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 everybody ok I am 26 my hubby and I have a 7 year old son we have been ttc for the past 1 and half years I have been on triphisils from the time my son was born but left it a year and half ago. From then we have been having unprotected sex. This month 2 weeks now before my period i am experiencing lower back pain slight tummy cramps and sensitive breasts there is also whitish like discharge. Could I be pregnant? I don’t want to do the test to early to avoid disappointment. When is the right time to check….please advice it’s going to be 2 years of trying 😭😭😭
Hi Sara, the symptoms you wrote indicates (not confirms) that you are in the early stages of pregnancy. You should take a pregnancy test ASAP. Regards
I haven’t yet take a pregnancy test because I am only a few days late and have experienced high stress levels and havn’t been eating healthy at all in the last two weeks. i have been extremely active thou i bike a lot and have been working with horses as well. i am moody, crampy tonight, weird appetite schedule, over tired but haven’t been sleeping well at night plus increased exercise and being outside in heat a lot. have had no form of birth control thou in 3 months was on the pill but had to stop due to increased leg pain was scared of blood clot. I always feel like I am over heating lately. I have recently started loosing weight. I have no clue if I’m showing period symptoms or pregnancy I also just had my gall bladder removed in April and have been feeling recent pain at my belly button incision location. should I wait it out a few more days or just take a test??
Hi, since you are just a few days late, you should wait until at least 10 days before doing the test.
my last period was the 30th of june, and the last time i had sex (with protection, no holes everything good) was the 18th of july. i used to be on the pill but since may i stopped using it. my period in june was 4 days late, right now my period is 6 days late.
Hello, I wanted to throw a question out to see if anyone could settle my anxieties.. I started spotting July 17 (night) and had regular period till the 23rd I had unprotected sex pull out method 24th and 25th But the 29th some semen got in but still pull out method.. I’m normally 28 days for my cycle.. My question is I didn’t notice any cervical fluid like other months does that rule out ovulation for the month?? From friday morning and on I have been getting queezy off and on again… I get sensitivities in nipples and I get cramps when I have gas or have to go pee.. But it’s across my whole abdomen and like period cramps… Is it too early am I just psyching myself out??
Hi, I had protected sex on June 12th (condom and everything) but I started really stressing about the possibility of me being pregnant so I would have a lot of panic attacks. My period was late then by around 2 weeks later (should have been on the 17th but started July 4th) but it was just spotting and really heaven my flow when I peed. I went to the doctors and they said it was just weird. But now I’m still scared I’m pregnant. I have taken 7 negative pregnancy tests and I should be assured but I can stop with the panic attacks. I just don’t know if my period will come in August. Please help.
Hi! Im 24. We had love making (unprotected sex & pulled out) with my boyfriend last July 15. and my last menstration is
last week of June. July 26 or 27 i have a white vaginal discharge and also other symptoms like bloating,Leg pain, muscle ache, Emotional.I also experience white discharge everytime my periods is coming. But as per reading this column white discharge is also a symptoms of pregnancy. I don’t know when is my ovulation and I’m stressing out because it is end of the week of July and i still don’t have my period. My Boyfriend is scared and not ready to take the responsibility, also tells me he’s out of our relationship if he gets me pregnant. Please advise me? 🙁
Hi,
My husband and I have been ttc on and off since the start of the year, this will be the 3rd month of ttc (the other 3 months we were not aloud to as I had the chicken pox vaccine and was advised by the dr to not conceive – this is the first month of ttc after the 3 months of not) out of the 3 months of ttc – 1 month my period was 10 days late (went a bit crazy on the at home tests haha) the other month my period was on time and now this month i am currently 4 days late. Prior to ttc (and also the 3 months of not being able to) my period was always extremely regular. I did an at home test (this cycle) 2 days before i was due and it was negative (was also in the afternoon). I am not stressed at all and just taking everything one step at a time so i am a bit baffled. I do not feel like i have conceived this month but also havent had my normal symptoms of my period but no symptoms of pregnancy either. Is there any reason why i would be late other than conception and stress?
Hi, my last period began on June 27 and ended July 2, I had reddish brown spotting the 7th-9th and unprotected sex the 9th-11th (my ovulation days) and my boyfriend ejaculated but pulled out. My next period is due on the 28th, is it possible for me to be pregnant? I’m experiencing breast tenderness, warmer than usually body temperature and lower abdomen pain on the left, along with a low sex drive and nausea to anything.
Hi Nique, Breast tenderness, pain in lower abdomen and high body temperature are the symptoms of early pregnancy. As you said that you had unprotected contact on your ovulation days, you may be pregnant. I would recommend to take a pregnancy test to ensure that.
