Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms are linked to your menstrual cycle and they usually occur a week or two before your period. These symptoms are also similar to early pregnancy symptoms and it’s not always easy to differentiate them. Here’s the difference between the two.
Sore breasts
PMS: Your breasts may feel tender and swollen, but they become less painful during or after your menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy: Your breasts may feel sensitive and sore and you can also feel like their swollen and tender like you’re PMSing, but the pain or discomfort may last longer.
Cravings
PMS: When you’re PMSing, you might experience a change in your appetite and a random craving for a lot of junk food, like chocolate.
Pregnancy: Your appetite may also change, but you may have specific and intense cravings all the time or start disliking certain things that were once your favourites.
Bloating
PMS: Feeling bloated when you are PMSing is normal because of the water retention that makes you feel full.
Pregnancy: If you’re pregnant, your uterus will start to grow and it will push against your abdomen, which will then slow down indigestion and make you feel even more bloated after eating.
Fatigue
PMS: Feeling sleepy happens to some women when they PMS, but the fatigue generally goes away as soon as you period starts.
Pregnancy: Feeling tired or sleepy all the time is a common symptom amongst pregnant women and unlike PMSing, the fatigue can go on for the duration of the pregnancy.
Cramping
PMS: You might experience cramps before your period starts and the pain will usually go away by the end of your menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy: If you’re pregnant, you may experience mild cramping early in your pregnancy. Although the cramps may be similar to period pains, they are usually felt on the lower back or stomach and you can experience them for weeks or even months.
Although there are more symptoms that I haven’t mentioned, it is important for you to know the cause of your symptoms.
If you suspect that you’re pregnant or your period is late, start by taking a pregnancy test to make sure or you can go to your local clinic to get the pregnancy test done.
Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).