PMS or pregnancy: how do you know what these symptoms mean?

Tender breasts, uterine cramps, nausea, fatigue... Some PMS symptoms can be mistaken for the first signs of pregnancy. These natural body reactions are largely caused by hormonal fluctuations, and can be confusing.

So, how do you know if the symptoms you're experiencing are a sign of your period or the start of a possible pregnancy? There are subtle differences to be aware of, such as pain, feelings, and food cravings.

Discover the signs to recognize to differentiate PMS from pregnancy, and our advice on the best course of action to adopt when in doubt.

Why are PMS and pregnancy symptoms similar?

To better understand the topic, let's start by defining PMS. Premenstrual syndrome is a set of symptoms and feelings that affects some women before their period. It generally occurs about 5 to 7 days before the first bleeding begins. There are many disorders associated with PMS. They affect both physical (muscle pain, uterine cramps, headaches, hot flashes, etc.) and emotional (irritability, mental fatigue, excess anger, hypersensitivity, etc.) well-being.

PMS is thought to be partly exacerbated by several factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, or even contraception methods. But it's important to know that hormones are largely responsible. Indeed, during this period of the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease considerably. This plays a role in serotonin (the happy hormone), which is also thought to be on the decline, which would explain these feelings of discomfort. The pain, meanwhile, is caused by the production of prostaglandin, the substance that helps expel the uterine lining during menstruation.

The similarities between PMS and pregnancy symptoms are primarily related to hormonal activity. Hormones play a powerful role in the body, and their fluctuations can trigger all sorts of feelings, both physical and emotional.

PMS or pregnancy: what are the differences in symptoms?

Nausea, fatigue, chest tension, skin changes, lower abdominal cramps, and emotional disturbances are among the most common symptoms associated with PMS or pregnancy.

These symptoms appear just before menstruation in cases of premenstrual syndrome, or early in pregnancy in cases of implantation. They can therefore be confusing because they occur at the same time. However, specific characteristics can help distinguish them and identify the origin of the symptoms.

Fatigue, tender breasts, bloating: PMS or pregnancy?

These symptoms can indicate a possible pregnancy, or they can be a sign of premenstrual syndrome, announcing the arrival of your period. In both cases, they occur due to hormonal fluctuations that wreak havoc on your body. There is a difference that can help you recognize the signs of pregnancy.

If symptoms intensify from week to week, and you experience other problems such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to smells, specific food cravings, etc., it is very likely that you are in early pregnancy. As a reminder, PMS symptoms only last a few days and should normally improve once your period arrives.

A late period is also one of the signs to recognize to differentiate between PMS and pregnancy. It's one of the first factors to check, and if in doubt, taking a pregnancy test is the best solution.

Food cravings and nausea: a distinctive sign?

Other distinctive signs include food cravings and nausea. These are generally symptoms associated with pregnancy. Often, it involves morning sickness, which can cause vomiting or even a feeling of disgust toward certain smells or foods. Conversely, it is possible to experience a change in appetite and specific cravings: sugar, fat, salt, etc.

Nausea can occur during PMS, but it is less frequent and, more importantly, generally shorter. If nausea intensifies after several days or even weeks, it is a possible sign of pregnancy.

Pain and Cramps: Period, PMS or Pregnancy?

Uterine cramps and lower abdominal pain are common during PMS, menstruation, and early pregnancy. They can be confused in terms of sensations, but their origins are not the same. They are caused by different factors:

• Cramps during PMS: These are linked to the excess secretion of prostaglandins, the substances responsible for creating uterine contractions to prepare for the arrival of menstruation.

• Cramps during menstruation: These are caused by uterine contractions which facilitate the expulsion of the uterine lining.

• Cramps during pregnancy: These are caused by the phenomenon of implantation, that is, the implantation of the embryo, which causes pulling in the lower part of the abdomen.

Although these pains are similar, there are some tips to differentiate them and recognize a possible pregnancy.

How do you know if pain is due to your period or pregnancy?

The first factor to consider is the presence of bleeding. This is because during pregnancy, the uterine lining does not deteriorate as it does during menstruation. Once the egg is fertilized, implantation occurs and the embryo implants in the uterus.

If you experience pain but no bleeding and a late period, it could be pregnancy. It's also possible to compare pain to detect a possible pregnancy. For example, if the pain lasts longer than usual and continues and intensifies over several weeks, this could also be a sign that you're pregnant.

Breast pain can also be related to pregnancy. If the breasts swell and become unusually heavy over several weeks, this is also a sign that fertilization has occurred.

Finally, unlike period pain, which primarily affects the uterus, early pregnancy cramps can spread to the pelvic area, lower back, groin, or even the abdomen. The pain develops during pregnancy and continues through the trimesters due to the enlargement of the uterus and hormonal changes.

Are implantation pains comparable to premenstrual pain?

Lower abdominal pain and tightness can be associated with implantation. But unlike PMS, which only lasts a few days, these can last throughout pregnancy.

If the pulling sensations, uterine pain and all other symptoms last longer than usual and you have a late period, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test.

Can you get worse PMS after pregnancy?

After giving birth, it's common to experience more severe and pronounced PMS. This is due to elevated hormone levels, which intensify symptoms. It usually takes a few months for normal hormonal function to return. This phenomenon is not universal and depends on each woman's experience. However, if PMS symptoms become increasingly severe, a gynecological examination may be recommended.

What to do if you are unsure whether PMS is pregnancy?

If you're unsure whether you're experiencing PMS or early pregnancy, listen to your body and note the sensations you're feeling. At the slightest hint of doubt (more intense pain, longer duration, unusual symptoms, late period, etc.), don't hesitate to take a pregnancy test to determine the cause of these symptoms.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

A pregnancy test can be performed as soon as the first unusual symptoms appear, and after a few days of a missed period. A urine test should be supplemented with a blood test for a more reliable result.

Menstrual cycle tracking: an essential tool

Observing and monitoring the menstrual cycle is essential to be able to anticipate changes and better understand your body.

For example, don't hesitate to use a cycle tracking app on your smartphone, or simply record your periods in a diary. This will allow you to know the time of your menstruation, but also ovulation and premenstrual period in order to understand your possible symptoms. It's also an effective way to notice a possible missed period, and to take a pregnancy test quickly if in doubt.

Conclusion

Overall, the symptoms of PMS and early pregnancy can be similar: chest tension, lower abdominal cramps, irritability, fatigue, etc. But it is important to note that despite these similarities, one main factor allows them to be differentiated: duration.

So, if the symptoms are unusually long, intensify week after week, and other symptoms such as breast swelling and hardening, morning sickness, or intense pulling in the uterus and back come into play, it may be pregnancy.

Tracking your menstrual cycle is important for knowing how to differentiate between signs of pregnancy and symptoms of PMS . It is an effective way to notice a possible missed period and detect pregnancy early.