1. Breast Changes
Your breasts can give you hints about whether it’s PMS or early pregnancy, and it’s all about the timing and how intense the changes feel. During PMS, you might notice your breasts feeling swollen, tender, or even heavy with a dull ache. The outer parts of your breasts might feel lumpy or bumpy, but this usually calms down once your period arrives because progesterone levels drop.In early pregnancy, your breasts often feel sore, sensitive, or heavier. You might even spot more noticeable blue veins or changes like stinging around the nipple area. These pregnancy changes stick around longer due to rising hormones and don’t fade like PMS symptoms do.
2. Spotting or Bleeding
Bleeding is a big clue here. During PMS, you typically won’t have any spotting or bleeding until your actual period arrives. But if you’re pregnant, you could see light spotting that’s pink or dark brown, usually 1 to 2 weeks after conception. This is known as implantation bleeding. It happens when the embryo attaches itself to the uterus.3. Mood Swings and Emotional Shifts
Feeling irritable or emotional? PMS symptoms vs pregnancy symptoms can both affect your mood. In PMS, you might get irritated, anxious, or cry easily. These feelings often go away once your period starts.In pregnancy, mood swings can feel more intense and last longer because of rising hormone levels. You might go from super excited to crying out of nowhere.
4. Fatigue and Sleep Issues
PMS can leave you feeling tired or mess with your sleep. Some days you want extra naps, other nights you feel restless. Light exercise can make you feel better, and the tiredness usually goes away once your period begins.But pregnancy tiredness is a whole different level. That deep exhaustion comes from rising progesterone, especially in the first trimester. It can stick around longer than PMS fatigue.
5. Nausea and Digestive Discomfort
This one’s often a giveaway. PMS can cause mild nausea or stomach issues like constipation or diarrhoea, but vomiting is not common. These usually settle down once your period starts.In pregnancy, morning sickness is the classic sign. It usually begins about a month after conception and can happen at any time of day, sometimes with vomiting. So if you’re feeling queasy and your period hasn’t shown up, that’s more likely pregnancy than PMS.
6. Food Cravings and Appetite Changes
During PMS, you might crave carbs, sweets, chocolate, or salty foods, with a bigger appetite overall. Pregnancy cravings are more intense and specific. You might suddenly want one particular food while hating smells or tastes you used to enjoy. Aversions are common, too, and some even crave non-food items like ice or dirt.7. Cramping and Pain
Cramps can be confusing because PMS and early pregnancy cramps feel similar. PMS cramps usually start a day or two before your period. They cause abdominal or pelvic pain that lessens as you bleed and goes away by the end of your period.In early pregnancy, you get mild, light cramps in your lower stomach or back, similar to period ones but lasting weeks or months as your uterus stretches.
8. Headaches, Back Pain, and Other Aches
Pre-menstrual symptoms vs pregnancy symptoms, both can cause headaches and back pain from hormonal changes. PMS might also bring acne, gum sensitivity, or joint pain. In pregnancy, you might notice skin changes or need to pee more often right from the start.Signs More Likely Pointing to Pregnancy
A missed or late period. If you're sexually active, this is a strong reason to take a pregnancy test.- Your areolas may darken or become larger due to hormone changes.
- Cervical mucus may change, becoming white, milky, and thinner than usual.
- Shortness of breath can develop as your uterus grows and presses on your lungs.
- Your basal body temperature may stay slightly higher than normal after ovulation.
- A metallic or unusual taste in your mouth is a common early pregnancy quirk.
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FAQs on How to Spot the Difference Between PMS Vs Pregnancy Symptoms?
- How can you tell if you’re about to get your period or if you’re pregnant?
It can be tricky because early pregnancy symptoms often resemble PMS. Look for differences in timing and intensity. PMS symptoms usually ease once your period starts, while pregnancy symptoms may continue or intensify. A pregnancy test is the most reliable way to know for sure. - What are the very early signs of pregnancy?
Early signs can include a missed period, tender or swollen breasts, fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, and mood swings. Some people also notice light spotting or mild cramping when implantation occurs.