Pregnancy Or PMS? 4 Crucial Ways You Can Spot The Difference

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) causes many similar symptoms that hold quite many similarities with the symptoms of early pregnancies, making it challenging for many to distinguish between the two. It's like nature's way of throwing a bit of mystery into the mix. However, there are some minor differences to differentiate between early pregnancy symptoms and PMS symptoms. 

For those on the journey of family planning, the two-week span post-ovulation becomes a waiting game filled with emotions. Whether you're hoping for a positive sign or praying for a negative one, this period is a rollercoaster of anticipation. The stretch between ovulation and a potentially missed period, if you're pregnant, transforms into a myriad of emotions, with anxiety often leading the charge. Picture it as waiting for a letter that could change your life, but instead, you find yourself taking multiple pregnancy tests, each holding the promise of an answer. Here are four key ways to decode the subtle differences between early pregnancy symptoms and the quirks of PMS, making sense of the two-week wait.

Pregnant Or Not?

Home pregnancy test kits mostly mark 100 percent accurate pregnancy results after the first day of missed periods, while many sensitive and advanced home pregnancy tests now show results after 10–13 days of conception. During this period, while everything may feel like a pregnancy symptom, we are here for you to rule out the difference between pregnancy symptoms and PMS symptoms. 

Mutual Symptoms of Pregnancy and PMS:

Before we delve deeper into the topic, it is important to learn some mutual symptoms of early pregnancy and PMS, as it can be incredibly confusing to navigate the world of hormonal fluctuations, especially when trying to decipher between PMS and pregnancy! Here are some of the most common mutual symptoms of PMS and pregnancy:

1. Mood swings: Both PMS and early pregnancy can bring on a rollercoaster of emotions and mood fluctuations. Irritability, anxiety, and weepiness are common culprits in both scenarios. 
2. Breast pain and tenderness: Breasts might become sore, tingly, and heavier in both cases. While the intensity and timing might differ slightly, it can be tricky to tell apart based on this symptom alone.
3. Constipation: Fluctuations in progesterone can lead to sluggish digestion and constipation in both PMS and early pregnancy. This can be another frustratingly ambiguous symptom.
4. Headaches and backaches: These common aches and cramps can plague you during both PMS and pregnancy. However, they are not very reliable indicators of either one. 
5. Food cravings and aversions: While both PMS and pregnancy can involve altered appetite, intense cravings for specific foods and strong aversions are more indicative of pregnancy.
6. Increased urination: This might seem surprising, but frequent trips to the bathroom can occur in both cases. It's due to hormonal changes affecting your bladder and the increased blood flow in your body during pregnancy.

What's The Difference Between Symptoms Of Pregnancy And PMS?

• Bleeding or spotting: Light vaginal bleeding or spotting of pink or dark brown colour may occur a few days before the expected period, which happens 10–14 days after conception. This is called implantation bleeding and may last for a day or two. Though not every pregnant woman experiences this, one will not experience it during PMSing.
• Nausea and vomiting: Morning sickness can occur at any time of day and is a fairly common sign of early pregnancy. While digestive discomfort might occur with PMS, full-blown nausea and vomiting are less common.
• Cramping: Both pregnancy and PMS result in lower abdominal pain and backaches. it is important to note that cramps during your PMS may occur 24-48 hours before your periods and can be similar to your menstrual cramps, while if you are pregnant, you might experience milder cramps than your menstrual cramps and may persist throughout implantation bleeding.
• Breast changes: During pregnancy, breasts may become sore, tingly, and heavier. Montgomery tubercles, the small bumps around the nipple, may also become more prominent. While breast tenderness can also occur with PMS, it's typically less pronounced and doesn't involve the Montgomery tubercles.

While many symptoms overlap, some tend to be more indicative of one or the other. For example, nausea and vomiting, missing your period, and changes in nipple colour or texture are more suggestive of pregnancy.

It is important to note that these are just general details and are in no way substituted for those written by a qualified medical professional, and symptoms may differ from person to person. Remember, experiencing one or two of these symptoms isn't definitive. If you're unsure, taking a home pregnancy test or consulting your doctor can help clarify the situation.