Recognizing the symptoms of PMS and pregnancy

Why can PMS symptoms be confused with pregnancy?

When faced with the stress of a late period, the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and a possible pregnancy can easily become confused. This is for several reasons.

Similar symptoms

The first reason why menstruating people may confuse PMS with a new pregnancy is that the symptoms associated with these two conditions are similar:

• Abdominal cramps and pain;
• Chest tenderness;
• Migraines;
• Bloating and sensitivity in intestinal transit;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Significant fatigue;
• Mood swings

Hormonal fluctuations

The second reason these two conditions can be confused is that they both involve significant hormonal fluctuations. Periods are caused by a gradual decline in progesterone—we discussed this in our article on the role of hormones in the menstrual cycle . Pregnancy, on the other hand, is characterized by an increase in the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, the famous beta-hCG, is produced only after fertilization and implantation: its dosage is measured by pregnancy tests and blood tests.

A late period

The third reason why it is common to confuse PMS symptoms with pregnancy symptoms is that these two events occur at a similar time... Suspicions of pregnancy generally arise when the period is late... or late period = period potentially approaching = PMS! So we find ourselves in a quandary: are our symptoms those of pregnancy (hence the absence of periods) or those of PMS (with periods that are about to start but are dragging on a bit!).

Variability of symptoms

The fourth reason is the instability and variability of PMS symptoms: although we, as menstruators, have our periods every month for a large part of our lives, PMS symptoms are always different . While we each have our typical symptoms, some cycles are different and sometimes new symptoms come and go!

This is why it can be difficult, when faced with new symptoms, to know whether you are in a different cycle or if you are facing a new situation – for example, the possibility of pregnancy!

And yes, even if we know that knowing your body is essential, it can still play tricks on us!

Self-induction effect

Sometimes, the desire to get pregnant or the stress of getting pregnant can play on our minds. We analyze all the symptoms we feel and imagine that they might correspond with being pregnant! This, even when it's a little irrational: typically when we are faced with a late period while on contraception!

So, PMS or pregnancy?

When you find yourself wondering about pregnancy symptoms vs. PMS symptoms, it's because you're a little stressed. Stressed about finally getting pregnant or stressed about being pregnant and having to ask yourself questions. Without providing you with miracle answers—there aren't any outside of a pregnancy test—we'll help you ask yourself the right questions and take a step back.

Ask about recurring symptoms

It's been said: no two menstrual cycles are the same, and we often experience symptoms that are completely different from those we're used to experiencing. This is why it's not always easy to differentiate between pregnancy and PMS.

That being said, every menstruating person has their own recurring symptoms associated with PMS. The most common ones include menstrual cramps, catamenial migraines, breast tenderness, and mood swings. If you regularly suffer from period pain, we've written an article to help you relieve your painful periods .

Are you currently experiencing these symptoms? If they're similar to the ones you regularly experience—except that they're a few days later—then it's quite possible you're just a little late. Besides pregnancy, several factors can contribute to a slight shift in your cycle, both temporary and natural: travel, stress, a sudden change in your diet, or even intense exercise.

Want to track your menstrual cycles, both in duration and symptoms? Discover period tracking apps to better record what you experience during your menstrual cycles.

Natural Treatments for Premenstrual Syndrome >

Check the duration and timing of symptoms

Let's continue our investigation and now compare the similar symptoms between pregnancy and PMS. How strong are they and when are they expected to occur?

Abdominal cramps and pain

Abdominal cramps, one of the most common and recognized symptoms of PMS and menstruation, are also linked to early pregnancy. The changes (hormonal, physical, implantation) brought on by early pregnancy can lead to abdominal pain.

PMS pain usually begins 2 days before your period or 13 days after ovulation. Pregnancy pain can begin in the first few days (implantation can be a source of discomfort, a pinching sensation) and then continue: the uterus enlarges, hormone levels vary, etc.

🌈 Do you suffer from abdominal cramps? Miyé's Happy Cycle Serum can be used to relieve your discomfort by massaging directly into the lower abdomen or lower back. It doesn't contain essential oils, making it suitable for pregnant women, so you don't take any risks!

⚡ If you experience cramps for several days without relief and your period is late, consider taking a pregnancy test. This is especially true if you are not used to experiencing these pains.

Breast tenderness

Another recurring symptom of PMS and menstruation: breast tenderness. The breasts are heavy, swollen, and painful to the touch, sometimes even when lightly touched. This symptom is also linked to early pregnancy. The breasts enlarge in preparation for breastfeeding under the influence of hormones.

Breast pain associated with PMS usually begins a week before your period. In the case of pregnancy, you may notice breast swelling in the first few weeks. During the second and third trimesters, your breasts will continue to grow and become heavier.

🌈 Breast pain? Nidéco's soothing Tits Party treatment can be applied to the breasts to relieve tightness. It's free of essential oils and is suitable for pregnancy—just in case!

⚡ If your breasts have been feeling very heavy for several days and your period is late, consider taking a pregnancy test. This is especially true if you don't usually experience this symptom!

Migraines

Catamenial migraine is another common symptom of PMS… and therefore, it's also a common symptom of early pregnancy. During the first trimester, when estrogen levels are highest, some women may experience a migraine attack, often a migraine with aura.

Catamenial migraines typically begin a few days before menstruation and last for the first few days of menstruation. In pregnancy, there has been no research on the exact timing of migraines—so it is difficult to differentiate between PMS migraines and pregnancy migraines based on current research.

Bloating and sensitivity in intestinal transit

Intestinal transit is often disrupted during menstruation, largely due to hormones. These same hormones also affect the intestinal transit of pregnant women.

Bloating and bowel movements related to PMS typically begin within two days of your period and last into the first few days of your period. Bloating and bowel movements during pregnancy last throughout your pregnancy (and are sometimes accompanied by difficulty urinating).

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