Every woman experiences physical and emotional changes throughout their menstrual cycle, and these changes can sometimes be difficult to differentiate. Increased sense of smell is one of the most common changes that women experience during both pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). While the causes may differ, the symptoms are often similar, making it difficult to determine if the increase in smell is a result of pregnancy or PMS. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between pregnancy and PMS and how to identify if the increased sense of smell is related to either. We will also look at the scientific basis behind the symptom and what can be done to manage it. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of the differences between pregnancy and PMS and how to tell them apart.
Can you tell the difference between PMS and pregnancy?
Unfortunately, no. Pregnancy tests are the only reliable way to determine whether you are pregnant.
The good news is that you won’t have to wait long to learn whether you’re expecting a child because home pregnancy tests are now reliable enough to detect 90% of pregnancies on the day of your anticipated period. (While some test manufacturers advertise that they can give you results as early as four or five days before your expected period, they are only 60 percent accurate most of the time, so if your result is negative, you should wait and retest to determine if it’s the real deal. ).
All of these at-home tests for pregnancy detect the presence of the pregnancy-specific hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. Even though some hCG can be detected in your urine as soon as a week after conception, this amount is typically insufficient to show up on a home pregnancy test. (If you experience irregular periods, wait the number of days equivalent to the longest cycle you’ve experienced in the previous six months before testing. ).
Calling your doctor after any positive test should be done so they can provide guidance on what to do next
Post-nasal drip during pregnancy, or a collection of mucus in the back of your throat, is called pregnancy rhinitis. In addition to producing more hormones, more blood and more vaginal discharge during the early stages of pregnancy, your body also produces more mucus that can cause sinus pressure, congestion or other ear, nose and throat symptoms. Your body is now a powerhouse of bodily fluids.
Another symptom of the fun “am I pregnant or is it PMS?” game is cramping. During early pregnancy, increased blood flow to the uterus can cause pelvic pressure as your body prepares for the long-haul journey of pregnancy and childbirth. Your uterus, though you wont be “showing” yet, also begins to stretch and expand to accommodate the increase in blood as well as the growing pregnancy. This can cause a “pulling” feeling on your abdomen, according to Healthline, and may mimic cramps you experience before or during your period.
If you wait to test until after your period is officially late, home pregnancy tests can be very accurate (and usually affordable). If you are experiencing some pregnancy symptoms and are itching to get tested, go for it. Some tests promise to accurately detect pregnancy up to a week before your missed period.
By developing a uterine lining during your menstrual cycle, your body is preparing a nourishing environment for pregnancy. Therefore, if you’re pregnant, you won’t lose your uterine lining or have your period. This is true even if you take birth control pills that prevent ovulation and cause a monthly bleed to mimic the natural menstrual cycle.
Because this hormone can sometimes take a while to build up, false negative results arent uncommon in early pregnancy. Its much more rare to get a false positive. If you get a positive test result, you are very likely pregnant or experienced a recent pregnancy loss, and can confirm the pregnancy through a blood test or ultrasound.
Similar symptoms of PMS and pregnancy
Early pregnancy and PMS symptoms can resemble one another but also differ from woman to woman. Some of the common related symptoms for the two are:
Breast tenderness and fatigue in the early stages of pregnancy frequently resemble PMS symptoms, according to Giles. “However, once your period begins, breast tenderness and fatigue typically go away.” ”.
The second half of a woman’s cycle is when PMS symptoms, which can be physical, behavioral, or emotional, occur.
According to Giles, “women may typically experience mild symptoms each month before the start of their period, such as breast tenderness, fatigue, bloating, and decreased mood.” Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, a more severe form of PMS, may be present if your symptoms are more severe than that. ”.
While PMS can make your breasts feel tender, early pregnancy can also make them so. “You may also be pretty fatigued,” Giles added. But the main distinction between the two is that when you’re pregnant, your period doesn’t happen. ”.
Another symptom that can accompany pregnancy is nausea, which is frequently distinct from PMS. After the 12th week of pregnancy, Giles said, early pregnancy nausea frequently goes away.
FAQ
Is increased sense of smell a PMS symptom?
How can you tell the difference between PMS and pregnancy symptoms?
“The key difference between the two, however, is that with pregnancy, your period doesn’t occur.” Nausea is also a symptom that can accompany pregnancy and is often not experienced with PMS. “The nausea in early pregnancy often resolves after the 12th week of gestation, “Giles said.
Can early pregnancy make you smell things that aren’t there?