I am irregular or not because my period usually comes in the last or first days of the month, never on an exact day. It should come before the 9th because last month it was before that date. My question is, should I be worried about pregnancy because I’m kinda late? Someone told me that because it was my first time having sex, its normal for my period to come 1 or 2 weeks late. Is that true? I’m just really worried because my friend have told me to take e a pregnancy test just to be sure, but is it too early to do so? I also have had to go to pee a lot, but sometimes its a little urine or no urine at all. I haven’t had any other issue or sign. ADVISE? WHAT SHOULD I DO??
Hi there Briana, once this condom did not burst there’s nothing much to worry about. However if you have reasons to take a pregnancy test then you can do so a week after a missed period.
Hi everyone. I’m new to the thread but I hope I’m gonna get help and advice from you ladies. I had sex for 3 consecutive days during my fertile period (1 – 3 June ) but he pulled out. I had period 5days earlier ( 16 – 18 june ) that lasted for 2 days followed by pink spotting. ( Aunt Flo was supposed to come on 21/06/2017 ). During this time I had severe cramping and diarrhea . I took a cheap pregnancy test @ 16 DPO but it came back negative. I’ve been having WCM n felt so fatigued, dizzy n light headache.
Had anybody experienced similar symptoms n ended up getting BFP.
I’m scared to take another test… Please help…
Hi there Queen, if you have up to 5-7 days of a missed period then kindly retest.
Hello,
I was due on 6 days ago and taken two tests which have come back negative. I am normally regular. I have had lower abdominal cramps, back pains, sensitive nipples, really bad nausea and very hungry although I feel full almost straight away?
Could I still be pregnant or would this just be my period coming late?
Thanks!
Hello Sadie, could have been both that you have mentioned, however has your period come as yet?
Hey, I had unprotected sex last December, and after that I had 3 periods.. but it has been 3 months and I haven’t got my period yet.. I have irregular circle, bt never missed a period before. took a hpt few days ago. (55 days later after missed my period) and it was negative. there’s some changes on my breast, gained 3 kg weight and belly is much bigger than earlier. can I still be pregnant?
Hi there Luna, retest in 10 days if the test is still negative then see your doctor for a more thorough investigation.
hello, am a day late. I’ve had severe sore nipples, backache.,headaches heavy and fuller breasts but painful. then plenty whitish vaginal discharge. hungry and if I don’t eat I shake and of course fever is not ruled out. is this pregnancy or it’s just me. Ohh Plus darkened areola
Hello Mimi, please take a pregnancy test to determine if you might be pregnant.
My period likely to be arrived on 3 to 5 days..i had cramps on the date on ovulation..after 5 days of ovulation my left lower abdomen had a sharp pain for a day or 2..after 3 days i started having constipation even if i ate 2 bananas for past 4 days…and in those days my temp are high felt like low grade fever followed with headache ,dizziness body pain,back pain little nauseous..and white discharge while urinating for past 3 days….is this pms or pregnancy??????
Hello Navya, these symptoms could mean so many things. However it sounds as though you’d like to rule out pregnancy and I’d advise you do so through the use of a pregnancy test. All the best.
We had protected sex exactly 12 days ago. After that, we then again had once more exactly 1 week from now. Fron that we tried to be unprotected by just 5 pull in and pull out thing. Now, i am expecting my period but it is 2 days late. Unlike my common monthly urge, I always feel the cramps beneath but now it is different. I am being crazy waiting for my period. Is there a possibility that i am pregnant? Im not feeling nausea but my delayed period drives me crazy.
Hello there Grin, if 5 days passes and you have not menstruated then take a pregnancy test.
Hi my name is Nika. Me and my husband are having unprotected sex almost everyday 🙂 but not trying to have a baby right now. My last period was March 14, 2017 (my regular menstruation days will last 7 days). Last April on my expected period date, I think I got my period but it only lasted 4 days. On my 1st and 2nd day of period it’s just like a spot or like a brown something (IDK) but on the 3rd day it is almost like my normal period but there’s no need for me to change my pad, I guess 1 pad is enough for the whole day. Lastly, my 4th day was like nothing, I guess it’s just like a small brown blood OMG! A few days later I had a fever every night, cough, and cold that lasted 3-4 days. Also I feel very tired every morning, just want to sleep all day long but having trouble sleeping at night. I also gained weight because I cant stop eating now and once I don’t eat what I crave I think I’m producing more saliva like it’s not normal lol! ..Do you think I’m pregnant or I’m just being paranoid now?
Hi there Nika, these symptoms and signs might or might not indicate pregnancy. Take a pregnancy test to figure this out. All the best.