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:
-
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.
Image: Bigstock
I was supposed to see my menses on the 7th of this november but I did not. Then I thought to my self that I am pregnant not until 11th I started menstruating I don’t get it any longer I was suppossed to be pregnant but still confused
Hi there Nancy! If you got your periods then you are not pregnant. Regards
Hello, my period was due on the 28th Oct and I haven’t seen it to date. I’ve been more tired than usual at work, lower back pain, cramping in lower abdomen and right leg. I’ve also been having frequent heartburn. Oh I’ve done 2 tests which both said negative. What’s wrong with me?
Hi there Ale! You might have taken the test too early. Take a test again after few days. Regards
Hi,
since reading all the other posts, i thought i would post.
My last period was 10/10/16 lasted 2 /3 days which is normal for me, however it was fairly light this time round.
I am now 4 days late and have had flushes of nausea, tiredness, sore boobs, bloated stomach and a weird cramping/gassy type feeling in my stomach.
2days ago i had severe diarrhea (sorry tmi) and have not stopped having the feel to urinate all the time. Im tired even after i wake up and im feeling more hungry than usual
I havent taken a test yet, as other times i have been late its always negative.
Any chances i could be pregnant?
Hi there Jay! You are having all the symptoms of pregnancy. But you should wait for your periods for few more days. If they don’t come then take a pregnancy test. Regards
Hi, my husband and I are trying to conceive but I’ve had a mirena for 4 years and it was taken out on 18th Oct. I don’t know when to expect my period but I have very tender breasts, I urinate quite frequently (this has been the case since removal of the mirena) and i have an uncomfortable bloated feeling in my lower abdomen. I also feel excessively tired, no matter how much I sleep I can only make it through about 5hours of the day and then I become non-functional I’m so drained out. If my calculations are correct I should only get my period between 10-16 Nov, should I wait or test?
Hi there Amy! You should wait for your periods to come. Regards
Hi, I had sex without a condom (pre-ejaculation only MIGHT have taken place but he deffinately didn’t come inside me) during my ovulation days (approx. 7th-10th Oct), and got what I hope was my period on the 17th October (my period is typically irregular by a few days). Now for the past few days I’ve been experiencing pain down where my uterus is but maybe thats because of ovulation this month. I’ve been feeling nauseous and felt like puking yesterday and i feel bloated down below my stomach. I haven’t experienced any other pregnancy symptoms (i dont feel tired, dont feel the need to urinate frequently etc.) Is there a chance that I could still be pregnant?
Hi Julia! You might be pregnant right now! Take a test after one week. Regards
Hi, I have been taking a low estrogen dose birth control (Lolo) for 7 months now. Recently my breasts have become very swollen and sore, so sore I had to take ibuprofen before going for a run. Since going on this birth control I have not had a period, however, every few months I take a pregnancy test to make sure I am not pregnant, and as of last month I was still not pregnant. I am trying to cut out black tea (I don’t drink coffee) to see if this helps. Any other possibilities?
Hi there Kara! The condition you are experiencing might be a side effect of the birth control you are taking. Regards
hi I’m 19 and ive never been pregnant before but my boy friend happened to ask me about my period to day and it had totally slipped my mind. My period is in regular but over the last year I’ve noticed it still always start the same week I’m not cramping which is weird I remember last week I felt as if I were cramping I don’t mean to be blunt but I’ve had constipation, ive been nauseous, having weird dreams, emotional then normal I’ve also been having leg cramps or my legs and lower back are sore out of no where and I found my self falling asleep work witch I never do and when I’m sleep at home I’m find my self struggling to get up or taking naps through out my day could I be pregnant or am I just over thinking
Hi there Lex! Calculate your ovulation days here.. If you had sex during those days then you might be pregnant now. Regards
hello I get leg pain every month a few days before my cycle. I also have tendar and heavy breast every month but not this month only the leg pain. I took a test 10 days after I ovulated is it a possibility that I am pregnant even though I have my usual leg pain?
Hi there Marhug! Is your period due? or you just took a test earlier? You should wait for your period date to come. If you really think that you are pregnant then you should take a test after 14th day of missed period. Regards
Hello, I’m getting all the symptoms of pregnancy. My belly is swollen up and I have tender breasts. Ive been getting pains in my lower back and i am finding it rather hard to take a #2. My partner did not however ejaculate. only rubbed. But could I be pregnant or is it false pregnancy! Or maybe even PMS? I am very stressed at the moment so could it be the stress causing constipation?
Hi there Nav! Yes, it might a false pregnancy but there may be possibility that you might be pregnant. You should a pregnancy test anyways. Regards
I am experiencing an intense headache on the day when my period is due. Could i be pregnant?
Hi Haley! Headaches are the causes of stress and tension. Try to relax, mediate, exercise, eat green vegetables and fruits to relieve pain. Take a pain killer such as Ibuprofen to relieve headaches. Hope this helps!
I am due for my period today or any time soon, really. I have all my usual pre-period symptoms, but also some small bumps on my areola. They might come every month, but I haven’t noticed before. I researched, and apparently they are a sign of pregnancy. I don’t think this could be possible since I haven’t had sex at all this month lol. I’m still a little nervous though. Is this a common PMS symptom?
Hi Michelle, It is normal to have small bumps on the flat, brown part of your breast called the areola. Furthermore, having a bump on breasts doesn’t confirm that you are pregnant or not. Take a test if you feel the symptoms of pregnancy. Regards 🙂
I have been having cramps on my left lower abdomen, back ache since 3DPO and now i’m 9DPO and it still continues. I urinated oftenly, serious back aches and today the cramps continues, then i just started having painful nipples. I’m Confused because i’m expecting my period 05 days. Could it be PMS that started since 3DPO? Can Menstrual cramps start so early? I had sex during my fertile period. Or could it be pregn?
Hi, you should take a test on the 14th day of your missed period to know whether you are actually pregnant or not. Regards
I’m 6 dpo & almost 3 weeks since my lmp, I’ve never really gotten pms symptoms. But My boyfriend & I have had a lot of unprotected sex within the days around ovulation, before & after. I had slight cramping for a day much like menstrual cramps but no blood, along with back aches. My boobs are a bit tender when I squeeze gently & my nipples are slightly more sensitive. I’ve had diarrhea for a few days, headaches off & on, I’m bloated first thing in the morning before I eat anything & ive been ridiculously emotionally sensitive. I’ve never been pregnant before but I also don’t know if I’m just convincing myself I’m pregnant. I can’t get a pregnancy test for a few weeks because of a unique situation so I’m not really sure what to do & im seeking advice & opinions
hi.
my periods are going to late. its 13 days late now .. i do pregnancy test but it negative. but back pain and stomach pains are on peak…pain in my leg also…now tell me what can i do? should i pregnant or not?
Hi Afifa Amjad! Thanks for your comment!
You should test on or after the 14th day of your missed period. In this way you will always get accurate results. Regards
I have bin pregnant for 8wks now just started seeing bleeding in my 9th wk with slight menstrual cramps that lasts for few seconds. Is my baby safe or I have lost it
Hi Eve, you should immediately visit a doctor now and get yourself checked. Regards
I m currently 10dpo and having left leg ache which I usually get before my period. Can it also be a sign of pregnancy? I also noticed a pinching sensation in my abdomen at 9dpo.