What is the Difference Between PMS and Pregnancy Symptoms?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Many symptoms can occur with both pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), making it challenging to differentiate between the two. Some common symptoms include mood changes, constipation, breast pain and tenderness, fatigue, bleeding, cramping, headaches, and appetite changes. However, there are some differences and unique symptoms for each:
PMS Symptoms:
- Mood changes typically occur before menstruation begins and usually stop after the period starts.
- Breast tenderness and fatigue generally go away once the period starts.
- Symptoms usually occur one to two weeks before the period and stop after the period starts.
Pregnancy Symptoms:
- Nausea, especially during the early stages of pregnancy, is a symptom not typically experienced with PMS.
- Missing a period is a strong indicator of pregnancy.
- Breast changes, such as swollen, sensitive, and tender breasts, can occur in early pregnancy and PMS, but nipple changes, including nipples that stick out more and darkened areolas, are more specific to pregnancy.
It is essential to note that the differences between PMS and pregnancy symptoms can be subtle and vary from person to person. The best way to determine the cause of the symptoms is to take a pregnancy test. If you have questions or concerns about any of your symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Comparative Table: PMS vs Pregnancy Symptoms
The following table compares the differences between PMS and pregnancy symptoms:
| Symptom | PMS | Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|
| Breast pain and tenderness | Breast-related symptoms are usually most significant just before a menstrual period and typically get better during the period or just after it ends[^2^]. | Breast changes tend to persist throughout the entire pregnancy[^2^]. |
| Mood changes | Mood changes are common in both early pregnancy and the days leading up to a period. They typically occur before menstruation begins[^2^]. | If mood changes persist and a person misses their period, this may suggest pregnancy[^2^]. |
| Fatigue | Fatigue is common in early stages of pregnancy, but it also occurs as a sign of PMS in many women[^1^]. | Fatigue in pregnancy tends to persist throughout the entire pregnancy[^5^]. |
| Bleeding or spotting | Mild spotting sometimes occurs around the time of a menstrual period[^1^]. | Spotting typically lasts for just a day or two[^5^]. |
| Cramping | Cramping is a common symptom of both PMS and early pregnancy[^2^]. | Cramping in pregnancy often occurs as a result of implantation[^2^]. |
It is essential to note that individual experiences may vary, and the only way to find out if you are pregnant is with a pregnancy test[^1^].
- Pregnancy vs Period Symptoms
- Pregnancy Symptoms vs Menstrual Symptoms
- Pregnancy Cramps vs Period Cramps
- Pregnancy Spotting vs Period
- Pregnancy Bleeding vs Period
- Gestation vs Pregnancy
- Progestin vs Progesterone
- Postpartum vs Postnatal Depression
- Ovulation vs Menstruation
- Postpartum Depression vs Postpartum Blues
- Spotting vs Period
- Oestrogen vs Progesterone
- PCOD vs PCOS
- Perimenopause vs Menopause
- Gestational Hypertension vs Preeclampsia
- Progesterone vs Estrogen
- PCOS vs Endometriosis
- Problem vs Symptom
- Symptom vs Syndrome