PMS vs Pregnancy Symptoms

As you enter the week before your period, you might experience various physical and emotional symptoms.  Premenstrual symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, and acne. You can find it confusing to differentiate between PMS and pregnancy symptoms. However, PMS symptoms often subside with the beginning of your period and persist for five to eleven days. Pregnancy symptoms include missed periods, nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness, frequent urination, and fatigue. It’s important to note that not all women experience the same symptoms during either the premenstrual or pregnancy phases. If you are unsure whether you are experiencing premenstrual or pregnancy symptoms, it’s always best to take a pregnancy test and consult your healthcare provider for further guidance. Let us look at symptoms related to period vs pregnancy and analyse common ones.

Video : PMS vs Pregnancy Symptoms: What’s the Difference?

What Is PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, refers to various physical and emotional symptoms that women experience one or two weeks before their menstrual period. These symptoms vary from person to person and disappear when the period begins.

When Do PMS Symptoms Start and Stop?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms usually start one to two weeks before menstruation and stop once menstruation begins. For most women, PMS symptoms are at their worst in the days leading up to the start of their period and then improve within a few days of menstruation.  

However, the severity and duration of PMS symptoms can vary from woman to woman. Some women may experience PMS symptoms for longer, while others may have mild or no symptoms. It’s important to keep track of your symptoms each month to help identify patterns and better manage them.

PMS Versus Pregnancy Symptoms

Some symptoms of PMS are similar to those of pregnancy. The intensity of PMS varies from woman to woman, and similarly, the symptoms of pregnancy are also person-specific. As with both PMS and pregnancy symptoms, some women may be affected badly, some may experience only mild discomfort, and some may be less impacted overall. Symptoms such as nausea, frequent urination, fatigue, mood swings and headaches are part and parcel of both PMS and pregnancy, which is where the confusion lies – the difference between the two can be quite challenging.

Let us look at symptoms related to PMS and pregnancy and analyse ones that are common to both. Let us also understand how to differentiate if these symptoms indicate PMS or early signs of pregnancy.

Common Symptoms of PMS

Some women experience emotional stress during PMS, while others experience aches and other physical discomforts. Let us look at some common symptoms of PMS:

1. Tender and Swollen Breasts

Some women feel that their breasts become tender or even swell up during PMS. Breast sensitivity or tenderness can vary from woman to woman and can range from mild to severe. The tenderness increases before the period starts and decreases as the period progresses. In most cases, the tenderness disappears after the bleeding stops. In some cases, the tissues of the breasts may feel different and women might experience heaviness coupled with pain and tenderness.

2. Muscle Cramps, Back Pain and Spotting

Many women experience cramps before their periods, which often continue through the periods. Cramps (dysmenorrhea) are intense and last for more than a day. These cramps decrease during the days of the flow, and gradually disappear till the flow stops.

Some women also experience spotting alongside cramps before their period begins. Pain in the lower back is another common symptom that women experience before and during their period.

3. Aversion to Food or Food Cravings

Some women crave for specific food items like chocolates, sweets or savoury items, while other women feel nauseated looking at food and don’t feel hungry.

4. Mood Swings

Mood swings are a common PMS symptom. Many women experience a rollercoaster of emotions before they start their period. They tend to cry, feel low, overwhelmed, extremely happy, and generally sensitive.

5. Fatigue

Some women feel extremely exhausted before their periods, even when they have not indulged in any strenuous activity.

6. Pimples or Acne

The effect of hormone fluctuations before periods can have an impact on the skin as well. A majority of women experience acne and pimples, and this is known as premenstrual acne. Premenstrual acne disappears easily, but in some cases, a doctor may prescribe hormonal contraceptives to reduce the occurrence of premenstrual breakouts.

7. Weight Gain and Bloating

The body tends to retain water just before the period begins. This is why some women experience bloating before their period, and they notice minor changes such as clothes feeling tight around the body and the feeling of the stomach bulging out as if they have just had a large meal. Many women also gain weight before their period begins. These symptoms vanish as soon as bleeding begins.

Let us now look at some symptoms of pregnancy.

Common Symptoms of Pregnancy

It is important to note that not all women experience the same symptoms. However, most women will experience at least some of these symptoms, and knowledge of these symptoms will help you figure out if you are pregnant. A better way to confirm pregnancy is by performing relevant pregnancy tests.

1. Breast Sensitivity

Breasts are sensitive, and you may experience tenderness, heaviness or soreness if you are pregnant. Breast sensitivity is one of the first and most common signs of pregnancy. Changes in your breasts can be experienced about two weeks after conception.

2. Sleepiness

You may experience fatigue and exhaustion because of the metabolic changes occurring in your body to support a new life.

3. Nausea and Dizziness

Another common symptom of pregnancy is feeling nauseous, especially in the morning. This is called morning sickness, and it is caused due to the rising levels of progesterone. It is usually accompanied by dizziness.

4. Increase in Basal Body Temperature

If you are pregnant, your basal body temperature will increase. The temperature may rise between 0.5 and 1.5 degrees and will remain high.

