There are a lot of similarities between PMS symptoms and pregnancy. There are a few commonalities across all women. However, some symptoms show up in a few women. One must know how to identify whether it is PMS or pregnancy. Early diagnosis leads to better treatment and more healing time.
One must go to the root of the problems to understand the PMS vs pregnancy symptoms. Apart from cramps, mood swings, and breast tenderness, many more symptoms cause the women to differentiate between the two. For instance, even in the case of a common symptom in both, its intensity will vary in each patient.
Overview
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is missing one’s period. But not all the time when the period is late means the woman is pregnant. However, the issue might be more severe if you are not pregnant.
There are some distinct differences between PMS vs early pregnancy symptoms. You need to know how to identify them to be on the lookout for what they are. A few signs of period vs pregnancy differentiate between the two. For instance, in the case of PMS, the common symptoms include back pain, mood swings, tender breasts, and increased urination.
Common Symptoms Between PMS And Pregnancy
Premenstrual symptoms (PMS) and pregnancy symptoms can often be similar, leading to confusion. PMS symptoms typically occur before menstruation and include mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, cramps, and food cravings. Pregnancy symptoms can vary but commonly include missed periods, nausea/vomiting, breast changes, fatigue, frequent urination, and mood swings.
Some symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, food cravings, and breast tenderness, overlap between PMS and pregnancy. If there is uncertainty, taking a home pregnancy test or consulting with a healthcare professional can provide clarity.
Difference Between PMS And Pregnancy Symptoms
1: Mood Changes
Have you gone through random crying spells or feel irritable and anxious for no reason, only to get your period a few days later? They are the common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
These symptoms go away once the period starts. However, if the mood changes do not disappear, it might suggest pregnancy. See how the mood lasts for two weeks.
2: Constipation
One of the most noticeable premenstrual symptoms is constipation. Hormonal changes fluctuate bowel movements by slowing them down. Constipation is not just an issue in pregnancy but also in women right before their period.
The PMS vs pregnancy symptoms lead to constipation in the first two trimesters for pregnant women. While menstruating women find relief from it after they get their period.
3: Food Cravings and Aversion Toward Certain Foods
You must have had the urge to eat something sweeter when you are PMS-ing. One jarring difference between pregnancy and period symptoms is women’s different food cravings. In the case of PMS, eating habits go through a change. Some crave chocolates; others crave something sour.
Alternatively, in period symptoms vs pregnancy symptoms, pregnant women develop a dislike for particular foods. They might find even the smell of such foods nauseating. Such effects last throughout the pregnancy.
4: Breast Pain and Tenderness
Both the period vs pregnancy can cause physical changes. Breast changes are the most common symptom. In the case of PMS symptoms, breast tenderness is more than in pregnancy.
In pregnancy, breasts are more tender out of the PMS vs pregnancy symptoms. The nipple area can sting or even become sore. The breast tenderness persists longer in pregnancy. Some changes are tenderness, pain, swelling, and bumpy breast tissue.
5: Bleeding
PMS or pregnancy causes bleeding or spotting only in pregnancy. PMs generally do not cause bleeding. In PMS, the flow is heavier in the next week. In pregnancy, the vaginal bleeding is dark brown or pink. Spotting lasts only for a day or two.
6: Fatigue
One of the common signs of period vs pregnancy is fatigue. It results in insomnia. It goes away when the period. But there are remedies. Exercise improves sleep and reduces fatigue. High progesterone levels are one of the premenstrual symptoms that cause tiredness.
7: Nausea
In PMS vs pregnancy, nausea only happens in pregnancy. Usually, it does not occur in PMS. One of the common symptoms of pregnancy is morning sickness. Many women experience bouts of nausea which is always accompanied by vomiting.
8: Cramping
Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common symptoms of PMS. Painful cramps occur 24-48 hours before the period starts. The pain intensifies during the period. The menstrual cramps can decrease after the first pregnancy.
Early pregnancy comes with mild cramping. In pregnancy, out of period vs pregnancy, one experiences lower back pain. Pay attention to these symptoms if you have a history of miscarriage. Severe cramps in the last trimester can come before your water breaks.
Conclusion
In PMS vs early pregnancy, women must sign up for regular check-ups if they experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms. If one is not on birth control while being sexually active and they miss a period, they must consult a doctor.
In case of severe PMS symptoms, they must seek immediate medical attention from the GetOva site. A personalised session will help to understand the difference between pregnancy and period symptoms.
FAQs Related to PMS Vs Pregnancy Symptoms
Can you confuse PMS with pregnancy?
Though PMS and pregnancy have many overlapping symptoms, the mood swings in the case of pregnancy are persistent.
What kind of cramps indicates pregnancy?
One will feel moderate cramps in the lower abdomen. The cramps feel like pressure on the back.
How do you know if your period is coming or you’re pregnant?
Premenstrual symptoms include soreness and tenderness of breasts. If you suspect pregnancy, it is best to take an at-home pregnancy test to assess if it was period symptoms vs pregnancy symptoms. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.