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PMS vs. Pregnancy Symptoms: What’s the Difference?

PMS vs. Pregnancy Symptoms: What’s the Difference?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and pregnancy can cause similar symptoms due to hormonal changes, making it challenging for individuals to determine whether they are pregnant or if their period is coming. If you have reason to believe you may be pregnant, it is important to visit a healthcare specialist for a pregnancy test to determine the nature of your symptoms. Dr. Richard Beyerlein, MD, provides women’s health services. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online now! We are conveniently located at 911 Country Club Rd Suite 222, Eugene, OR 97401.

PMS vs. Pregnancy Symptoms: What’s the Difference? | Dr. Richard Beyerlein MD Near Me in Eugene, OR
PMS vs. Pregnancy Symptoms: What’s the Difference? | Dr. Richard Beyerlein MD Near Me in Eugene, OR

Table of Contents:

What distinguishes PMS from a pregnancy?
How early do pregnancy signs start?
What are some common symptoms of both periods and pregnancy?
How are you able to tell if your period is coming or you’re pregnant?

What distinguishes PMS from a pregnancy?


Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and pregnancy can present with many overlapping symptoms, making it difficult for individuals to distinguish them based on symptom presentation alone.
 
However, there are some signs that more likely indicate pregnancy than PMS. A missed or late period can be indicative of a possible pregnancy, but it can also occur for reasons unrelated to pregnancy, such as stress, menopause, birth control, or medical conditions like thyroid disease.
 
Feelings of nausea and vomiting, often referred to as morning sickness, are not usually associated with PMS and are indicative of early pregnancy. Typically, nausea and vomiting symptoms ease following the initial period of pregnancy, although for some, they may continue. Changes to the nipples, such as darkening or enlarging of the areola, are more typically associated with pregnancy, although breast changes can occur during both pregnancy and PMS.
 
The time frame in which individuals observe symptoms of pregnancy can vary among women. Each woman’s body is unique, and there is a range in the timing of the first signs of pregnancy.
 
However, in most individuals, symptoms may appear as early as one to two weeks following conception. Some individuals may notice signs of pregnancy within a matter of days after conception, even ahead of a missed period.

How early do pregnancy signs start?


The timing of early pregnancy signs can vary among individuals. Generally, symptoms of pregnancy may appear as early as one to two weeks following conception.
 
For some, feelings of pregnancy can be noticed within days after conception, even prior to a missed period. The earliest signs of pregnancy often include a missed period, fatigue, frequent urination, sore or swollen breasts, and morning sickness, which is capable of occurring at any time of the day, not just in the morning.
 
Some individuals may not start experiencing symptoms until their period is significantly late or even further into pregnancy. Other early symptoms of pregnancy can include mood swings, bloating, cramping, and spotting.

What are some common symptoms of both periods and pregnancy?


Periods and pregnancy share many overlapping symptoms, which can make it difficult for individuals to determine the cause of the symptoms on their own. PMS involves a wide range of varying symptoms, both emotional and physical, occurring before an individual’s period. Symptoms can include breast tenderness, swelling, and tenderness that range from mild to severe, and the breasts can feel dense or bumpy. During pregnancy, the breasts may feel sensitive, sore, and tender, and in both cases, they can feel heavier and fuller.
 
Stomach cramping is another common overlap. During PMS, cramping usually occurs 24 to 48 hours before the period and often decreases as an individual ages or after their first pregnancy. Mild to light cramping is typically associated with the early stages of pregnancy but may occur lower in the stomach than during PMS or in the lower back.
 
Emotional symptoms, including mood changes and fatigue, can occur during both pregnancy and PMS, further complicating the differentiation between the two.

How are you able to tell if your period is coming or you’re pregnant?


Given the many potential overlaps in symptoms, it can be challenging for individuals to determine whether they are pregnant or if their period is coming. If you have reason to believe you may be pregnant, it is important to visit a healthcare specialist like Dr. Richard Beyerlein, MD, for a pregnancy test to determine the nature of your symptoms.
 
A missed period is one of the most notable signs of pregnancy, but it can also result from other causes such as stress, weight fluctuations, thyroid conditions, and some methods of contraception. If your period does not arrive shortly after experiencing shared symptoms of PMS or pregnancy, it may be a good time to visit a healthcare provider for a pregnancy test.
 
Additionally, if you experience any symptoms specifically associated with pregnancy, such as nausea or changes in the nipples, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.
 
Individuals with irregular periods or those who skip their cycle in the absence of pregnancy should also consider undergoing a test to confirm pregnancy, especially if they are sexually active and not using birth control.
 
Dr. Richard Beyerlein, MD, provides women’s health services. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online now! We are conveniently located at 911 Country Club Rd Suite 222, Eugene, OR 97401. We serve patients from Eugene OR, Springfield OR, Creswell OR, Coburg OR,  Cottage Grove OR, Lowell OR, Junction City OR, and surrounding areas.