Women who are trying to get pregnant are often confused between PMS and early pregnancy symptoms, as they are quite similar.
However, certain symptoms experienced during early pregnancy are unique. In this article, let’s discuss the difference between PMS and pregnancy in brief.
Missed periods are one of the major signs of pregnancy, but the symptoms before the period is due are quite similar to those of early pregnancy.
Table of Contents
What is PMS?
PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome is a combination of both physical and emotional symptoms that most women have days before the start of their menstrual cycle.
Although PMS is a common phenomena, the symptoms and severity can vary from person to person.
What is early pregnancy?
As the name suggests, early pregnancy is the earlier stage of pregnancy where the fetus is just beginning to form and all the major parts of the body are starting to develop. The first trimester is called the early pregnancy.
Mutual symptoms of PMS and pregnancy
- Abdominal cramps
- Fatigue
- Breast changes
- Mood swings
- Food cravings
- Back pain
- Headache
- Constipation
How to find the difference between PMS and pregnancy?
The major difference between pms and pregnancy are:
The difference between periods and pregnancy symptoms are:
- Missed periods or delayed periods: Missed or delayed periods are one of the major symptoms of early pregnancy that is different from PMS.
- Spotting: Spotting is pretty uncommon during PMS, but spotting or implantation bleeding after fertilization is usual and is a common hidden pregnancy sign.
- Nausea and vomiting: Although some women might have nausea or vomiting due to digestive issues, not all women have nausea during PMS. But nausea and vomiting are two of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy.
- Nipple darkening: Another common symptom of early pregnancy is nipple darkening. The hormones progesterone and estrogen are secreted at higher levels during pregnancy to prepare the breasts for breast milk.
- Dizziness: Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, and it is very uncommon during PMS.
- Food aversion: Although food cravings are common during both PMS and pregnancy, food aversion is a unique symptom of pregnancy. It could be due to hormonal changes in the body.
- Implantation bleeding: Implantation usually occurs 12 to 14 days after conception. The flow will not be like regular periods, which is another unique symptom of early pregnancy.
- Increased urination: During pregnancy, the amount of fluid content in the body is increased, and the uterus starts to swell up to accommodate the baby, which causes increased or frequent urination.
- Timing: PMS symptoms usually start a few days before their period is due. Whereas, early pregnancy symptoms can start as early as a week after conception.
When can I confirm my pregnancy?
Once you know the difference between pms and pregnancy, can take a pregnancy test after a week of missed periods. Although some pregnancy tests are sensitive enough to detect HCG levels as soon as a day or two after pregnancy, healthcare professionals suggest taking a test only after a week of missed periods.
When to consult with a gynecologist?
It is important to consult with a gynecologist if your period is over a week late. If you are not pregnant but have other symptoms, ensure to consult with a gynecologist and get adequate treatment.
It is also important to talk to a gynecologist for period pain relief if your cramps are heavy and unbearable.
Apart from that, healthcare professionals also recommend getting a routine gynecological checkup once every six months.
Conclusion
While PMS and pregnancy symptoms have many similarities, there are enough factors with which one can distinguish the symptoms. It is important to keep track of your period and consult with a gynecologist if the symptoms worsen.
If you still cannot find the difference between pms and pregnancy, and your period is late, consult with a healthcare professional ASAP.
For consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733 for easy appointments.
FAQ
1. How do you know if your period is coming or your pregnant?
A few symptoms that are common in early pregnancy are:
- Missed periods
- Spotting/Implantation bleeding
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Food aversion
- Nipple darkening
2. What’s the difference between period cramps and pregnancy cramps?
Although it is difficult to differentiate between periods and pregnancy cramps, it is said that pregnancy cramps are milder than menstrual cramps.
3. Can pregnancy and period symptoms feel the same?
Yes, most pregnancy and PMS symptoms are pretty similar, which makes it difficult to differentiate them, such as:
- Abdominal cramps
- Fatigue
- Breast changes
- Mood swings
- Food cravings
- Back pain
- Headache
- Constipation
4. What is the difference between period and pregnancy discharge?
Although it is difficult to differentiate pregnancy and period vaginal discharge, healthcare experts say that pregnancy discharge is creamier, thicker, and whiter than regular vaginal discharge.
5. When do PMS symptoms start if not pregnant?
PMS symptoms start around a week before one’s period is due. But pregnancy symptoms might kick in as soon as implantation occurs.
