Is it PMS or Pregnancy?
Whether you are trying to conceive, or you’re worried about an unplanned pregnancy, you should learn the difference between PMS and early pregnancy symptoms.
If you’ve never been pregnant before, it can be hard to tell the two apart, because many of the symptoms of early pregnancy are similar to what you experience during PMS.
Before your period starts, you may experience PMS symptoms, such as bloating, swollen or tender breasts, fatigue and tiredness, headaches, anxiety and depression, mood swings, food cravings, and cramps. All of these premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms are nearly identical to early pregnancy symptoms.
Unless you are charting your basal temperature, actively trying to conceive, or you are very familiar with your body and what normal PMS feels like, it can be hard to tell whether or not you’re pregnant.
YIKES! So how can you tell whether you are just having PMS or you’re experience true pregnancy symptoms? Wait to see if your period comes. If it doesn’t arrive, take a home pregnancy test.
(Read my related post: How Accurate are Home Pregnancy Tests? You can also read my recommendations for the best, most accurate home pregnancy test at my Pregnancy and Baby Store. )
Fatigue – Symptom of PMS and Pregnancy
Fatigue and exhaustion are an annoying PMS symptom that many women – myself included – have to grapple with month after month. Unfortunately, fatigue is one of the first pregnancy symptoms to show up. It is caused by the soaring levels of the hormone progesterone, which helps support the pregnancy.
Within a week after conception, you may experience fatigue. Because of this, it can be difficult to distinguish pregnancy-related fatigue from PMS-related fatigue.
Fatigue during pregnancy usually only plagues you in the first and third trimester. You get a break in the middle weeks of pregnancy – the second trimester (14 to 27 weeks pregnant).
Swollen and Tender Breasts – PMS and Pregnancy Symptom
Another symptom that is common to both PMS and pregnancy is swollen and tender breasts.
In the weeks leading up to your period, you may experience swollen and tender breasts that hurt when touched. For smaller-breasted women, a perk of this uncomfortable PMS symptom is that your breasts are slightly larger than normal. Your breasts usually start going back to normal during the week of your period.
When you’re expecting, swollen and tender breasts are usually one of the first symptoms that you notice. Your breasts may feel tingly sore, or just plain tender. Some women notice fuller and heavier breasts. This pregnancy symptom can start as early as two or three weeks after conception, and it is caused by hormonal changes in your body.
If you’re not sure if your breast changes are caused by PMS or pregnancy, take a home pregnancy test to find out.
Morning Sickness – Infamous Pregnancy Symptom
Morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, is the most infamous pregnancy symptom. It is estimated that up to 90 percent of women will experience morning sickness to some degree. Some very lucky women never get nauseous or feel sick when pregnant.
This pregnancy symptom can start two to eight weeks after conception.
A handful of women do experience nausea during PMS, but it is not a universally felt symptom.
Missed Period – First Sign of Pregnancy
If you have regular menstrual cycles – which means you have a period every single month without fail – a missed period is usually the first, unmistakable sign of pregnancy.
Some women will experience spotting (light bleeding), which is a sign of implantation (when the fertilized egg burrows into the lining of your uterus). Women who don’t have regular periods may confuse this implantation spotting with a light period.
(Spotting throughout the entire pregnancy can occur, and occasional spotting is considered normal. This is why many of the women on Discovery Health’s “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant” don’t realize they’re expecting until they deliver. Most of them have irregular periods.)
Implantation bleeding or implantation spotting will not look like a regular menstrual period. The bleeding is light, and it’s usually pink or brownish in color.
PMS versus Pregnancy – A Breakdown of Symptoms
Is it PMS or Pregnancy? Until you experience a missed period, it is very difficult to distinguish the symptoms.
I’ve broke down the common symptoms of both PMS and Pregnancy to help you understand. The similar symptoms are side by side, and this comparison chart will also show you which symptoms are unique to pregnancy alone.
