Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe DifferencesSymptomsPMS Symptoms and ReliefPregnancy Test TimingNext StepsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Differences
Symptoms
PMS Symptoms and Relief
Pregnancy Test Timing
Next Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Abdominal cramping can feel similar, whether from yourperiodor earlypregnancy, but experts say there are a few telltale signs that may help you tell the two apart. Becoming familiar with your ovulatory phase will help you distinguish between the two.
This article discusses the similarities and differences between menstrual and early pregnancy cramping.
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Period vs. Early Pregnancy Cramps
The familiarache in your pelvic areais often a reminder that your period is on its way. But in some cases, cramping can also indicate early pregnancy.
Cramps But No Period: Getting to the Cause
Do Early Pregnancy Cramps Feel Like Period Cramps?
As a fertilized egg implants in your uterus (implantation), you may notice different changes and sensations while your body adjusts to being pregnant.
Implantation can cause light cramping and othersymptomslike bloating or constipation in some people. There is not a lot of research on implantation cramping, but the sensation appears slightly different for everyone.
Some people report the feeling as mild cramps, a dull achiness, or light twinges.Early pregnancy cramps may also feel like a prickling, tingling, or pulling sensation that can come and go or last for a day or two before disappearing altogether.
On the other hand, period cramps may feel more intense, noticeable, severe, or painful. Many period cramps can be felt on just one side of the lower abdomen as one of the ovaries releases an egg. Early pregnancy cramping might be more likely to be felt across the entire lower abdomen, pelvic area, or lower back.
Timing of Your Last Period
The time between ovulation and menstruation is roughly 14 days for people with an average 28-daymenstrual cycle.If implantation cramping happens up to 10 days after ovulation, you might expect that it’s been about 20 to 24 days since the first day of your last period.
Timing of Possible Conception
Because everyone’s menstrual cycle is a slightly different length, timing possible conception can be challenging. Generally, an egg can be fertilized minutes to days afterunprotected sex, also known as condomless sex. The newly fertilized egg can take up to 10 days after ovulation to officially implant into the uterine wall.
Beyond Cramping: Period vs. Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Besides cramping, your menstrual cycle and early pregnancy can havesimilar symptomsdue to varying hormone levels. These symptoms include:
While it can be challenging to differentiate between an upcoming menstrual cycle and a pregnancy, experts still say that a missed period is the most common sign of early pregnancy. Close to a third of pregnant people report this as the earliest sign.
Symptoms Unique to PregnancySome symptoms are more likely to indicate early pregnancy than PMS, including:A missed periodNausea and vomiting, affecting up to 80% of pregnant peopleDarkened nipples and areolas (skin around the nipple)
Symptoms Unique to Pregnancy
Some symptoms are more likely to indicate early pregnancy than PMS, including:A missed periodNausea and vomiting, affecting up to 80% of pregnant peopleDarkened nipples and areolas (skin around the nipple)
Some symptoms are more likely to indicate early pregnancy than PMS, including:
Premenstrual syndrome(or PMS) commonly affects menstruating people with physical and mental symptoms such as:
While there aren’t specific treatments torelieve PMS symptoms, some lifestyle tips experts recommend can help you cope and manage this time of the month. You might consider:
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Many peopletake a pregnancy testas soon as they think they might be pregnant or after missing aperiod.
Some at-home pregnancy tests can detect whether you’re pregnant up to five days before your missed period.However, experts advise against taking a test too soon, as this can sometimes produce inaccurate results. Instead, it might be safest to aim for the first day of your missed period.
It’s best to take an at-home pregnancy test first thing in the morning, as the hormone levels that indicate pregnancy are highest when your urine is more concentrated.
Next Steps With a Positive Pregnancy Test
After receiving a positive pregnancy test result, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to ensure you receive the best prenatal care. The healthcare provider may also perform another blood test to confirm your pregnancy.
Summary
Abdominal cramping, such as during your period or early pregnancy, shares similar sensations with early pregnancy cramps, but there are telltale signs to tell the difference. Light spotting can occur with both sets of cramps. While it can be challenging to differentiate between the two, early pregnancy cramping is typically reported to be milder than period cramps. It’s best to take a pregnancy test at the first sign of a missed period or check with a healthcare provider for confirmation.
A Word From VerywellMenstrual cramps and early pregnancy cramps can feel very similar in the beginning. The biggest difference is the lack of blood that comes from the menstrual period. Even for people with severe menstrual cramps, early pregnancy cramps are rarely severely painful. If you have cramping for one week or more and see no signs of menstrual bleeding, it’s important to take a pregnancy test and consult your healthcare provider.—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Menstrual cramps and early pregnancy cramps can feel very similar in the beginning. The biggest difference is the lack of blood that comes from the menstrual period. Even for people with severe menstrual cramps, early pregnancy cramps are rarely severely painful. If you have cramping for one week or more and see no signs of menstrual bleeding, it’s important to take a pregnancy test and consult your healthcare provider.—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Menstrual cramps and early pregnancy cramps can feel very similar in the beginning. The biggest difference is the lack of blood that comes from the menstrual period. Even for people with severe menstrual cramps, early pregnancy cramps are rarely severely painful. If you have cramping for one week or more and see no signs of menstrual bleeding, it’s important to take a pregnancy test and consult your healthcare provider.
