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Pregnancy Symptoms and Testing

Writer: Directions Medical ClinicDirections Medical Clinic
Mar 13, 20249 min read

Updated: 14 hours ago

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your OB/GYN for personalized medical guidance. 


Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. Some women have more noticeable symptoms, while others experience only mild ones.  

Feeling nauseous, unusually tired, and even your period is late? Could you be possibly pregnant or is it still something else? Only a pregnancy test can confirm for sure. However, if you are pregnant, you may start noticing certain pregnancy signs almost as early as the first couple of weeks after conception - even before you take a pregnancy test. 


The most common pregnancy signs include a missed period, morning sickness, fatigue, breast changes, spotting and cramping, etc. Nevertheless, it is important to know that these symptoms may not always mean pregnancy. Many of the symptoms can be a result of other factors and conditions such as PMS. Understanding the differences and similarities between pregnancy symptoms and other conditions can help with early detection and self-care. 


In this article, we’ll dive deeper into: 

  • Similarities and differences between pregnancy symptoms and other conditions 

  • Early pregnancy symptoms 

  • How pregnancy symptoms differ for each individual 

  • Coping with pregnancy symptoms 

  • When to take a pregnancy test - types of pregnancy tests and their accuracy 

  • When and where to seek medical advice for pregnancy-related concerns 


Pregnancy or Something Else? Clarifying Common Symptoms and What They Really Mean 

Pregnancy symptoms are usually caused due to increased levels of pregnancy hormones. However, sometimes these symptoms may overlap with other conditions that are not related to pregnancy. Learning about the similarities and differences between pregnancy symptoms and other conditions early on, and taking a pregnancy test, can help you determine if you are pregnant so you can get the appropriate medical care. 


Pregnancy Vs. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) 


What’s Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? 

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a number of symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms start appearing around a week or two before the start of your period and usually stop once your period starts. While PMS symptoms can vary from individual to individual, the most common premenstrual symptoms include mood swings, cramps, breast tenderness, fatigue, etc. 


How to distinguish between PMS and Pregnancy Symptoms? 

Sometimes, symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) resemble pregnancy symptoms, making women think that they may be pregnant. Hormonal changes play a key role in causing similar symptoms during early pregnancy and PMS. Although several PMS symptoms are similar to pregnancy symptoms (breast tenderness, mood changes, food cravings, irritability), there are various differences as well, particularly in the pattern, duration, and intensity of these symptoms. 


Over time, pregnancy symptoms (particularly nausea and fatigue) intensify whereas PMS symptoms start to fade at the onset of menstruation. Besides, the severity of both the pregnancy and PMS symptoms differs from person to person. Some women may face severe symptoms for a longer duration, while others do not. 


A Comparison of Pregnancy and PMS Symptoms 

While there may be some similarities between early pregnancy and PMS symptoms, there are notable differences as well. Learning about these differences can help you make the right decisions. 


Breast Changes 

Breast changes are common during both PMS and pregnancy. 


PMS 

In PMS, and typically just before the period begins, you may experience breast pain, tenderness, swelling, bumpy breast tissue, sensitivity, and heaviness. The intensity of these changes varies from individual to individual. Some women may notice mild changes while others may feel severe tenderness, pain, and swelling. However, symptoms related to breast changes during premenstrual syndrome don’t last long and often go away when the period starts or after it ends, as the progesterone levels drop. 


Pregnancy 

Swollen or tender breasts are also common symptoms of early pregnancy. Breast changes usually start to occur after 7-14 days of conception and you may experience swelling and breast pain. Your breasts may also feel tender, sore, and heavier during pregnancy. However, the main difference between breast-related symptoms of pregnancy and PMS is the intensity and progression - For PMS, breast symptoms subside at the onset of the period. On the other hand, during pregnancy, breast tenderness, pain, and swelling may last till childbirth due to increased progesterone levels. 


Mood Swings 

Mood swings, stress, irritability, and depression are also common in both pregnancy and PMS. 


PMS 

Just before the onset of the period, mood changes start to occur. You may feel like crying, anxious, sad, and easily irritated. Some women may experience frequent mood swings and changes that can affect their daily lives, while others experience mild and more manageable mood changes. These symptoms, however, usually go away when your period starts. 


Pregnancy 

Mood changes during pregnancy often persist until childbirth, so if you experience prolonged mood changes and have missed a period, you may possibly be pregnant. Pregnant individuals often experience mixed emotions - excitement, happiness, and anticipation about becoming a parent. There will also be moments when you feel sad, anxious, and irritated. With time, emotions and mood changes can intensify for pregnant women. Nevertheless, the severity of these emotions and mood changes varies from person to person. 


Fatigue 

PMS 

Fatigue or tiredness, along with difficulty in getting sleep is also common with PMS. This is because progesterone levels start to rise before a period. For most women, these symptoms subside when the period starts, but for those who experience heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue may last a little longer or until the period ends. 