You should keep in mind that some of the common PMS symptoms, such as backaches, also occur in pregnancy, but their onset is usually later in pregnancy. (If there is no specified trimester next to the symptom, it is common to all trimesters of pregnancy.)
| Symptoms of PMS | Pregnancy Symptoms |
|---|---|
| ------- | Missed Period |
| Bloating and Water Retention | Bloating and Water Retention (Edema) |
| Breast Swelling and Tenderness | Breast Swelling and Tenderness |
| Insomnia and Trouble Sleeping | Insomnia and Trouble Sleeping (2nd and 3rd Trimester) |
| Acne | Acne |
| Fatigue | Fatigue (First and Third Trimester) |
| Upset Stomach, Constipation | Upset Stomach, Constipation |
| Headache | Headache (common in First Trimester) |
| Backache | Backache and Back Discomfort (Second and Third Trimester) |
| Appetite Changes and Food Cravings | Appetite Changes and Food Cravings (usually in Second Trimester, after Morning Sickness has passed.) |
| Trouble Concentration | Trouble Concentration and Memory - called "Pregnancy Brain" |
| Mood Swings and Crying Spells | Mood Swings, Emotional Rollercoaster |
| Nipple discharge | Nipple discharge (Colostrum - Second and Third Trimester) |
| Changes in Libido | Changes in Libido (Decreased in First Trimester, Increases in Second Trimester) |
| Abdominal and Pelvic Cramps | Cramping (Second Trimester as uterus stretches for growing baby) |
| ---------- | Increased Urination |
| ---------- | Melasma (Darkening of Skin) |
| Nausea | Nausea and Vomiting (Morning Sickness) - First Trimester |
| Elevated Basal Body Temperature (Lowers when menstruation starts) | Elevated Basal Body Temperature (If high after 2 weeks post ovulation, you're pregnant) |
Ovulation Symptoms
If you had your period two weeks ago, and you don’t expect it for another two or three weeks, you may be noticing PMS symptoms that are actually ovulation symptoms. For example, right around ovulation, it’s common for women to experience the following:
- Changes in their cervical mucus – More vaginal discharge that is very abundant, sticky or stretchy, and transparent in color. It may look like the color of egg whites. This is a very common sign of ovulation.
- Increase in basal body temperature - Another common symptom of ovulation. Your BBT will increase by 0.5 to 1.5 degrees around the time that you ovulate. Your temperature will stay slightly high until you have your period, when it will decrease again.
- One-sided abdominal cramping or pain – This is called Mittelschmerz (or “middle pain”). It’s a common ovulation symptom. You may notice one-sided pain or cramping around the time that you ovulate. The pain can be mild or severe, but it usually only is short-lasting. This is ovulation pain, and many believe it’s due to the physical bursting of the egg from the follicle – which occurs when you ovulate. One in Five women will experience this ovulation pain.
- Light spotting – Some women also experience light spotting around the time that they ovulate.
- Breast tenderness, nausea, fatigue, and other PMS symptoms – May begin to plague you around the time that you ovulate.
To learn more, read Ovulation Symptoms – Signs to Tell When You Ovulate
I hope that you found the above chart and this post helpful! Keep in mind that if you’re worried about pregnancy, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
Because PMS symptoms, early pregnancy symptoms, and even ovulation symptoms can be very similar, the only way to tell whether or not you have actually conceived is to take a home pregnancy test. Keep in mind that you will want to take the test AFTER you have missed your period. Sometimes, if you test too early, you will get a negative result even if you are indeed pregnant. In some cases, you can get a positive result and then later test negative. This may be the result of a chemical pregnancy, or a very early miscarriage.
If you’re a teenager with irregular periods, please read a related post: Teen Menstrual Cycles: Why Missed Periods, Irregular Periods are Normal.
