PMS or pregnant? How you can tell the difference

The female body is subject to many hormonal fluctuations during the course of a cycle. Shortly before the onset of the period, many women* notice changes in their body and mood. PMS symptoms, which are typical for this time, can be very similar to the early signs of pregnancy. This begs the question for many: am I pregnant or is it PMS?

Both pregnancy and PMS can bring physical and emotional changes, but there are certain differences that can help us tell the two conditions apart. In this blog post, we'll compare early pregnancy signs and PMS symptoms to develop a better understanding of what's going on in the female body.

Breast Sensitivity:

A common symptom of both PMS and early pregnancy is breast tenderness. The breasts can be painful and tender, but in pregnancy this condition can be more pronounced and last longer than in PMS.

Nausea and vomiting:

Morning sickness and vomiting are often signs of pregnancy and usually occur in the early morning hours. In PMS, many women* also experience nausea, but nausea with vomiting is uncommon and rarely occurs.

Fatigue:

Exhaustion and fatigue are common in both PMS and early pregnancy. However, fatigue may be more intense and last longer during pregnancy. Women* who are pregnant often feel an overwhelming desire for rest and sleep.

Mood swings:

Both PMS and pregnancy can lead to emotional changes. Women* with PMS may be irritable, anxious, or sad. During pregnancy, similar mood swings occur due to hormonal changes, but they can also be expressed through joy, excitement, and happiness.

Changes in sense of smell and taste:

A common sign of pregnancy is increased sensitivity to smells. Women* often report a heightened sense of smell, even shying away from certain odors. In PMS, such changes generally do not occur.

Menstrual cycle:

An important difference between pregnancy signs and PMS symptoms lies in the menstrual cycle. In PMS, symptoms usually appear one to two weeks before the expected period and subside when menstruation begins. In pregnancy, on the other hand, the period does not occur. 

Other than a pregnancy test, the surest way to know if you could be pregnant or if it's PMS symptoms is to look at the time in your cycle. If you've been monitoring your basal body temperature and it's been elevated for 18 days or more, pregnancy is very likely. However, if your basal body temperature has only been elevated for a few days, it is probably PMS.

Conclusion

Although PMS symptoms and early pregnancy signs can be similar, there are some differences between the two. Absence of menstruation, increased breast tenderness, morning sickness with vomiting, persistent fatigue, marked mood swings, and changes in sense of smell and taste can be indicators of pregnancy, while these symptoms are less pronounced or absent in PMS.

It is important to note that everyone's body reacts differently and not all women* experience the same symptoms. Some women* may also have PMS symptoms that resemble those of pregnancy, even though they are not pregnant. If you are unsure if you are pregnant or if it is PMS, it is advisable to see a doctor and take a pregnancy test to be sure.