Most women may have heard about premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but wonder about its difference from pregnancy symptoms, leading to the PMS symptoms vs. pregnancy symptoms curiosity. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may present as a group of symptoms affecting your physical, psychological, emotional, and mood status experienced by some women during the period between ovulation and the start of menstrual flow. The symptoms of PMS vs. pregnancy may be difficult to distinguish and may cause you to be confused. However, PMS symptoms last for about five to eleven days and usually disappear at the onset of your period (1). Read this post to learn more about the distinct differences and similarities in PMS and early pregnancy symptoms.
PMS Symptoms Vs. Pregnancy Symptoms
Let us first understand the differences between PMS and pregnancy symptoms, and then the symptoms common to both.
1. Bleeding
PMS: You may not have any bleeding or spotting until your period starts. Once the period starts, you might have heavier bleeding that could last for a week. Pregnancy: You might see light spotting (pink or dark brown) at the time of implantation (happens 6 to 12 days after conception) when the embryo attaches itself to the uterus (2). It may last for a couple of days and is shorter than a menstrual period.
2. Fatigue
PMS: You may feel exhausted even if you have not done anything strenuous, and it goes away when your periods are round the corner (3).You may deal with your fatigue by practicing some exercises that could improve your sleep. Pregnancy: If your periods are delayed, and you are experiencing extreme fatigue, it can be a symptom of pregnancy. It may last throughout the pregnancy due to the surge in progesterone levels that causes a drop in blood pressure and sugar levels. Good nutrition, deep breathing exercises, short naps, and drinking enough water during the day might help (4).
3. Food cravings/aversions
PMS: Your eating habits are likely to change when you have PMS. You may crave sweets, chocolates, carbohydrates, or salty foods, and you will develop a ravenous appetite. Although you crave for some food (5), you can easily resist the cravings and temptations. Pregnancy: You may have extreme cravings for some foods and have aversions to some others. Some women also suffer from a food eating condition – pica – where they feel like eating non-food items such as dried paint flakes, metal pieces, and ice. In this case, you should consult your doctor immediately (6). These signs do not show in a PMS.
4. Nausea and vomiting:
PMS: Women do not nauseate or vomit when their periods are late, but in rare cases, you may experience nausea (7). Pregnancy: Most women feel nauseous during early pregnancy. If your periods are delayed, and you are extremely nauseous, you may be pregnant. Nausea begins any time after two to eight weeks post-conception and continues throughout pregnancy. It is known as ‘morning sickness’ that may occur at any time of the day (8).
5. Abdominal or pelvic cramping:
PMS: Cramps or dysmenorrhea during PMS is common, and the severity varies according to genetic disposition and body system. However, as bleeding starts, the pain decreases and slowly goes away as the flow ends (9). The cramps and associated pain are likely to reduce with age (10). Pregnancy: When the fertilized egg embeds into the uterine wall, it may cause mild abdominal cramping along with spotting during early pregnancy. You may experience cramps in the lower back or lower stomach, which continues for weeks or even months, lasting much longer than PMS cramps (11).
Similarities Between PMS And Pregnancy
If you have the signs listed next, it may be difficult to say whether it is an upcoming period, or you are pregnant (5) (12). These symptoms might make you anxious when you are hoping to have a baby or miss taking a contraceptive during intercourse. You may check for some other unique symptoms that are likely to indicate pregnancy and not PMS.
Unique Pregnancy Symptoms Less Likely To Occur During PMS
Some symptoms are specific to pregnancy and might not show in case of a nearing period or PMS. It is essential to know the right reason behind your symptoms, as that would help determine whether or not you are pregnant. The best way to find the difference between PMS and pregnancy symptoms is to take a home pregnancy test in case your period is delayed.
When Should You See A Doctor?
It is good to consult your doctor for any unusual symptoms or any concerns you may have with the symptoms. If you noticed a positive result with a home pregnancy test, then your doctor may confirm it with further testing. If further testing yields a negative result for pregnancy, but your periods do not resume, then the doctor might perform further testing. Medications will be prescribed based on the underlying cause of the condition. In the next section, we answer a few common questions related to PMS and pregnancy symptoms that you may have at the top of your mind. Read on!