If you are worried, call your doctor and schedule an appointment. Getting a blood pregnancy test is often more accurate than a urine test or an over-the-counter pregnancy test. And always test, test, and test over again. Good luck!
Please Note: Due to the overwhelming comments on this post, I do not have time to answer all of your questions, but I will try my best to answer your questions.
Keep in mind that these are just opinions; I am NOT a medical doctor. Any of the answers I offer you are just my thoughts as a writer and researcher. Not medical advice. When I’m super busy with paid writing projects, I may get a few days, or even weeks behind.
To help me keep this blog up and running, please consider Donating a few dollars to the maintenance of this website. Thanks in advance! 
You May Also Enjoy Reading…
Late Periods: Causes of Late Period with Negative Pregnancy Test
Reasons for a Missed Period When You’re Not Pregnant
Period Problems: Irregular Periods, Heavy Periods and Menstrual Problems
Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?
Pregnancy Symptoms: 5 Signs That You May Be Pregnant
About DP Nguyen
DP Nguyen is founder and editor of Hip Chick's Guide to PMS, Pregnancy and Babies. She’s an expert pregnancy and women’s health blogger, and she’s available for blog consultation, ghost writing, and general writing services. She is NOT a medical doctor and does NOT offer medical advice. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, DP spends her free time writing children’s novels and loving on her dog, Gracie Lu. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.
{ 471 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
Hi. I’m only 17 years old and I’fe been told by doctors that I can’t get pregnant since I was 13. However, my bf and I have been having unprotected sec for almost 2 years now. I’ve never had any symptoms of pregnancy or Pms before and my period is very regular. But for the past week or so I’fe been bloated, extremely moody, my boobs are swollen and hurt, I Haven’t Been able to concentrate on anything, smells bother me more than ever, and I missed my period. I took a home pregnancy test, but it was negative. Am I just too soon? Or imagining it? Also I’ve been taking prenatal vitamins for my hair/nails for over a year now. Never taken them with food. But the other morning I took some & threw them back up soon after. Then, while I was in the shower, I went to wash my hair and the smell of my new shampoo made me throw up. Could I possibly be pregnant?? I’m so confused. Please help.
Please e-mail me back at klm6481@truman.edu
I really need input on this.
How late are you? And if you are only a few days late I would wait another few days before taking another one. Dr’s aren’t always right!
I forgot to menchion that I have PCOS & a thyroid disorder. I had unprotected sex the 3rd to last day of my period and instead of continuing for the last 2 days. It stopped. Could that be a sign?? If so. Why was the HPT negative?!
Hi im 21 n I just had a baby,shes five months.i was only for 3 months on the depo shot. The effectiveness ended on the 4 of feb. I had sex on the second of feb but when he was about to finish he got out. On the past week ive got this spotting for two days,the mocus for almost four dayss and the backache and cramps are still on me. Whats does that mean? Can I have and answer. Please help
Hi,
I have been having sex with my girlfriend for the last month and a half and she is scheduled to have her period tomorrow, but she has been having PMS symptoms for a few days now.. is this normal? She is scheduled to be every 26 days, however she has never had the symptoms this early! she is very worried she is pregnant as neither of us are ready for a child and she has never experienced this before!
PS. earlier this month she had a urine infection could this have something to do with it? Also she had not slept with any one before me.
