Am I Pregnant or Is My Period Coming?
Pregnant or PMS? How to Spot the Key Differences
If you are thinking about whether your symptoms are an indication of pregnancy or simply premenstrual symptoms, you are not alone. Many women in today’s world experience the same issue (physical changes and emotional turmoil) during both early pregnancy and the days when their bodies are preparing for menstruation.
Though symptoms of premenstrual stage and pregnancy are often similar, some differences help distinguish between the two health conditions. Here, you will explore the differences between early pregnancy and premenstrual symptoms. So you can better understand your health and know when to take a pregnancy test.
What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. In general, a woman experiences PMS symptoms one to two weeks before her period. And interestingly, they typically stop after the period starts.
The Key Differences: PMS Symptoms vs. Pregnancy Symptoms
Here are the key differences that are explained in the table format. Note that these differences can be subtle and can vary from one person to another.
Aspects | Premenstrual Syndrome | Early Pregnancy |
Breast Pain | You can experience breast swelling and tenderness. It generally happens in the second half of your menstrual cycle. Tenderness becomes severe just before your period starts.
Some women may also notice a sensation of fullness accompanied by significant discomfort.
| During early pregnancy, you may feel soreness and your breasts can become tender to touch. Most women experience this issue generally one to two weeks after they conceive. |
Bleeding | Bleeding is uncommon during PMS. However, some women may experience light spotting. | For many women, one of the early symptoms of pregnancy is experiencing light vaginal bleeding. Generally, the colour of blood is pink or dark brown. When considering time, it usually happens 1-2 weeks after you conceive. |
Fatigue | Fatigue and difficulty sleeping can occur during PMS, typically resolving once menstruation begins. | During pregnancy, you also feel tired. In this case, it becomes severe during your first trimester and lasts till the last month. |
Nausea | Nausea and vomiting are uncommon in PMS but are classic symptoms of early pregnancy, often referred to as morning sickness. | You may experience morning sickness(one of the classic and clear signs of pregnancy) and vomiting if you are pregnant. |
Food Cravings | During PMS, your eating habits may change. You may start to consume chocolates, sugars, sweets, and salty foods more than ever. Some women also experience compulsive eating. | During pregnancy, you may experience high cravings towards specific foods. On the contrary, you may lose interest in certain foods. |
Cramping | If you have PMS, you may experience cramps that generally develop 1 to 2 days before your period. The majority of women experience severe menstrual cramps at an early age. | If you have conceived, you may experience mild cramps. |
Some Symptoms Unique to Early Pregnancy
Some symptoms are more indicative of early pregnancy. Those are unique. They are:
● A Missed Period
Missing a menstrual cycle is one of the most obvious signs of early pregnancy. If your period is delayed and you have had unprotected sex with your partner, there is a high chance you could be pregnant.
In such cases, take a pregnancy test—some tests can detect pregnancy earlier than others.
● Nausea
You may witness slight digestive discomfort just before your menstrual cycle, but nausea and vomiting are not usual PMS symptoms. Those are common signs of early pregnancy.
As per medical findings, nausea affects up to 80% of women in pregnancy. Pregnant women deal with nausea and vomiting, usually in the first eight weeks of pregnancy.
● Nipple Changes
Though experiencing changes in the breast can happen during both health conditions, finding changes to the nipples, like increased sensitivity, enlargement, etc., rarely happens during PMS.
If you find the areola(the coloured part around the nipple) gets bigger and darker, you are probably pregnant.
If you detect signs of early pregnancy in your body, it is advisable to take at-home pregnancy tests to confirm the fact. If you get a positive result, make an appointment with a certified healthcare professional and plan the next steps. Also, contact a doctor if you get a negative result and miss three periods in a row.
Explore Relevant Symptoms and Conditions
This FAQ page contains information for general purpose only and has no medical or legal advice. For any personalized advice, do refer company's policy documents or consult a licensed health insurance agent. T & C apply.