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PMS vs. Pregnancy Symptoms: How to Tell the Difference

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PMS vs. Pregnancy Symptoms: How to Tell the Difference

Our bodies can be pretty confusing, especially when it comes to telling the difference between PMS and early pregnancy symptoms. One minute, you're sure your period’s about to show up (those familiar cramps and mood swings are hard to ignore), and the next, you're Googling "How soon can I take a pregnancy test?" It's frustrating, overwhelming, and honestly, exhausting. The last thing you need is to feel caught off guard, unprepared, and stressed out about what's happening with your body 

We’re here to help you sort through the symptoms and explain how you can learn the difference between PMS and pregnancy symptoms. Let’s break it down and hopefully take some of that weight off your shoulders. 

understanding PMS vs. pregnancy symptoms 

First, let’s talk about what’s going on in that complex body of yours during PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and also during early pregnancy. Both situations involve a rollercoaster of hormonal fluctuations, and that’s where things get tricky. 

Hormones like progesterone and estrogen fluctuate wildly whether you're about to get your period or you're newly pregnant. These fluctuations lead to similar symptoms that could have you either reaching for a pregnancy test or stocking up on period products. 

overview of common symptoms for both PMS and early pregnancy 

PMS symptoms and early pregnancy symptoms do have a lot in common, making it easy for you to confuse one over the other. We're talking about signs like mood swings, fatigue, cramps, tender breasts, and nausea — yup, all those physical and emotional cues can point to either PMS or pregnancy. However, there are key differences. 

 

common symptoms of pregnancy 

  • missed period - Can you still get your period while pregnant? If your menstrual period doesn’t show up as expected and you’re sexually active, it might be time to consider a home pregnancy test.  

  • nausea - Feeling queasy is common in early pregnancy, especially with morning sickness. However, in an early pregnancy, it can happen at any time of day and may last longer than the occasional nausea before your period. You may also notice a heightened sense of smell, which can suddenly make familiar scents unbearable. 

  • cramps - Early pregnancy cramps tend to be mild and come and go rather than being persistent, often feeling more like twinges than menstrual cramps. 

  • breast tenderness - Your breasts might feel extra sensitive or fuller, which can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. 

  • implantation bleeding - Once you're pregnant, true menstruation stops, but light spotting can still happen during early pregnancy. This is known as implantation bleeding, and it is typically much lighter and shorter than a regular period.  

  • fatigue - Early pregnancy can bring on  tiredness due to rising progesterone levels. 

  • irritability - Small things might set you off, even if they wouldn’t normally. Higher estrogen levels can intensify these feelings. 

  • anxiety - Hormone changes might increase anxiety, causing you to feel on edge or overthink.  

  • mood changes - Emotional swings are normal in early pregnancy, with sudden shifts between joy, irritability, and sadness.  

common symptoms of PMS 

  • cramps – Those nagging menstrual cramps that feel like your uterus is trying to fold itself into origami are one of the most familiar symptoms of PMS. These happen when your uterus contracts to shed its lining. They can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, making everyday activities challenging for some. 

  • bloating – This uncomfortable feeling of fullness is caused by hormonal fluctuations. These hormones can cause your body to retain water and gas, leaving you feeling puffy or swollen in your abdomen. Bloating typically starts a few days before your period and may continue into the first few days of your cycle. 

  • breast tendernessOr, as some like to call it, “Ow, please don’t hug me too hard.”] The hormone progesterone rises before your period, making tender breasts a common PMS symptom. Some may experience mild discomfort, while others find it painful, especially during activities like exercise. 

  • spottingSometimes, a bit of light spotting shows up a few days before your period, almost as if your body is giving you a little “heads up.” This isn’t a full-on flow, just a bit of early color. that might be part of your PMS routine. While it can be surprising, spotting is often just a normal pre-period signal caused by slight hormone dips. 

  • fatigue Ever feel like you could nap anywhere, anytime, right before your period? That’s PMS fatigue at work. Hormone shifts, especially progesterone, can leave you feeling drained and a little slower than usual. 

Oh, the emotional rollercoaster. One minute you’re laughing at a funny video, and the next, you’re ugly crying because your favorite snack is out of stock at the grocery store. Mood swings are no joke, folks. Here are some emotional symptoms you can expect during PMS: 

  • irritability - Suddenly, everything and everyone is annoying. The smallest things, whether loud noises, a busy schedule, or an innocent comment, can feel more overwhelming than usual. And no, it’s not just you. This irritability often comes from hormonal shifts, but stress, lack of sleep, or even your diet can contribute to an increased sense of annoyance or frustration. 

  • anxiety – Feeling jittery, tense, or just on edge? Hormonal fluctuations can also impact the chemicals in your brain, including serotonin. This can make you feel anxious, restless, or even panicky in some cases.  

  • mood changes – Sometimes, it’s hard to predict how you’ll feel from one minute to the next. Many experience significant mood changes in the days leading up to their period due to fluctuating hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone. You might find yourself feeling overly emotional or switching between feelings of happiness, sadness, and frustration quite rapidly. 

how pregnancy symptoms may mimic PMS 

As you read above, some early pregnancy symptoms can totally fool you into thinking it’s PMS. For example, breast changes like tenderness are common in both, but with pregnancy, you may notice more obvious differences like swelling or darkening of your areolas. Mood swings can also overlap, as the hormonal shifts in both cases can cause emotional highs and lows. 

Additionally, cramps can appear during both PMS and early pregnancy, but pregnancy cramps are typically milder and feel more like a pulling sensation rather than sharper period cramps. Bloating, another shared symptom, is common in both due to hormonal fluctuations, making it tricky to differentiate. This is why looking for additional signs, like a missed period or nausea, can help clarify things. 

If you've been sexually active and have doubts about your symptoms being caused by PMS, you should take a pregnancy test to ease your mind and discuss with a healthcare professional. 

preparing for your period with Thinx 

If it turns out that you're experiencing PMS symptoms , then it's time to gear up for your period and embrace a game-changer in menstrual care –– Thinx period underwear. 

Thinx newest styles offer protection with absorbent layers that hold up to 12 regular tampons’ worth of flow, so you can focus on feeling better rather than worrying about your period! Plus, they are reusable and washable. 

Now that you’ve got a clearer understanding of PMS vs. pregnancy symptoms, you’re ready to tackle whatever comes next. Just remember that every body is different, and if you’re unsure, you should call your healthcare provider and/or take a home pregnancy test to clear things up. In the meantime, stock up on Thinx to make your period days smooth and manageable. 

sources  

Cleveland Clinic. Am I pregnant? Early Symptoms of Pregnancy and When to Test. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant 

Mayo Clinic. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - Symptoms & causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780 

Office on Women’s Health. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome 

NIH. Premenstrual symptoms are associated with psychological and physical symptoms in early pregnancy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23292144/  

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Premenstual Syndrome (PMS). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/premenstrual-syndrome 

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