PMS or pregnant? This is how you can tell the difference

PMS or pregnant? – The same symptoms

Medically, suffering from PMS and pregnancy are in stark contrast to each other. However, the complaints of both can hardly be separated from each other. Here we tell you what they are and how they are expressed in a woman.

• First of all, you must be aware that not every single woman shows these symptoms, even if one of the two cases applies to her. In addition, the intensity of the symptoms varies greatly from woman to woman.
• Tenderness and tightness in the breasts: Tightness in the breast  area and also a certain tenderness of the nipples are typical signs of both PMS and pregnancy. Painful pulling can also occur in the abdomen .
• General malaise and nausea:  In both situations, those affected often experience nausea, even if this is usually worse in pregnant women. Low blood pressure causes a general feeling of discomfort during PMS and pregnancy.
• Headaches and migraines:  A classic complaint among pregnant women. However , this is not uncommon for PMS either.
• Fatigue:  If you suffer from PMS, you will notice an increased level of tiredness that you do not otherwise know. This also applies when you are pregnant.
• Cravings:  We all know from stories or films that pregnant women often tend to have real hunger pangs and eat a whole glass of cucumbers in front of the TV in the evening. Cravings are also a sign of PMS. In both cases, this often leads to indigestion and ultimately to flatulence.
• Mood swings:  If you have frequent negative moods, asking about PMS is just as justified as asking about pregnancy. A roller coaster of emotions and feelings is common in both cases.
• Hot flashes:  Due to the increased metabolism, pregnant women often break out in a sweat. But even with PMS, this often shows up as an accompanying condition.
• Insomnia:  Insomnia is an annoying side effect of both PMS and pregnancy.
• According to some studies, the fact that such health problems occur at all when you are not pregnant can have special causes. British and Spanish scientists state that regular alcohol consumption can be a trigger for PMS.

PMS or pregnant? – The significant difference

Since all of these symptoms mentioned can make themselves felt in both cases, the person concerned can hardly find out the difference himself. This is precisely why early pregnancy is often confused with PMS. But to what extent can the symptoms be distinguished from one another?

• You get clues from the duration of the complaints. If these usually persist during pregnancy, they subside with menstrual bleeding if it is PMS.
• When your menstruation begins, your nausea usually goes away quickly. During pregnancy, on the other hand, this discomfort lasts for a few months and becomes more and more intense.
• Tiredness only lasts for a few days with PMS. If you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to struggle with it for several months.
• If you are not pregnant and only suffer from PMS, then the pain in the chest area will also decrease with your period. In pregnant women, there is an increasing sensitivity.