5. Mood Fluctuations

Feelings of depression, crying spells and feeling extremely overwhelmed are some symptoms related to moods and pregnancy. The hormonal changes in the body are responsible for these mood swings and sensitivity.

6. Food Cravings and Aversions

Food cravings are common if you are pregnant. Your food cravings may be completely wild or totally normal – you may crave foods like pickles or other savoury items, or food that you have never liked or enjoyed before. These cravings may come and go, or stay during the entire duration of pregnancy. Some women may also have severe aversions to certain foods – even foods they once loved.

7. Darkening of Areola

The oestrogen levels in the body increase during pregnancy, and this increase leads to the expansion of the size of the areola or the nipple. The areola may also darken during this time.

8. Cramps

If you are pregnant, you might experience mild cramps in the lower abdomen area or lower back.

9. Skin Darkening

Some women experience a sudden change in their skin colour. This phenomenon is referred to as melasma, and it most commonly occurs on the chin, the upper lip, the forehead, and cheeks.

10. Frequent Urination

The need to relieve yourself frequently can indicate that you might be pregnant. During pregnancy, the uterus grows and pushes the bladder, leading to frequent urination.

11. Headaches

Sudden headaches might occur due to hormonal changes common during pregnancy.

Symptoms Common to Both PMS and Pregnancy

Now that you have seen some of the period symptoms vs pregnancy symptoms separately, here are the symptoms of PMS vs pregnancy to help you identify what you are experiencing. Some symptoms that are common to both include:

• Food cravings
• Breast sensitivity
• Mood swings
• Exhaustion or fatigue
• Cramps
• Headache 
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Acne
• Nausea

Difference Between Periods and Pregnancy Symptoms

If you have a delayed period, you might wonder if your symptoms are pregnancy-related. Comparing the signs of periods vs pregnancy would give you a fair idea. Following are the signs and distinctions of pms vs early pregnancy that can help you decide the difference between pms and pregnancy:

1. Breast Pain

Is breast pain a sign of pregnancy or periods? Well, here’s the difference:

2. Food Cravings and Food Aversions

Some women crave specific food items during PMS or pregnancy.

3. Feeling Bloated

4. Cramps

5. Acne or Pimples

6. Mood Swings

7. Fatigue

8. Headaches

9. Feeling Gassy

10. Spotting

PMS Versus Pregnancy Symptoms Chart

The following table is a quick reference to help you identify whether you are pregnant or experiencing PMS, based on the symptoms.

When Should You Consult a Gynaecologist?

Navigating the differences between PMS and early pregnancy symptoms can be challenging as many symptoms can be similar. Pay attention to your body and consult with a gynaecologist if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy. You should immediately consult a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: 

• Positive pregnancy test
• Severe or persistent PMS symptoms
• Unusual bleeding or discharge
• Concerns about fertility
• Suspected miscarriage 
• Delayed periods 

FAQs

1. Is It Normal to Have Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

Yes, it is normal for many women to experience some PMS symptoms before their menstrual period.

2. Can Women With Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) See Hormonal Changes?

Yes, PMS is believed to be caused by changes in hormonal levels in the body, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Weight and mood are likely to be impacted by fluctuating hormones, from PMS to menopause. They also influence the serotonin in the brain, causing significant mood changes that frequently lead to mood swings. While PMS might be a shipwreck at every hormonal change in some women, it can be smooth in others with no negative changes or repercussions.

3. Can You Get PMS When on Birth Control Pills?

The fluctuating hormones will likely impact weight and mood, from PMS to menopause. They also impact serotonin levels in the brain, which causes mood swings and other significant changes in mood. PMS might be smooth for some women, with no negative changes or repercussions; for others, it can be a shipwreck with every hormone change.

4. Can You Get PMS But No Period?

No, PMS is a collection of symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to menstruation. If you are experiencing PMS-like symptoms but have no period, you should consult a gynaecologist to rule out any underlying conditions.

5. Should You Get Treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

If your PMS symptoms interfere with your daily life or causing significant distress, you should consider seeking treatment from a healthcare provider.

6. What Are the Herbal Remedies That Can Help With PMS?

Some herbal remedies that help alleviate PMS symptoms include chaste berries, evening primrose oil, and black cohosh. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before trying herbal remedies.

7. Will I Still Get Pms Symptoms If I Am Pregnant?

No, PMS symptoms should subside once you become pregnant, as your body no longer goes through the menstrual cycle.

8. At What Age Does PMS Stop?

PMS symptoms typically stop around menopause, which occurs in most women between 45 and 55.

Delayed periods need not always be an indication that you are pregnant. It can be due to various reasons such as stress, hormonal imbalances, use of contraceptives, etc. So, the most appropriate way to determine whether you are pregnant is to consult your doctor and perform the required medical tests.

References/Resources:

1. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS); OASH; https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome

2. Am I Pregnant?; Clever Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant

3. Premenstrual syndrome; MedlinePlus; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001505.htm

4. Reproductive health and mental health; OASH; https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/living-mental-health-condition/reproductive-health-and-mental-health

5. Premenstrual syndrome: Treatment for PMS; Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG);https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279264/; June 2017

Also Read:

Pregnancy Symptoms Come and Go
Uncommon Signs & Symptoms of Pregnancy