Pregnancy 

Due to increased levels of progesterone, you may feel tired when pregnant. While fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy, and typically more prominent during the first trimester, it can last throughout the pregnancy until childbirth. 


Bleeding 

PMS 

Premenstrual syndrome does not usually cause bleeding or spotting. When your period starts, the flow will be notably heavier, although in some cases, it may be light on the first day. 


Pregnancy 

If you are pregnant, you may notice light spotting or vaginal bleeding one or two weeks after conception. This is called “Implantation Bleeding.” Implantation bleeding is usually lighter than menstrual bleeding, pinkish or brownish in color, and can be considered as one of the early pregnancy symptoms. 

Sometimes, implantation bleeding occurs around the time of the period, which is why some women may mistake it for menstrual bleeding. However, it is important to note that not all pregnant people will experience or even notice implantation bleeding as it is usually very light. 


Cramping 

PMS 

If it’s PMS, you may experience menstrual cramps a day or two before your period starts. These cramps are also known as Dysmenorrhea. You will feel less pain as your period starts and by the end of it, menstrual cramps usually subside. 


Pregnancy 

Pregnant women may experience mild cramping and these cramps will usually feel like mild menstrual cramps. However, pregnancy cramps will typically occur in your lower abdomen or lower back and may last longer. 


Food Aversions and Cravings 

PMS 

Changes in appetite are common in pregnancy and PMS. When it’s PMS, you may experience cravings for sweets, chocolate, carbs, and salty or fatty foods before your period starts due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. On the contrary, these cravings only intensify if you are pregnant. 


Pregnancy 

Pregnant individuals experience even stronger cravings for specific foods. On the other hand, they may also develop aversions to certain foods and the mere sight or smell of certain foods can be unpleasant or intolerable for them. Food aversions and cravings can occur at any time during pregnancy. Not only that, but pregnant women may crave a specific food at one point in pregnancy and develop an aversion to it later. 


Nausea or Morning Sickness 

PMS 

You may experience mild bloating or stomach discomfort before your period starts. However, nausea, vomiting, or morning sickness is not typically associated with PMS. 


Pregnancy 

One of the most prominent early signs of pregnancy is nausea or morning sickness, and a majority of pregnant individuals experience it. Nausea and vomiting typically begin around four weeks into pregnancy and may last until the second trimester or throughout the pregnancy. 


Missed Period 

PMS 

PMS is followed by menstrual bleeding, so a missed period is definitely not a sign of PMS. 


Pregnancy 

There may be several reasons if your period is late (such as stress, PCOS, menopause, other medical conditions, etc.). However, a missed period is also one of the most obvious signs you may be pregnant. Therefore, if you’ve missed a period and notice other pregnancy symptoms as well, it is better to take a pregnancy test for confirmation. 


Pregnancy vs. Bloating 

What’s Bloating? 

Bloating is a condition or a feeling of fullness or tightness in the stomach and has various causes. It’s a very common condition experienced by many people. Bloating is also considered a common pregnancy sign, which is why it’s confusing for some people to distinguish whether they are pregnant or bloated. 


Are You Pregnant or Just Bloated? 

Apart from pregnancy, there are several other causes of bloating: 


PMS and Menstruation 

A number of individuals feel bloated before and during their menstrual cycle. PMS and period bloating usually occur due to changes in estrogen or progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle. Nevertheless, period bloating typically goes away once your menstrual cycle ends. 


Certain Foods and Carbonated Drinks 

Consuming certain foods and drinks can also lead to bloating. For instance, some dairy products and vegetables can cause gas, increasing the chances of bloating. Similarly, sodas and drinks containing carbon dioxide can also cause bloating. 


Overeating 

You may also feel bloated if you overeat, as you are consuming more food than your stomach can actually handle. 


Medical Conditions 

Medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, bowel or bladder blockages, gastrointestinal disorders, and some medications can also cause bloating. 


Eating Quickly, Chewing Gum, etc. 

Eating too quickly, smoking, chewing gum, and using a straw can cause people to swallow air, which may lead to bloating. 


Pregnancy Bloating 

Pregnancy bloating is mainly because of hormonal changes that increase the blood flow to the uterus. Moreover, the body undergoes several other physical changes, including expansion of the uterus and displacement of other organs due to the growing fetus. All these changes can cause bloating. If you’re sexually active and experience other pregnancy symptoms (such as a missed or late period, nausea, or breast changes) along with prolonged bloating, you may be pregnant. In this case, a pregnancy test can help you confirm. 


