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When PMS Symptoms Are Signs of Pregnancy

Oct 16, 2024

As a woman, experiencing a range of physical and emotional symptoms is a natural part of our monthly cycle. However, the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and pregnancy can be very similar, sometimes making it difficult to tell the two apart. 



Let’s look closer at the shared symptoms of pregnancy and PMS and why seeking medical advice is essential if you're unsure.

Common PMS Symptoms

PMS refers to the range of physical and emotional symptoms many women experience in the days leading up to their monthly cycle. The severity and type of symptoms can vary significantly between individuals. However, some of the most common symptoms include the following:


  • Bloating: Feeling bloated is a common symptom of PMS, which can make you uncomfortable and cause your clothes to feel tight. Bloating is produced because estrogen causes water retention. When estrogen spikes and progesterone drops, you'll notice bloating from fluids.
  • Cramps: Menstrual cramps, which are cause d by your uterus contracting to expel its lining, can occur before and during your period and range from mild to severe.
  • Mood swings: Many women experience mood swings during PMS, which may include irritability, anxiety, and depression.
  • Breast tenderness: Tender and sore breasts are common symptoms of PMS that can make wearing a bra or touching your chest uncomfortable.
  • Fatigue: Feeling tired and lacking energy is a common symptom of PMS, which may impact your daily activities and make you feel lethargic.



Acne and breakouts: Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can cause acne and breakouts, especially around the chin and jawline.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy is a complex process that involves many physical and emotional bodily changes. While not all women experience the same symptoms, some of the most common symptoms of pregnancy include the following:


  • Bloating: Feeling bloated is also a pregnancy symptom, and you can look and feel bloated during the first few months of pregnancy, even before you are “showing.”
  • Cramping and spotting: Some women may experience mild cramping and spotting in the early stages of pregnancy, which can be mistaken for a period. It’s important to know that approximately 25% of pregnant women experience spotting at some point during pregnancy.
  • Nausea: Feeling nauseous, commonly known as morning sickness, is a common symptom of pregnancy. Nausea often occurs in the first trimester, but some women experience it in the second or third trimester, too. Nausea can be accompanied by vomiting. Severe vomiting is rare, but if you are experiencing those symptoms, contact your OB/GYN immediately. 
  • Fatigue: Feeling tired and lacking energy is another common symptom of pregnancy that can occur at any time throughout the entire pregnancy. 
  • Mood swings: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause mood swings, including feeling irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed. These emotions often get easier as the pregnancy progresses. 
  • Breast changes: Changes in the breasts, such as tenderness, swelling, or darkening of the nipples, are common in pregnancy.
  • Sensitivity to smells: Some women experience increased sensitivity to odors during pregnancy, sometimes triggering nausea or vomiting.

When in Doubt, Visit Agape Pregnancy Center in Loudon, TN

While some symptoms of PMS and pregnancy can be similar, there are also some key differences. For example, a missed period is a common sign of gestation that does not occur during PMS. If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.


If you think you may be pregnant and have experienced a few of the above symptoms, come see us. We provide private and professional services for women who believe they may be pregnant. You can explore the types of abortion, adoption, and parenting options available in a caring, discreet environment.


Take the next step and contact Agape Pregnancy Center in Loudon, TN, today.

Schedule an Appointment

What Are the Risks of a DIY Abortion or At-Home Miscarriage?

17 Jun, 2024
Your pregnancy test revealed the terrifying truth — the birth control failed, and you’re now pregnant. What do you do? Maybe you don’t have the money for an abortion, and you are researching DIY abortion methods and how to induce or cause a miscarriage at home. Contact Agape Pregnancy Center of Loudon to learn more about spontaneous abortion, pregnancy options, what to expect, and more. If you think you may want to continue your pregnancy and are worried about potential miscarriage or abortion risks, please reach out to learn more about how we can help. Whatever you may be looking for, your best first step is a free consultation so you can know what options and pregnancy resources are available to you. Is an at-home, self-induced miscarriage possible? In the past few years, thousands of women like you have turned to looking for at-home abortion options for an unintended pregnancy. While there are several methods and ways to force an at-home, self-induced abortion, we want to be abundantly clear. It is not safe to induce a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion at home. According to the National Library of Medicine, some 68,000 women die of unsafe abortion annually, making it one of the leading causes of maternal mortality (13%). The risks are high and can cause long-term or life-threatening side effects including but not limited to: liver damage breathing difficulties death You should know that whether you’re trying to induce a miscarriage or not, miscarriages occur in 10 - 20% of all known pregnancies. Only an ultrasound can verify if your pregnancy is on track to progress or cease. We do not refer or perform abortion services but can provide a referral for a free ultrasound confirmation. Risks associated with self-induced miscarriages It is important to evaluate risks in life, and this is even more true when it comes to your health. You can Google, research, and ask others for opinions, but all these options should come secondary to the oversight of a licensed medical professional. Here are things you should evaluate before you do anything. Tubal pregnancy Roughly 1 in 50 pregnancies will be a tubal or ectopic pregnancy . A tubal pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants itself on the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. A self-induced miscarriage will not rectify a tubal pregnancy. Additionally, a tubal pregnancy can be life-threatening. If you want to rule out a tubal pregnancy, you will need an ultrasound . Medication If you are already taking medication, the herbs used for a DIY abortion could cause a severe reaction in your body. Mixing medications with herbs and other medicines can be dangerous and should be approved by a doctor before doing so. Dosage Depending on the amount of herbs you take, substantial quantities of any herb can be fatal to your body due to the toxins increasing to high and dangerous levels. With anything medical, you should always consult a licensed medical professional. Don’t have one and can’t afford one? Check out how Agape Pregnancy Center can help you with your pregnancy concerns. Incomplete miscarriage You can take the right amount of herbs to have a self-induced miscarriage, and your miscarriage could occur, yet the fetal tissue has not entirely been expelled. In that case, you will still need to have the same medical procedure that you would during an abortion. Pre-existing medical conditions Diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure, mixed with what you may take during a DIY abortion, can affect your heart, kidneys, and lungs, leaving you with serious side effects. Before trying to self-induce a miscarriage, we strongly advise you to talk with a licensed medical professional and get all the pros and cons before making a decision. Where you can find help If you’re short on money and time and overwrought with worry, we can help. We offer same-day appointments and no-cost pregnancy services. Make your appointment today!
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