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. My last period was April 15th and it was due to come on May 14th. I’m having nausea with/without vomiting, tender breasts, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue! I’m trying to wait until it’s been a full week before testing. Could this be pregnancy?
Is is possible that these may be genuine pregnancy symptoms. Good luck!
Were you pregnant?
Hi I am Sonia, I am 23 years old and I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend on the 5th of May and I took the emergency contraceptive pill the same day. I was supposed to get my periods on the 7th but now it’s the 17 and still I didn’t get my periods. My breasts are tender and sore. Is there any chance of pregnancy?…and my periods are usually late.
Have you had your period yet?
Hello, I want to ask you a question. From January to April I had been on a 28 days cycle (I didn’t remember how my cycle was last year).
My last period started on April 8th and ended on April 12th, and I had sex with my boyfriend on April 25th. According to my cycle, I’m 3 days late, so do you think I have chances of getting pregnant? Thanks in advance 🙂
Good luck! You’re chances of conceiving would be high. Have you taken a pregnancy test as yet?
Hi. I’m 17 and I had my period was last April 10, 2016 and ended on the 13th, I think my cycle is 28 because i based it on my past period which were February 14/15 , March 13 and April 10. We had intercourse on the 18th of April but used withdrawal method, then on May 1 and still used Withdrawal method but took pills on the 3rd of May because I’m afraid that sperm has entered. And now, I’m having these symptoms, gurgling stomach, back pain, thigh pain , abdominal pain and constipation. Can I be pregnant?
Well I have had tender sore breasts this whole month. I’ve had fatigue for around a week. And my legs and back ache. I’ve been feeling really bloated and gassy. And I feel different then usual when I PMS. And I’ve been crying… Alot. For no reasons in particular. Also my nipples get these bumps on them randomly? I think when I’m cold but that has never happened. And I feel like I’m always overheated… But then I started my period (3 days early? I’ve never had an early period. I always am late never early?) and it was like pinkish and not even there the first day. And the second day(today) it’s looking normal… Slightly brown but that’s happened before. But still pretty light. (I rarely bleed ever this is just extra light I guess?) is there still a possibility I could be pregnant? Or am I just over thinking this and I’m just PMSing?
Hi Mari,Yes your symptoms match PMS but they more deflected to pregnancy symptoms. I would suggest you to go for a pregnancy test for assured answer. Good Luck!
hi Emmy, the last day of my period was 18th of April, and I had unprotected sex on 28th and 29th of April (the same month) then I took ECP on 29th when I counted the hours it was less than 48hrs..usually when I take those pills,I experience withdrawal bleeding after 4-5days,but this time round I’ve not, am having breast tenderness..am totally worried,is there a possibility that am pregnant? please help!
Hello Charlie, It is not always important to bleed after taking an ECP. Please go ahead and take a pregnancy test to get assured.
Hi, I just want to ask of is there a possibility that I might be pregnant because my last menstruation was on April 6-10 and we made love on 14-16 without protection. Now I am experiencing breast tenderness I am not sure if it is PMS.
It is likely to be PMS. If you have a regular 28 days cycle, you were not fertile at that time.
Hi ..i have my last period on 10 th april…i have irregular period..i m tried to conceive..i have very bad headaches,nipple r darker and bigger than before..i had see some bumps in my areolas,feeling tiredness and sleppy …can it be pregnancy symptom???plx anyone help me
Hi Nushrat, Pregnancy symptoms may include Tender, swollen breasts,Nausea with or without vomiting, Increased urination, Fatigue etc. However, these are just symptoms. To confirm you should go ahead for a pregnancy test and get your mind clear of doubt. All the Best!
Hi emily, i am hypothyroid patient and used to have late periods. But after medication my thyroid is under control and from the past 6 months my period is regular. Last month i had sex with my husband. And now my period is delayed by 4 days. I have period like cramps now. Coming on and off. Last week i had sone fever 99.5 and also migraines. I dont have them now. My thyroid is normal now. Am i having pms or pregnancy symtoms? My breasts r sore( as pms) stomach bloated. Feeling pain on left lower side of my abdomen. Frequent urination. Im confused. Please help.
