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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Hi,
I’ve irregular periods. Sometimes it’s on 43 days and sometimes it’ll be on 28 days. Im feeling strong pain in my stomach and back pain is more.Urinating 5-7 times a day. I’ve got pimples on forehead and nose. I’ve done pregnancy test on 35th and 37th day but the result was negative. No other pregnancy symptoms are there. Am I pregnant or not?? When I’ve to take my next pregnancy test?? It’s really difficult to wait.
Hello Chetana, the best time to take your pregnancy test is 7 days after you have missed your period.
Hi Monica, my case is soo confusing, I am trying to get pregnant, I and my husband tried our best to have sex during my ovulation and a day before it, and my period is usually every 9th but this April it came on the 1st and lasted four days, we continued sex after my period and since last two weeks till now I have been feeling sick, fatigue, swollen feet wen I sat down for a little time, discharge sometimes I feel as if is my period but when I checked it will be just whitish discharged, I have intense cramps, but my confusion is I have done pregnancy test using the strip all showed negative
Hi Princess. You could be testing far too early for it to register. I would wait until after at least the 1st of the month to test again. GOod luck
Hello ladies.. my last period started March 17th 2018 n my fiancé n I always have unprotected sex. It’s April I usually have a 27 day cycle .. I’ve been spotting real light pink then the next day bright red .. cramps coming n going . My boobs feel fuller I’m breaking out n I’m scared to take a pregnancy text because I’m still actually bleeding now idk if its my period now orr helpp
Hello Monica, you will know if it’s your period comparing it with the regular flow and duration of your normal period.
My last period was on March 10, I get my period every 28 days had unprotected sex on March 23 and April 1. I should had gotten my period on April 7 and I Still haven’t gotten it. Been cramping, back pain. And heavy boobs. I’m late 5 days on day 4 and 5 I been seeing brown discharge when I wipe. I took a hpt today and had a negative result.
Hi Sonia, You might have ovulated a bit late, which could result in your body not having enough f the pregnancy hormone to detect it yet. If you don’t get an actual period in about 5 more days I would take another test. If you’ve been sick, had changes in your life, medications, stress, might have affected your cycle as well.
Hi.my name is victoria.my cycle days is 30days.although my period isnt that regular but most times it a +or-3days interval.i have been trying to conceive for the past 11months now.started clomid treatment 50mg during february and had my period exactly 2nd of march to 7th of march.during which i took 100mg of clomid daily.today is 8th of april i havent seen my period.my breast is full and heavy and that is the only symptom i have.also i did a pregnancy test on the 5th it was negative. So am worried.did i test too early.or is something really wrong. Or is it the clomid tablets or what.
Hello Vickie, retest for pregnancy 7 days after you have missed your period. All the best!
My period started on March 4th. Had sex March 15th. Spotted all day. Had sex again two days later. I am 44. Although it is highly unlikely for me to concieve, I am really hoping. I am thrown off by the spotting. Anyone know what this could be?
Hi Tia, it could have been ovulation bleeding as that is the timeframe for your fertile period and therefor ovulation. Check out the calculator here. So you could conceive. But that’s what it seems like from this end.
Hi my period was last Feb 22, 2018 my boyfriend and had sex last March 3, 2018 unprotected though my period will be on March 22, 2018, I’am experiencing cramps and I have been very bloated, have very tender nipples, and sore, heavy breast it started last March 10, 2018 until now
Hi Apol, those symptoms that you describe are common to both pregnancy and PMS symptoms. I would wait until after the 22nd to determine possible pregnancy.
Hi, am Stella i had my last period on 5th Feb and today is 11th March and am yet to see it
Hello Stella, take a pregnancy test if you have not seen your period for up to 7 days after the due date.