Regards.
Hello my boyfriend and I have been trying to conceive for a while and this month. We’ve had unprotected sex throughout my ovulation period but 6 days before my miss period I took a pregnancy test and it said negative. A couple day later I had a brown discharge spot (not very big) in my underwear and I honesty thought spot was because I didn’t wipe properly.(lol😂) And i also noticed start to gag a bit throughout work when I help a couple of customers because it’s hot and they smell…
But My period is suppose to come on tomorrow … And today i noticed my nipple were killing me. . and they are really dark.
I mean ….. Is it possible?
Good day Name!
I guess the question you want to ask here is if it’s possible you are pregnant??
Since you were sure those 6 days had your ovulation days in it then the possibility of you getting pregnant is on high. However you should do PT from 10days after you miss your period and now 6 days before.
regards
Hello, I’m 23, my boyfriend and I had protected sex (condom and pull out) on the 12th and the 14th of June. On June 15th I got my period, it was normal, 5 days as usual.
But after a few days I started feeling strange. Now almost a month later I have sore breast and I feel like I gained weight and minor headache once in a while. I’ve been stressing so much over the fact that I can be pregnant that 25 days after the act ( it said to wait at least 19) I took a few pregnancy tests, they all came back negative. But I keep stressing about it. Is there a chance of me being pregnant?
My period should be due in a few days but I am so scared that I might not get it that I might cause it to be late and completely lose my mind.
Hello Beth!
I can categorically tell you medically that you were in your safe period during those dates(12th and 14th June) if truly your period began on the 15th June. The way you feeling might be subject to some other factors such as hormonal disbalance, environment and maybe the type of food you eat. Just be calm and get your mind off pregnancy, if you still feel this same way, you could visit a nearby physician
Hi, my period came 1 week earlier, but not normal, 2 days and it was over. I had unprotected sex. Could I be pregnant?
If you noticed bleeding some time after unprotected sex and not on the days when your regular period should appear then this could be implantation bleeding. In that case it could be that you’re pregnant and we’d recommend that you take a pregnancy test.
You can read this post to learn more about how to recognize the difference between a period and implantation bleeding.
http://womanjunction.com/implantation-bleeding-period-recognize/
Pls had unprotected sex a day to my ovulation, after which I took postinor 2, two days to my next period, I had unprotected sex again, but this time I didn’t take any contraceptive, and 10 days is gone, can’t still see my period, pls is it that am pregnant?
Hi, since your period is late, take a pregnancy test after 10 days of missed period date.
Are you okay Destiny? I hope you are well, weather or not your pregnant. I am a mother of 3 and they have changed my life. God knows us before we are born and he created us in our mothers womb. You are a gift from God and no baby is a mistake or a problem. You are Loved whether your pregnant or not. Praying that Jesus Love will abound in your life. that you will realize the hope you are called to.
Hi. I just want to ask please help me. My last period was on june 20 that lasted 6 days. First 2days of my period was heavy but the next 4days was like spotting. I had unprotected sex june 26 and june 28 and last july 4 I experienced lower abdominal pain that lasted about 7hours. The next day one time I feel like fainting ang exhausted even at smallest thing I do or while talking I am gasping for air. Then lastly the next day again my breasts are sensitive to touch and sore. Could I be pregnant? Or just something else?
Hi, yes pregnancy could be possible. Please refer our FAQ section: http://womanjunction.com/faq-frequently-asked-questions-menstrual-cycle-pregnancy-ovulation-abortion/
Hi, my last period was in May. I never quite got my June period, it was more of a spotting with some brownish and light pink that has lasted about two weeks now with a few days of nothing in between. My nipples have been very itchy, I’ve been moody with some bloating and constipation. I’ve been experiencing some shortness of breath and light dizziness. I get heart burn easier than usual. My husband has a low sperm count. Is it possible that I can still get pregnant?
Hi Victoria, what you have seen could be ovulation bleeding. Please refer http://womanjunction.com/faq-frequently-asked-questions-menstrual-cycle-pregnancy-ovulation-abortion/
Hi my name is krystal I have one child and she is almost a year but since she was six months I have been experience in some pregancy symptoms and it was nothing and now it start again could I be pregant now.
Hi Krystal, sometimes after childbirth because of breastfeeding a lot of hormonal changes occur in your body. If you are breastfeeding, your symptoms could be just hormonal changes that you are thinking to be pregnancy or you should take a pregnancy test to check.
Hello
Me and my boyfriend have been having unprotected sex for about 4 days now….I am suppose to get my period today but nothing. is it possible to get pregnant before my period is due…I know it’s a silly question but I’m curious
Haha no. Perhaps you should use protection.