Hi Kavitha,
According to your signs, this may or may not be pregnancy. Fevers often affect menstrual cycle and the delay might be because of that too. To confirm, I would suggest that you take a pregnancy test. All the best!
Hi, I had sex on April 8 and got my period on April 16. Everything seemed normal just very minor cramps , now I’m having pregnancy symptoms like minor nausea , acne , lower abdominal pain , back pain , head ache , leg ache , and a lot of shortness of breath. Can I be pregnant ??? Also one of my nipples is dark. Please help.
Hello Jenny, since you had your period after sex, your chances of being pregnant are less. Also, the symptoms you are pointing out are also the symptoms of PMS. So, I would suggest you to take a Pregnancy test for confirmation. Have a nice day!
I feel like I’m going crazy. I”m having bloating dizziness extreme exhaustion, horrible mood swings, boobs are swollen and ache. I’m on previfem birth control but missed 3 pills last month not in a row tho. My period isn’t due for 9 more days. Some of these symptoms could be pms or side effects but I’m so moody and tired. I have 3 kids already and could tell early. Opinions? Please help me and my poor husband.
Depending on your age, your body can just be going through a change. Every woman is different but around every 7 years (Started with the year you had your period) your body will do a hormonal change. PMS is almost always caused by a vitamin deficiency of some kind. Get your B levels checked. This is why PMS and pregnancy are tied in together. Many women who become pregnant become vitamin deficient in one or more vitamins or minerals.
I am irregular on my period never regular I had a child he will be 3 years in September. My period comes anytime sometimes twice in a month the last time I had my period was April 4 and it lasted for 4 days and now since last week I’ve been having shortness of breath and I had sex two weeks ago. could it be a sign of pregnancy? I never had blood or discharge when I was pregnant before. my shortness of breath was so bad that I had to sit down when I was cooking. I had shortness of breath when I was 37 weeks pregnant. I burp a lot and shortness of breath. could you help me please.
Shortness of breath can be a reaction to worry and stress. Light bleeding and discharge is quite common early on in pregnancy. The pregnancy is never the same as the first. I would take a test and see what it reads. It is a good idea to visit your doctor so you can have peace of mind as well.
Hi Emily,I always get sore breasts a week or two before my periods but last month,I started my periods last month on the 5th and that same day I fainted while in queue in a shop,periods lasted 4 days,this month I’m expecting my periods in two days but my periods are still not swollen but just a little bit sore if you touch them hard, and yes I have unprotected Sex. I tend to urinate more at night and ive been craving for sweets. should I be worried?
Hi Grace, while your signs might be indicating pregnancy, they can be anything else too. For example, fainting might be due to some other reason like tiredness, urinating, just natural and craving might be psychological too. I would suggest that you take a pregnancy test now to check. ATB!
I need help, I had my periods on the 22nd – 28th February 2016. I had sex with my fiancee on the 12th March, 22nd March I missed my periods and on the 29th March I experienced light pinkish brownish spotting and it lasted for almost 8days. On the 14th of April I visited my doctor and he said I’m not pregnant. On the 22nd of April I still missed my periods and all this while I’m having tender nipples and breasts, cramping that comes and goes…since yesterday, I started traveling to the loo more than I usually do. What’s happening to me?
Hi , my name is antanette I have really been having signs of pregnancy lately. My period is pretty regular it maybe comes two days late but I always get it and this month I haven’t had a period at all. I took a pregnancy test and it came out negative. But I go to the bathroom a lot and I had morning sickness , dizziness ,cramps , bloating , and have been more tired lately. could I be pregnant
Hello Emily
My period is due in 3 days but I’ve been cramping in my belly in different areas then normal, tired a lot but I am anemic, I have headaches, urinate frequently and my books have gotten larger. I also have dark areolas and the spots on my books have gotten bigger too. Their super sensitive, nipple that is. What do you think this is thank you.