Hi, (I had sex on Jan 30,2017, Feb 5, 2018, and also on the day my supposed period Feb 15,2018) my last month period came 5 days late for the first time. It should be started on Feb 15, but it came on Feb 20, it started with tan-pink-orangish spotting then 2 days heavy red then 1 day light bleeding with very few dark clots then 4 days dark brown blood bleeding.. For me, it was weird because my period is usually heavy and red for 5 days then 2 days light. My period is always 7 days and on time. My cycle is 30 days. I have no sexual intercourse with my partner up til now.. I just have noticed that my belly is bloated for the first time throughout a day, and becomes more bloated after I eat (I have flat stomach, I’m skinny and petite, I feel so gassy, and I have lots of white goosebumps on my areola, I have few white discharge as well, I have no cramps. I feel always drowsy and likes to sleep a lot. This is my first time that my period came late, it always on time even if I’m stressed or sick. I’m just wondering if that was a period or an pregnancy breakthrough bleeding or implantation bleeding but heavy? And also my bloated gassy belly is confusing.. It doesn’t go away.
Hello Kei, yes, once unprotected sex is involved then pregnancy is possible.. Take a pregnancy test after 7 days of a missed period.
I saw my menses on 1 February and didn’t have sex until 16 February but till now I have not seen my menses and I have a 26 days cycle
Hello Amelia, take a pregnancy test 7 days after a missed period to confirm if you might be pregnant.
Hi! I’ve had my first time and we used protection. My boyfriend did not ejaculate and the condoms did not break. My period has gone late for like 4 days. Its irregular and usually comes late. My breast have hurt one day, and I’ve had cramps for 2 days, the first more intense. Now i think my areola has gotten a bit darker. Sexual act happened 19 days ago. Can i be pregnant? No morning sickness.
Hi Mary, if you were using a condom correctly, and it didn’t break and he was never inside without protection then you shouldn’t have any concern. If you do I would take a pregnancy test, but it doesn’t sound like you should have anything to worry about. Breast tenderness and cramps are als signs of your period.
Came on my period January 22 2018 I had unprotected sex January 27 and February 1st. I’m nauseous bloated my breast feels heavy I can smell everything and I have cramping. My cycles are every 24 days. Could I be pregnant?
Hi Jaynine, According to our handy calculator found here your fertile days were from January 28th through February 1st. So it’s quite possible that you could be pregnant. With a 24 day cycle you are looking at anticipating your period on the 15th of this month. If you don’t get it within the week I would recommend taking a pregnancy test. Good luck!
Hi I’m on jencycla I had my period on Jan 10th and average about a 23 day cycle my husband and I went on vacation and I missed a pill by 14 hour in which we had sex on 21st also the day I forgot pill. I was due to have my cycle start on 01/02/18 I did a cheap dollar store test yesterday as I’m still late but it came back negative I have been having noticeable white creamy stretchy mucus could this just be a late period about to start or should I get a better test and recheck many thanks
Hello Layna, retest for pregnancy 7 days after a missed period.
Hi
My period came on Jan 10-14th 28 day cycle started noticing pink discharge when I wiped on Jan 30th-31 today it’s slight brown in my panty liner period is not due until Feb 7th should I be worried?
Hello Jay, please read the below link about spotting between periods and what this could mean:
https://womanjunction.com/spotting-between-periods/
Hi there. I am on Noriday and have been for over a year now. I am one of the lucky ones who never gets my period on it! However, for the past three days I have been very bloated, have very tender nipples and I always want to eat, I never feel satisfied! I took a cheap pregnancy test this afternoon, which came back negative. I have had no bleeding and have never felt any side effects or PMS like this whilst on this pill before. I have always taken the pill within the 3 hour window daily. Whats your thoughts around this? Thank you.
Hi JC,
After reading up on Noriday, it appears that taking it within the 3 hour window does make it and keep it effective. The symptoms you are mentioning can be either pregnancy or PMS symptoms. If you haven’t gotten your period by a week after it’s due I would take another pregnancy test or make an appointment with your doctor.
Hi
my period is due on the 30/01/2018 I had unprotected sex on the 26/01/2018, took postinor 1 immediately and postpill in the next morning I’m sure I was ovulating before then I’m safe please is there any chance of me being pregnant I’m seeing milky white discharge is that in line?
Hi Cynthia,
Milky white discharge is completely normal and is generally now considered non-fertile discharge. So you are most likely in line with being safe. However, watch for you your period is scheduled for (although it could change a bit due to taking the postinor) and take a pregnancy test if you are concerned.