Symptoms
PMS or early pregnancy: how can I tell the difference?
You usually can’t tell PMS from early pregnancy by symptoms alone, because tiredness, sore breasts, mood changes and cravings appear in both. What separates them is time: PMS eases once your period starts, while pregnancy brings a missed period. A test is the way to know, most reliable from the first day of a missed period.
How do PMS and early pregnancy symptoms compare?
This table follows the NHS lists for each. A blank means the NHS doesn’t list it for that one.
| Sign | PMS | Early pregnancy |
|---|---|---|
| Tiredness | Yes | Yes |
| Sore or tender breasts | Yes | Yes |
| Mood changes | Yes | Yes |
| Food cravings or appetite changes | Yes | Yes |
| Feeling or being sick | Yes | |
| Needing to pee more often | Yes | |
| Metallic taste, sensitivity to smells | Yes | |
| A light bleed or spotting around when your period is due | Yes | |
| A missed period | Yes | |
| Eases once your period starts | Yes |
Every pregnancy is different, so you may not have all of the early signs, and early signs usually start around 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. None of these is proof on its own.
When is a pregnancy test reliable?
A test is most reliable from the first day of a missed period. If you don’t know when your period was due, test at least 21 days after unprotected sex. Any time of day is fine.
A positive result is almost always right. A negative is less reliable. If your period still hasn’t come, test again a few days later.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if you’ve missed a period and have unusual bleeding with pain anywhere in your tummy. The NHS says to get an urgent appointment, as it can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Also see one if your PMS symptoms are affecting your daily life or lifestyle changes haven’t helped.
Frequently asked questions
Can PMS cause a missed period?
PMS itself doesn’t stop a period. A late or missed period has many possible causes, including stress, weight change, PCOS and some contraception. See why a period is late.
Do PMS symptoms stop when the period starts?
Usually, yes. The NHS says PMS symptoms usually ease once your period starts.
Can I test before my period is late?
You can, but it is less reliable. The NHS says a test is most reliable from the first day of a missed period.
Sources
Seventh is a free period and cycle tracker for iPhone and iPad, by doogud. This article is general information, not medical advice. If something feels wrong, see a doctor.
