Doctor's Notes on PMS vs. Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a set of symptoms that occur prior to the menstrual period. The symptoms may begin anytime in the 2 weeks before menstrual bleeding. Pregnancy is the time during which one or more offspring develops inside a woman; from fertilization to birth of offspring, pregnancy lasts about 38 weeks. Similar signs and symptoms of PMS and pregnancy may include
- weight gain,
- breast discomfort,
- headaches,
- mild abdominal cramping,
- back pain,
- fatigue, and
- mood changes and/or emotional symptoms like anxiety, crying, food cravings, and depression.
PMS symptoms can wax and wane each month in a non-pregnant woman, but pregnant women may have symptoms all during the pregnancy or some symptoms may last for a month or more and then relent. PMS signs and symptoms of acne and joint pain don't occur in early pregnancy. In pregnancy, a whitish vaginal discharge and darkening of the nipples and/or areolas can occur but does not occur in PMS.
The cause of a normal pregnancy is when one or more fertilized eggs reaches the uterus, attaches, and continues to develop; the normal hormonal changes triggered by the pregnancy play a role in pregnancy symptoms. The cause of PMS is due to monthly changes in estrogen, progesterone, and serotonin levels in some women especially during the 2 weeks prior to menstrual bleeding.
What Are the Treatments for PMS vs. Pregnancy?
The most important step before any treatment begins is the result of an accurate pregnancy test. Then the treatment comparisons become clear. In contrast to PMS, pregnant women should follow their ob-gyn's suggestions until the pregnancy ends (hopefully with delivery of a normal healthy infant). The treatments for PMS are different than that for pregnancy.
Some women may need only lifestyle changes: a regular sleep pattern, exercises, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, healthy diet, and others may relieve many PMS symptoms without medicines. However, the following medicines may be helpful in some women:
- Over-the-counter pain medicines like naproxen or ibuprofen
- Antidepressants: fluoxetine, sertraline, for example
- Diuretics: spironolactone
- Combined estrogen and progesterone birth-control pills can prevent mittelschmerz and thus painful ovulation
Your doctor can help you with questions about PMS and pregnancy.
Pregnancy Myths and Facts : Test Your Pregnancy IQ Quiz

Nothing can relieve the symptoms of morning sickness.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Learn about what causes abnormal vaginal bleeding (spotting in between periods), including hormonal disorders, benign or malignant tumors, blood clotting disorders, certain medications, and infections. -
Bleeding During Pregnancy
Bleeding during all phases of pregnancy may be dangerous, even though it can be caused by a large variety of factors. You should call your health care professional if you have any signs of vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy. -
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which a pregnancy develops inside of a Fallopian tube or outside of a woman's uterus. Causes and risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include previous Fallopian tube infections (pelvic inflammatory disease, Chlamydia, gonorrhea), previous surgery to the abdomen, use of fertility medications, prior tubal pregnancy, and use of an IUD. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. If you suspect you have an ectopic pregnancy, medical care should be sought urgently. -
Home Pregnancy Test
Home pregnancy tests are kits that contain a test to determine if a female is pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter (OTC) and do not need a prescription. There are a variety of home pregnancy tests available. The accuracy of home pregnancy tests depend upon how well instructions are followed, and how the test kit was used. A pregnancy test performed in a doctor's office is the most accurate test to determine if you are pregnant. -
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF, Artificial Insemination)
In vitro fertilization (IVF, artificial insemination) is an assisted reproductive technology (ATR) technique used to help a woman become pregnant. Factors to consider with IVF include age, multiple births, cost, reduced need for surgery, success rate, and safety. IVF involves several steps. There are rare risks associated with IVF. Success rates for IVF depend on the age of the woman. -
Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are either classified as primary or secondary dysmenorrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual cramps caused by another medical condition or disease, for example: Endometriosis IUDs (intrauterine devices) Narrow cervix Infections Stress Treatments to ease and get rid of menstrual cramps include natural and home remedies; OTC pain medications, and birth control pills. -
Morning Sickness (Vomiting During Pregnancy)
Morning sickness, or vomiting during pregnancy, is very common during the first three months of pregnancy. "Morning sickness" does not mean that nausea and vomiting only occur in the morning; symptoms can occur at any time of day. Talk with your doctor if you have persistent vomiting and/or nausea during pregnancy. -
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms vs. Pregnancy
The symptoms that can be common to both ovarian cancer and pregnancy are as follows: pelvic discomfort, abdominal swelling and/or bloating, urinary frequency, constipation, abnormalities in menstruation, nausea and vomiting and fatigue. Symptoms of pregnancy that are not usually seen in ovarian cancer are premenstrual syndrome (PMS), missed menstrual period, breast swelling and/or tenderness, weight gain and fetal development in the uterus. -
Pregnancy Planning
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy-induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy. -
Pregnancy Week by Week
Pregnancy occurs when an egg is fertilized by a sperm, grows inside a woman's uterus (womb), and develops into a baby. In humans, this process takes about 280 days. -
Pregnancy: Early Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of early pregnancy a pregnant woman may experience include missed periods, abdominal bloating, nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness and pain, food cravings, fatigue, frequent urination, elevated body temperature, changes in nipple color, darkening of the skin (melasma), mood swings, stress, headaches, and other symptoms. -
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD is believed to be caused by the complex interactions of hormones produced by the ovaries during a woman's the menstrual cycle. PMDD symptoms include fatigue, mood changes, breast tenderness, hot flashes, irritability, and more. Treatment for PMDD typically involves medication and dietary supplements. -
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs during the first 2 weeks before a woman begins her menstrual cycle. Symptoms of PMS include mood changes, behavioral changes, and changes in physical functions like headache, palpitations, bloating, breast tenderness, constipation, weight gain, fatigue, and diarrhea. Treatment for PMS include lifestyle changes and OTC or prescription medication. -
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is a fluid or semisolid substance that is normal and helps keep the vagina clean. Normal vaginal discharge is clear or milky white and does not have an unpleasant odor. Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including trichomonas, gonorrhea, or Chlamydia can cause a change in color or odor. Symptoms of infection may include yellow-green or gray discharge, strong odor, or irritation of the genitals. Treatment depends on the infection.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.