How to differentiate premenstrual syndrome from pregnancy

introduction

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a complex of symptoms that occurs a few days before the menstrual period. Once the bleeding starts, the symptoms will go away. Typical complaints are a feeling of tension in the breasts as well as headache and back pain.

It can lead to migraines (please refer: Migraine attack) and increased sensitivity to stimuli. In addition, nausea and diarrhea can occur, accompanied by loss of appetite or food cravings.

The hormonal changes lead to increased water retention and mood swings. These can manifest themselves in listlessness, inner restlessness, aggressiveness or depressive mood.

Some of these symptoms can also be unsafe indications of pregnancy. This can also lead to a feeling of tension in the breasts, changes in eating habits, sensitivity to smells and tiredness. Both can also be accompanied by pulling and pain in the lower abdomen.

How do I distinguish premenstrual syndrome from pregnancy

Although the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and very early pregnancy can be similar, there are some differences.

The biggest difference lies in the absence of the following period. Although the symptoms are triggered by the same hormone, pregnancy is characterized by a missed period, while in PMS bleeding occurs. The PMS symptoms usually only occur for a few days, while the problems with pregnancy tend to last longer.

Another question that should be asked is what is the likelihood of pregnancy. If you have regular sexual intercourse without a contraceptive, or if a mistake is made while using the contraceptive, the likelihood of pregnancy is increased. If contraceptives such as the pill or condoms are used properly, pregnancy is unlikely.

In addition, premenstrual symptoms usually occur regularly. So if similar symptoms occur every month, the likelihood of pregnancy is lower than when the symptoms first appeared.

For example, morning sickness and an aversion to certain foods are characteristic of pregnancy. The appetite is usually increased anyway, while PMS can also have a decreased appetite and nausea is not typical.

In addition, persistent fatigue and a permanently elevated temperature are more likely to suggest pregnancy.

Although there is a feeling of tension in the breasts in both cases, there is only a dark discoloration of the nipples during pregnancy. It can also lead to overpigmentation of the midline of the abdomen. Both discolorations are hormonal.

Pregnancy can also lead to an increased need to urinate.

Also read our article: Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

These symptoms indicate pregnancy

In favor of pregnancy

• Missing your period

• Discoloration of the nipples and the midline of the abdomen

• morning sickness and aversion to certain foods

• Increased urination

• prolonged persistence of symptoms

• Increased discharge

• Persistent tiredness and temperature increase

These symptoms indicate PMS

The following symptoms speak for PMS:

• Onset of menstrual bleeding shortly after the symptoms

• Discomfort disappears when the bleeding starts

• Headaches and migraines

• Depressed mood, anxiety (see also: Premenstrual Syndrome and Depression)

• Tendency to water retention, weight gain

• regular (monthly) occurrence of symptoms

For more detailed information, see: These symptoms indicate premenstrual syndrome

Tests to differentiate

It is very difficult to differentiate between PMS and early pregnancy based on the symptoms alone. Waiting until the menstrual period occurs or does not occur can bring more clarity.

A pregnancy test provides a final safeguard. The easiest way to do this is to do a rapid urine test. It is positive from about 14 days after fertilization. The earliest possible detection is in the morning urine. In this test the "pregnancy hormone" β-HCG proven.

This hormone can also be found 6-9 days after fertilization. This test is carried out by the gynecologist and can provide clarification earlier. The gynecologist can also carry out further examinations that may indicate pregnancy. The ultrasound examination can show indications, but a definite proof of pregnancy is only from the 5th to 6th. Week possible. From about the 7th week onwards, evidence of the embryo's heart action is possible; this is the safest evidence of pregnancy.

Initially, a transvaginal ultrasound is more meaningful. The ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina. In this way, the mucous membrane of the uterus can be assessed, as well as the formation of a fruit cavity. In addition, the ovaries and the maturation of the egg cells there can be assessed.

In general, if you miss your period or a positive pregnancy test, a visit to the gynecologist is advisable, since missing your period can have many causes and a pregnancy can persist despite bleeding.