Further Reading 

  1. Healthcare.utah.edu. (2024, October). Navigating pregnancy symptoms in the first trimester. University of Utah Health. https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2024/10/navigating-pregnancy-symptoms-first-trimester 

  2. UF Health. (2022, October 3). Common pregnancy symptoms to expect during each trimester. UF Health. https://ufhealth.org/stories/2022/common-pregnancy-symptoms-to-expect-during-each-trimester 

  3. Kiyak, S. (2024). The relationship of depression, anxiety, and stress with pregnancy symptoms and coping styles in pregnant women: A multi-group structural equation modeling analysis. Midwifery, 136, 104103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2024.104103 

  4. Sahin, E. S., & Gürkan, Ö. C. (2022). The Effect of Prenatal Yoga on Pregnancy-Related Symptoms: A Pilot Quasi-Experimental Study. Complementary Medicine Research, 30(3), 195. https://doi.org/10.1159/000528801 

  5. Somsuzen, J. (2023). First signs of pregnancy: Learn about the early signs and symptoms that can indicate the beginning of pregnancy. Independently published. 

  6. Murkoff, H. (2016). What to expect when you're expecting. Workman Publishing Company (5th ed.). 


References 

Introduction 


Pregnancy Symptoms vs. Other Conditions 

  1. PMS Symptoms vs Pregnancy Symptoms. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/pms-symptoms-vs-pregnancy-symptoms#fatigue 

  2. PMS Symptoms vs Pregnancy Symptoms: How to tell the difference. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323122 

  3. PMS vs Pregnancy: How to Tell the Difference. Hero OB/GYN. https://www.herobgyn.com/pms-vs-pregnancy 

  4. Am I Bloated or Pregnant? Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327043 

  5. Bloat or Pregnant? Kin Fertility 

  1. Pregnancy Bloating vs. Period Bloating. Everly Well 


Early Pregnancy Symptoms 

  1. Pregnancy - Signs and Symptoms. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-signs-and-symptoms#bhc-content 

  2. Symptoms of Pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853 

  3. Early Pregnancy Signs. Clearblue. https://www.clearblue.com/am-i-pregnant/early-pregnancy-signs 

  4. Early Pregnancy Symptoms. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/early-symptoms-timeline 

  5. 18 Early Symptoms of Pregnancy: How to Notice and Confirm. MedPark 

  1. Early Pregnancy Symptoms: 15 Signs and Timeline. Healthline 

  1. The First Signs of Pregnancy: Early Symptoms to Look Out For. WebMD 

  1. Pregnancy Symptoms. NewYork-Presbyterian 

 

Pregnancy Testing: When to Take a Pregnancy Test, Types, Accuracy, and More 

  1. Pregnancy Test: When to Take, Types, and Accuracy. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9703-pregnancy-tests 

  2. Pregnancy Tests: When to Take One, Accuracy, And Results. Web MD 

  1. When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test? Healthline 

  1. 5 Signs You May Need to Take a Pregnancy Test and When to Take It. Healthline. 

  1. When Can I Take a Pregnancy Test? Clearblue 

  1. The 9 Best Pregnancy Tests. Healthline 

  1. Negative Pregnancy Test but no Period? Clearblue 

  1. Positive Pregnancy Test: Now What? The Bump 

  1. The Best Pregnancy Test. The New York Times Wirecutter 

 

Uncommon Pregnancy Symptoms 

 

A Classification of Pregnancy Symptoms by Type 

  1. The Physical Symptoms of Pregnancy. Life Forward. https://www.lifeforwardcincy.org/questions/2022/2/7/the-physical-symptoms-of-pregnancy 

  2. Top 7 Pregnancy Symptoms. First Care. https://firstcaremn.org/top-7-pregnancy-symptoms/ 

  3. Psychological Symptoms During Pregnancy. Onlymyhealth. https://www.onlymyhealth.com/psychological-symptoms-during-pregnancy-1310622202 

  4. Surviving the Emotional Symptoms of Pregnancy at Work. Parent and Professional. https://parentandprofessional.co.uk/surviving-the-emotional-symptoms-of-pregnancy-at-work/ 

 

Pregnancy Symptoms That Come And Go 

 

How Pregnancy Symptoms Differ for Each Individual 

 

Coping with Pregnancy Symptoms 

  1. Managing Pregnancy Symptoms. OBGYN Health Plus. https://obgynhealthplus.org/pregnancy/managing-pregnancy-symptoms 

  2. Tips to Manage Common Pregnancy Symptoms by Trimester. UChicago Medicine. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/womens-health-articles/tips-to-manage-common-pregnancy-symptoms-by-trimester 

  3. Coping with Common Discomforts of Pregnancy. UCSF Health. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/coping-with-common-discomforts-of-pregnancy 


When to Seek Medical Advice 

  1. Maternal Warning Signs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs/index.html 

  2. Learning About When to Call Your Doctor or Midwife During Pregnancy (After 20 Weeks). Alberta Health Services. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abo6400 

  3. 10 Pregnancy Symptoms You Should Call Your Doctor About. Raleigh OB/GYN. https://www.raleighob.com/10-pregnancy-symptoms-you-should-call-your-doctor-about/ 


 

 
 
 

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