PMS vs. Pregnancy: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a variety of symptoms and signs that about 90%
of women experience within the two weeks up to the start of her menstrual
period. Pregnancy is the period in which a fetus develops in a woman's uterus,
usually lasting about nine months (about 40 weeks). PMS and early pregnancy
share symptoms and signs like mood changes, headaches, back pain, weight gain,
breast pain or tenderness, and abdominal cramping. Some of the main differences between PMS and early pregnancy symptoms are the
amount of vaginal bleeding, how long fatigue lasts, and the strength of the
abdominal cramping. PMS symptoms that don't occur during pregnancy are joint
pain and acne flare-ups. Moreover, PMS symptoms are fairly predictable. Early
pregnancy symptoms and signs that do not occur with PMS are a vaginal discharge
and darkening of the nipples. The only way to find out if you are pregnant is
with a pregnancy test.
Must Read Articles:
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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. -
Pregnancy, Bleeding
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
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 Pain
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. -
Pregnancy, Vomiting
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. -
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. -
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 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 Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) occurs during the first two weeks before a woman begins her menstrual cycle. Symptoms of PMS include: mood changes, behavioral changes, 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.
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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.
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PMS vs. Pregnancy Topic Guide - Visuals
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