So Im 23 with an almost 5 yo. And 2 yo. My periods are the normal every 28 days unless pregnant. My last period was Feb. 3 and my husband and i had intercourse the 16th and 17th of Feb. We usually withdrawl but didnt i discussing tn time which is ok because we were discussing having another baby. Anyways im two weeks late, have nausea,headaches,clear egg-white like CM, tired all the time,cramping with a pulling feeling sometimes i feel a pulsating. I have taken 2 hpt that were negative and a negative blood test. I know my body so something is up. Please i need advice
Hi, I am 20 years old and have very regular periods on a 28 day cycle. Always have come on a Tuesday. Anyhow, my last period was March 12, 2013. Lasted its usual 5 days. My boyfriend and I had protected sex on March 22 and March 26. I was ovulating March 23-27. On March 30, I woke up with dark brownish spotting. Not much, only needed a pantyliner. This lasted for 4 days. I was expecting my period on Tues, April 9. But on Mon, April 8 I woke up that morning with light pinkish brownish spotting. This lasted all through the day and also Tues, April 9, the day of my expected period. On the Wednesday, this became slightly heavier but nowhere near the same as my periods are. The color was a more pinkish red color. Also on that Wednesday I took a hpt and came out negative. Then on Thursday the bleeding got heavier again and more redish with small tissue but still not the same as my normal periods. Today, Fri, April 12, the bleeding is the same redish color with tissue pieces. Not heavy. I am almost positive this is not my period. Symptoms I have been experiencing include; cramping lighter than menstrual cramps, frequent headaches, nausea, sore nipples, breasts seem fuller, bloated, urinating a bit more, constipated and gassy, unusually tired and slightly darker aeroleas. I just don’t feel right. I don’t mind if I am pregnant or not. I can’t find any answers about how I’m feeling. Can someone PLEASEEEE help me?
Hi there. Unprotected sex but using the withdrawal method was 3 days after my period (which was on 25 Feb). I haven’t had a period since then. I am unable to track ovulation because I have irregular cycles. Past records showed that my cycle is something between 40-45 days. Since then the only ‘symptoms’ I have right now are minor weight gain (1kg), bloating (pretty severe) and mild headaches here and there (i am also a migraine sufferer).
In the last 2 weeks, all my HPTs (different brands) have come back negative.
Doctor’s appointment in the next few days but I’m driving myself crazy with all the possibilities! Any help/words of comfort/reassurance would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!
hi there, I really need some advice please. Last month I had my period but it was not normal in colour and me and my bf have been 2gether for a more than a year now and we haven’t had sex until only 3weeks ago. I was due for my period the 4th of May which was just brownish spotting for days. My bf and I have had unprotected sex and nw I’m just going insane. I feel dizzy all the time, I have headaches,boobs are hurting like crazy some smells just upset my stomach and I feel very fatique. Can this be symptoms of pms or pregnancy plz plz help! Its been 3weeks now nd all symptoms are just increasing nd I always feel hot nd feverish. What can this be?
Me and my bf had unprotected sex last month right after my period. I’ve been experiencing back pains and random cramps along with lack of appetite and being tired more often. But my period isn’t expected until next week. I’m not positive about whether or not its just my period or im actually possibly pregnant. please any help would be nice.
First off, thank you for taking the time to share this information with us. Ive been trying for the last five years to conceive without the help of medication or basal temperature. So far no luck. My first pregnancy ended at 8 weeks, and I have not been pregnant (that Ive known of) since. I was on alot of medication and steroids as a baby because of heart issues and have been told that is a possible explanation of why I have only conceived once. I typically start my period between the 10th and 12th of the month. Both March and April were on the 11th. Towards the end of April I had a spotting of pinkish blood after intercourse with my husband and that is the last I have seen of it. I normally get PMS symptoms two days before I start but never this many at one time and for so long. I have been having one or two sets of cramps, per day, since mid April. The last 3 weeks I have been very fatigued come mid afternoon. The smell of my favorite deodorant turns my stomach, as does the dish detergent I have always used. I have been dry heaving and sick to my stomach when I wake up and through out the day, only having relief with small snacks. My nipples feel like they are going to fall of when my shirt brushes them and I want to slap my husband if he even gets close to my breasts. Im a week and two days late if my body continues it 10th-12th day of the month cycle but Im scared to test. We want a baby so bad, and I am deathly afraid of another negative. My husband said if I dont start by the end of the week I HAVE to take a test. Any suggestions or thoughts would be nice. Thank you.
← Previous Comments
{ 20 trackbacks }