These symptoms indicate pregnancy | Distinguishing a premenstrual syndrome from pregnancy

These symptoms indicate pregnancy

Pregnancy is indicated by the absence of periods Discoloration of the nipples and the midline of the abdomen Morning nausea and aversion to certain foods Increased urination Prolonged persistence of symptoms Increased discharge Persistent fatigue and temperature rise

  • Absence of the period
  • Discoloration of the nipples and the midline of the abdomen
  • Morning nausea and aversion to certain foods
  • Increased urge to urinate
  • Prolonged persistence of symptoms
  • Increased outflow
  • Persistent fatigue and temperature rise

These symptoms are indicative of PMS

For a PMS the following symptoms speak: Beginning of the menstruation shortly after the complaints Disappearance of the complaints with beginning of the bleeding Headache and migraine Depressive detuning, fear inclination to water retention, weight increase regular (monthly) occurrence of the symptoms Further detailed information for this experiences you under: These are the symptoms of a premenstrual syndrome

  • Start of menstruation shortly after the symptoms
  • Disappearance of the symptoms with the onset of bleeding
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Depressive mood, anxiety
  • Tendency to water retention, weight gain
  • Regular (monthly) occurrence of symptoms

Tests for differentiation

It is very difficult to differentiate between PMS and early pregnancy based on the symptoms alone. Waiting until the onset of menstruation or the absence of menstruation can provide more clarity. A pregnancy test offers a final safeguard.

The simplest method for this is a quick urine test. It is positive from about 14 days after fertilization. The earliest detection is in the morning urine.

In this test the “pregnancy hormone” β-HCG is detected. This hormone is also found 6-9 days after fertilization. This test is carried out by the gynaecologist and can provide clarity earlier.

The gynaecologist may also carry out further tests that may indicate pregnancy. The ultrasound examination may reveal indications, but reliable proof of pregnancy is only possible from the 5th – 6th week. From about the 7th week, proof of the heart action of the embryo is possible, this is considered the most reliable proof of pregnancy.

In the beginning, a transvaginal ultrasound is more meaningful. Here, 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 an amniotic cavity.

In addition, the ovaries and the maturation of the egg cells there can be assessed. In general, a visit to the gynaecologist is advisable in the case of missed periods or a positive pregnancy test, as missed periods can have many causes and pregnancy can still be achieved despite bleeding.

All articles in this series:

  1. Distinguishing a premenstrual syndrome from pregnancy
  2. These symptoms indicate pregnancy