Difference Between PMS and Pregnancy Symptoms
Missed periods are among the most prevalent early indicators of pregnancy. However, as all ladies are aware, it is not always that easy. There are many subtle indicators that you might be pregnant, or that it is that 'time of the month', or a different thing is happening.
A collection of symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle is known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 weeks before the start of the period. Usually, they end when your period begins.
It can be stressful to consider whether you are excited to have a child. Here are some tips for identifying the differences and what to do next.
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Difference Between PMS and Pregnancy Symptoms
Here are the differences between PMS and pregnancy symptoms in a tabular form:
| Symptoms | PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) | Pregnancy |
| Breast Pain or Tenderness | Breasts may feel swollen, tender, and full, especially in the outer areas. Pain ranges from mild to severe and improves once the period starts. | Breasts may feel sore, sensitive, fuller, and heavier. Tenderness starts 1 to 2 weeks after conception and lasts longer. |
| Bleeding or Spotting | No spotting – menstrual flow is heavier and lasts up to a week. | Light spotting (pink or brown) may occur 1 to 2 weeks after conception but is not enough to fill a pad or tampon. |
| Mood Changes | Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and crying easily. Symptoms improve after the period starts. | Stronger emotional shifts last throughout pregnancy, with highs and lows, including excitement or sadness. |
| Fatigue | Tiredness and trouble sleeping are common but improve once the period starts. Exercise and rest help. | Persistent fatigue due to rising progesterone, especially in the first trimester, may last throughout pregnancy. |
| Nausea | Rare but mild digestive discomfort or bloating may occur. | Morning sickness (nausea with or without vomiting) starts around a month after conception and can happen at any time. |
| Bloating | Common before the period due to hormonal fluctuations, but it usually subsides once the period starts. | Bloating can also occur in early pregnancy and may persist due to hormonal changes affecting digestion. |
| Food Cravings | Cravings for sweets, carbs, and salty foods; appetite may increase but is not extreme. | Stronger and more specific cravings, food aversions, and sensitivity to smells – possible pica (craving non-food items). |
| Cramping | Menstrual cramps begin 24 to 48 hours before the period, usually easing as the flow continues. | Mild cramps in the lower abdomen or back, lasting weeks or months. If severe or with bleeding, seek medical advice. |
| Constipation | Some may experience constipation before their period, but symptoms often improve once the period begins. | Constipation is more common in pregnancy, especially in the first two trimesters, due to hormonal changes slowing digestion. |
Symptoms Unique to Pregnancy
Early pregnancy is more likely to be indicated by certain symptoms than by PMS. However, the only way to be certain is to consult a doctor or take a home pregnancy test.
1. A Missed Period
One of the most noticeable indicators of pregnancy is missing a period. Take a pregnancy test if your period is late, and you think you could be pregnant. Pregnancy can be detected earlier by some pregnancy tests than by others.
Nevertheless, there are numerous additional causes for a missing or delayed period, including:
● Low body weight
● Excessive stress
● PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome
● Changing birth control techniques
● Medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid during menopause
2. Increased Urination
It is not common with PMS but is an early pregnancy symptom. Rising human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and progesterone levels increase kidney activity. This leads to frequent urination, which may start early and persist as the uterus grows. PMS-related bloating may cause temporary urinary changes, but they normalise once the period begins.
If urination is excessive and paired with symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or breast tenderness, pregnancy could be a possibility. However, if accompanied by pain or burning, it might indicate a UTI, requiring medical attention. If unsure, taking a pregnancy test can help determine the cause of increased urination.
3. Changes to the Nipple
Irregularities to the nipples seldom occur prior to a period. However, changes in the breasts can occur with both pregnancy and PMS. Such changes occur due to increased blood flow and hormonal shifts.
The areolas, i.e., the pigmented region surrounding the nipple, become bigger or darker and develop small bumps. These changes often begin early in pregnancy and persist throughout.
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Premenstrual Syndrome Treatments
Though there is no cure for Premenstrual Syndrome, different premenstrual syndrome therapies can help ease symptoms. These consist of:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction methods can all help lessen the intensity of PMS symptoms.
2. Over-the-Counter Drugs
Ibuprofen and naproxen are two examples of drugs that can help treat headaches, cramps, and other bodily discomforts. Diuretics can also lessen bloating.
3. Prescription Drugs
To control hormones and lessen PMS symptoms, a doctor may recommend antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives, or other drugs in extreme situations.
4. Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture, massage, and herbal supplements are some of the alternative treatments that some women find to be effective in reducing the symptoms of PMS. To be sure these therapies are safe and suitable for your particular requirements, it is imperative that you speak with a doctor before attempting them.
When to See a Doctor
A pregnancy test is to be conducted at home. Test kits are available to anyone who thinks they might be pregnant. If the test is positive, schedule a visit with a physician to verify the pregnancy and discuss the next course of action.
Another effective course of action is to call a doctor if the test results are negative, but the patient still misses three consecutive periods. The physician can offer treatment recommendations and assist in identifying the cause of a missed or delayed period. They might also address concerns over any odd symptoms.
Finding the source of your symptoms is crucial. The sooner you become aware of your pregnancy, the quicker you can receive the appropriate care. Taking a pregnancy test is the best approach to distinguish between PMS symptoms and those of an early pregnancy.
Monitoring your symptoms might also help you identify any changes to your usual pattern. Make sure to consult a physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your symptoms.
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Although it is not a sign of pregnancy, diarrhoea is a typical symptom of PMS.
Both PMS and early pregnancy can cause weight gain, bloating, and excessive gas. Early in pregnancy, some women lose weight, particularly women who experience more severe nausea and vomiting.
With both PMS and early pregnancy, one's breasts may be larger, more sensitive and more tender. You might notice additional nipple changes during pregnancy, such as darker areolas and protruding nipples.
Initial pregnancy fatigue is more frequently characterised as "extreme" or "feeling very tired". PMS-related sleep problems can vary and may include feeling a little more fatigued, sleeping less or more than usual, taking longer naps throughout the day, and having trouble falling asleep.
While general mood swings are thought to be a symptom of early pregnancy, PMS is known to cause specific mood changes. These include sadness, depression, a desire to avoid social situations, anxiety, irritability, sudden outbursts of anger, more crying than usual, confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, clumsiness, and a decrease in sexual desire.
PMS and early pregnancy both frequently cause nausea, but early pregnancy is more likely to cause nausea with vomiting.
Backaches and cramps in the abdomen are typical PMS symptoms. Be sure to consult your healthcare practitioner if, following a confirmed pregnancy test, your abdominal discomfort is accompanied by additional symptoms. These may include lower back pain, bleeding, severe pain, or atypical vaginal discharge. Even though abdominal pain is often normal in the early stages of pregnancy.
In the early stages of pregnancy, you could experience food cravings while avoiding others, or you might even lose your appetite entirely. Changes in appetite and food cravings are common symptoms of PMS.
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Information on the Symptom page is for general awareness purposes and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment. T & C apply For further detailed information or inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at marketing.d2c@starhealth.in
