PMS or Pregnancy? How To Tell the Difference...

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Medically reviewed by Andrea L. Braden, MDMedically reviewed by Andrea L. Braden, MDPMS (premenstrual syndrome) is defined as the physical and emotional symptoms people experience in the days leading up to their menstrual period. These symptoms commonly include mood swings, fatigue, headache, bloating, cramps, nausea, and breast tenderness.Many symptoms—such as fatigue, bloating, nausea, and breast tenderness—are common in both PMS and pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant and are waiting to find out, you might feel uncertain about whether your symptoms are PMS symptoms or early pregnancy symptoms. This is a common experience, and it can be challenging to tell the difference. However, there are some key differences.Symptoms of PMS and PregnancyPMS and early pregnancy share many symptoms, which is why it can be so difficult to tell them apart. In fact, many people who find out they are pregnant report that their early pregnancy symptoms were nearly identical to their monthly PMS symptoms.Here are some of the symptoms that PMS and pregnancy share.CrampsCramps are very common during PMS, as well as in the first days of your period. The cramps tend to get more painful as your period draws closer.It’s also common to experience period-like cramps in early pregnancy. This is usually normal and is due to the shifting of your ligaments in your pelvic area (between your hips) as your body changes to accommodate your pregnancy.Ligaments are tissues that connect bones to other bones or muscle tissue. During pregnancy, ligaments that support your uterus stretch—for example, the round ligament, which attaches the front part of your uterus to your groin.Light bleeding may even occur with these cramps. However, severe cramps or bleeding in early pregnancy is not normal, and you should contact a healthcare professional if you are experiencing this.Breast TendernessIt’s very common for your breasts to feel sore and tender during PMS. Your breasts may also increase a bit in size and feel heavier than usual. Breast changes are also common in early pregnancy, including tenderness, size increase, and sensitivity.FatigueYou may feel exhausted the day before your period arrives. Fatigue or lack of energy is one of the most common symptoms of PMS.Fatigue is also prevalent in early pregnancy due to the increase in the hormone progesterone, which helps maintain your pregnancy. Other bodily changes that happen in early pregnancy, including increased blood flow to the uterus, also cause increased fatigue.Digestive UpsetDigestive changes often occur during PMS, including stomachaches, changes in bowel movements, nausea, and bloating.Similar symptoms occur in early pregnancy and may include constipation, bloating, gas, and heartburn.Food CravingsWhile food cravings are strongly associated with pregnancy, many people experience them during PMS as well. You may feel more hungry or thirsty and crave specific types of foods, like desserts.Food cravings and food aversions are common in early pregnancy and can continue throughout pregnancy.Mood SwingsOne defining symptom of PMS is mood swings and other mood changes. Many people report feeling more anxious or depressed before their period. They may also experience anger or irritability. Difficulty concentrating, increased weepiness, and libido (sex drive) changes are also common.Changing moods, including feeling more emotional and having more mood swings, are typical in early pregnancy.HeadachesIt’s quite common for people to experience “menstrual headaches” in the days leading up to their period and during their period itself. This is often due to a drop in the hormone estrogen that occurs during this time.The steep rise in pregnancy hormones during early pregnancy can also cause headaches for many individuals.Symptoms Unique to PregnancyPMS and early pregnancy share many symptoms, but a few symptoms are specific to pregnancy and don’t commonly occur during PMS. Below are some of the clearest examples.No PeriodThe most important distinction between PMS and pregnancy is that you have a period within a week or so of PMS symptoms beginning. With pregnancy, you don't have a period.Implantation BleedingAlthough some people experience spotting or slower flow during the first day of their menstrual period, bleeding isn’t a common symptom during PMS.On the other hand, about 25% of pregnant people experience spotting or light bleeding in early pregnancy. This usually happens about 6-12 days after you’ve conceived, about a week or so before your expected period. This bleeding is often lighter in flow and color than menstrual bleeding.Extreme Nausea and VomitingIt's common to experience some nausea during PMS, along with other digestive symptoms like bloating and changes in bowel movements.However, this nausea (i.e., morning sickness) may be more pronounced in early pregnancy. Vomiting may also occur, whereas PMS doesn’t usually include vomiting. Up to 80% of people experience nausea during pregnancy, and 35-40% vomit in their first trimester.How To Tell the Difference Between PMS and PregnancyFor most people, symptoms alone aren’t enough to tell the difference between PMS and early pregnancy. The symptoms tend to be remarkably similar.A positive pregnancy test is the only way you can know for sure that you are pregnant. Tracking your cycle can also help determine if your period may be late.Tracking Your CycleOne fairly good indication that you may be pregnant is if your period is several days late. You can know this by tracking your cycles and getting to know your normal cycle length. This usually involves tracking the length of your cycles for a few months—recording the first day that you bleed on a calendar or online tracker. You may also want to include other symptoms, such as PMS or ovulation symptoms.After you’ve tracked your cycle for a few months, you will have a ballpark figure of its general length. Then, if it’s late, you might be able to reasonably suspect that you are pregnant. Keep in mind that it’s common for cycle length to vary by a day or two. You are more likely pregnant if your period is several days late, not just one or two days late.Taking a Pregnancy TestA pregnancy test is the most definitive way to know if your symptoms are a result of pregnancy. Most people start by taking at-home pregnancy tests. These tests detect a hormone in your urine called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG or hCG), which rises substantially in early pregnancy.In most cases, at-home pregnancy tests can detect HCG about 10 days after you’ve conceived, which lines up to around the day of your expected period or sometimes a day or two before you expect it.When To See a Healthcare ProviderAt-home pregnancy tests can usually verify your pregnancy correctly by the time you’ve missed your period. However, you might have a negative pregnancy test even if your period is late. In this case, visiting a healthcare provider to verify your pregnancy is probably valuable.A provider can perform other tests to determine if you are pregnant, including blood tests measuring HCG levels. They can also perform ultrasounds to verify your pregnancy.You should also visit a healthcare provider if you suspect you are pregnant and show any concerning signs, such as severe cramping or heavy bleeding.A Quick ReviewPMS and pregnancy have many symptoms in common, including mood swings, headaches, nausea, food cravings, exhaustion, breast tenderness, and cramps. Therefore, it can be challenging to discern if you are experiencing PMS or early pregnancy symptoms.A positive pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure that you are pregnant. Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your symptoms. For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health.com.

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