How to Know If You Are Experiencing PMS vs. Pregnancy Symptoms

Breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, fatigue – the signs of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy can be very similar. If you’re experiencing what feels like PMS, but haven’t started your period yet, you may be wondering … PMS vs pregnancy symptoms, what’s the difference? 

We’ll explore PMS symptoms, the early signs of pregnancy before a missed period, common overlapping symptoms between the two conditions, and the best way to tell the difference. 

PMS vs Pregnancy Symptoms 

With so many similar symptoms, it can be challenging to figure out whether your period is on the horizon or you’re experiencing the first signs of pregnancy. 

Let’s take a closer look at the signs and symptoms of each condition to help solve the puzzle.

What Are the Symptoms of PMS? 

PMS symptoms, which usually occur a week or two before your period, may include both physical and emotional changes. These changes can range from mild to severe, depending on the person. The list of potential PMS symptoms is long, but you may only experience a few of them. 

Physical PMS symptoms may include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Cramping
• Fatigue 
• Headache or backache
• Joint or muscle pain 
• Weight gain due to fluid retention 

Emotional or mental PMS symptoms may include:

• Anxiety or depression 
• Appetite changes or food cravings
• Crying spells or feelings of sadness 
• Changes in libido
• Irritability or mood swings 
• Insomnia or other sleep irregularities 
• Trouble concentrating

Keep in mind, PMS symptoms are different for every person. You may experience physical or emotional symptoms, or both. It’s also possible for PMS symptoms to change throughout your life. 

If you’re experiencing severe PMS symptoms that are impacting your daily life, consider seeking out treatment to help ease your discomfort. 

What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy? 

The biggest sign that you’re pregnant is a missed period, but it’s possible to experience pregnancy symptoms like fatigue, breast tenderness, and nausea before your period is due. Early signs of pregnancy can differ from person to person, and vary between pregnancies for the same person, so keep that in mind as you review these symptoms.

Early signs of pregnancy may include:

• Nausea 
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination 
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Some women may experience implantation spotting (light bleeding or spotting 10 to 14 days after conception)

Less common symptoms of early pregnancy can include:

• Food cravings
• Food aversions
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Mood swings

When pregnancy symptoms begin will vary depending on the individual. Some may experience signs of pregnancy within a few days of conception, while others may not feel pregnant until a few weeks later. 

The only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Reliable pregnancy tests are available at your local pharmacy without a prescription. According to the Cleveland Clinic, at-home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate when used correctly.

After an at-home test, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a confirmation of pregnancy and to receive early prenatal care.

How Do Pregnancy and PMS Symptoms Overlap?

Common overlapping symptoms of pregnancy and PMS include fatigue, breast tenderness, mood swings, bloating and mild cramping, making it easy to confuse the two. That said, pregnancy symptoms are often more intense and last longer. 

Symptoms unique to pregnancy may include:

• Missed periods
• Frequent urination
• Nausea, which can occur at any time of the day, not just in the morning

Two other ways to tell the difference between PMS and pregnancy symptoms:

• PMS symptoms typically start the week before your period and go away once your period starts.
• If you’re pregnant, you may experience light implantation spotting, while with your period, you’ll experience bleeding just after PMS that typically lasts between 3 and 7 days. 

When Should I Consider Taking a Pregnancy Test?

Because the early signs of pregnancy and PMS symptoms are similar, you may not be able to tell if you’re pregnant or simply getting ready to start your period. Taking a pregnancy test is the most reliable way to know for sure.

You can take a pregnancy test as soon as you miss your period, but to get the most accurate results, it’s best to wait at least one week after a missed period. If you take a pregnancy test too soon, it may result in a false negative.. 

Associates in Women’s Healthcare: Compassionate Care for Women by Women

If you’ve missed your period and received a positive result on an at-home pregnancy test, the next step is to schedule an appointment to confirm pregnancy. Or you can simply schedule your initial pregnancy test with us, depending on your circumstances. We’ll work with you through all the stages of your pregnancy to provide the comprehensive team-based care you deserve.

Alternatively, if what you’re experiencing are PMS symptoms and they’re impacting your daily life, we can suggest remedies to help alleviate the pain and mood swings that are common during this time. 

We invite you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.