—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Frequently Asked QuestionsWith a menstrual cycle that’s either shorter or longer than the average 28 days, it can be helpful to keep a fertility calendar.This can help you track whether your cramping is due to an upcoming period or early pregnancy.Learn MoreIrregular periodsMenstrual cramps typically start a day or two before you start your period.Each scenario is different, but it can take up to a couple of weeks. Conception (when sperm fertilizes the egg) can happen minutes after condomless sex, or it could take several days. The fertilized egg may implant (attach to the uterine wall) up to 10 days after fertilization.
With a menstrual cycle that’s either shorter or longer than the average 28 days, it can be helpful to keep a fertility calendar.This can help you track whether your cramping is due to an upcoming period or early pregnancy.Learn MoreIrregular periods
With a menstrual cycle that’s either shorter or longer than the average 28 days, it can be helpful to keep a fertility calendar.This can help you track whether your cramping is due to an upcoming period or early pregnancy.
Learn MoreIrregular periods
Menstrual cramps typically start a day or two before you start your period.
Each scenario is different, but it can take up to a couple of weeks. Conception (when sperm fertilizes the egg) can happen minutes after condomless sex, or it could take several days. The fertilized egg may implant (attach to the uterine wall) up to 10 days after fertilization.
20 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Foxcroft KF, Callaway LK, Byrne NM, Webster J.Development and validation of a pregnancy symptoms inventory.BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2013;13:3. doi:10.1186/1471-2393-13-3Kim SM, Kim JS.A review of mechanisms of implantation.Dev Reprod.2017;21(4):351–359. doi:10.12717/DR.2017.21.4.351MedlinePlus.Ovulation home test.Merck Manual.Stages of development of the fetus.Office on Women’s Health.Knowing if you are pregnant.MedlinePlus.Common symptoms during pregnancy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Bleeding during pregnancy.National Institutes of Health.What are some common signs of early pregnancy?Hinkle SN, Mumford SL, Grantz KL, et al.Association of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy with pregnancy loss: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(11):1621. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5641Motosko CC, Bieber AK, Pomeranz MK, Stein JA, Martires KJ.Physiologic changes of pregnancy: A review of the literature. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017 Oct 21;3(4):219-224. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.09.003Kwan I, Onwude JL.Premenstrual syndrome.BMJ Clin Evid. 2015;2015:0806.MedlinePlus.Premenstrual syndrome.Planned Parenthood Federation of American.Pregnancy tests.Office on Women’s Health.Pregnancy tests.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Pregnancy.MedlinePlus.Pregnancy test.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are menstrual irregularities?Osayande AS, Mehulic S.Diagnosis and initial management of dysmenorrhea.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(5):341-346.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Methods for estimating the due date.Planned Parenthood.How long after sex does pregnancy occur?
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Foxcroft KF, Callaway LK, Byrne NM, Webster J.Development and validation of a pregnancy symptoms inventory.BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2013;13:3. doi:10.1186/1471-2393-13-3Kim SM, Kim JS.A review of mechanisms of implantation.Dev Reprod.2017;21(4):351–359. doi:10.12717/DR.2017.21.4.351MedlinePlus.Ovulation home test.Merck Manual.Stages of development of the fetus.Office on Women’s Health.Knowing if you are pregnant.MedlinePlus.Common symptoms during pregnancy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Bleeding during pregnancy.National Institutes of Health.What are some common signs of early pregnancy?Hinkle SN, Mumford SL, Grantz KL, et al.Association of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy with pregnancy loss: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(11):1621. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5641Motosko CC, Bieber AK, Pomeranz MK, Stein JA, Martires KJ.Physiologic changes of pregnancy: A review of the literature. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017 Oct 21;3(4):219-224. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.09.003Kwan I, Onwude JL.Premenstrual syndrome.BMJ Clin Evid. 2015;2015:0806.MedlinePlus.Premenstrual syndrome.Planned Parenthood Federation of American.Pregnancy tests.Office on Women’s Health.Pregnancy tests.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Pregnancy.MedlinePlus.Pregnancy test.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are menstrual irregularities?Osayande AS, Mehulic S.Diagnosis and initial management of dysmenorrhea.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(5):341-346.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Methods for estimating the due date.Planned Parenthood.How long after sex does pregnancy occur?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Foxcroft KF, Callaway LK, Byrne NM, Webster J.Development and validation of a pregnancy symptoms inventory.BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2013;13:3. doi:10.1186/1471-2393-13-3Kim SM, Kim JS.A review of mechanisms of implantation.Dev Reprod.2017;21(4):351–359. doi:10.12717/DR.2017.21.4.351MedlinePlus.Ovulation home test.Merck Manual.Stages of development of the fetus.Office on Women’s Health.Knowing if you are pregnant.MedlinePlus.Common symptoms during pregnancy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Bleeding during pregnancy.National Institutes of Health.What are some common signs of early pregnancy?Hinkle SN, Mumford SL, Grantz KL, et al.Association of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy with pregnancy loss: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(11):1621. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5641Motosko CC, Bieber AK, Pomeranz MK, Stein JA, Martires KJ.Physiologic changes of pregnancy: A review of the literature. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017 Oct 21;3(4):219-224. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.09.003Kwan I, Onwude JL.Premenstrual syndrome.BMJ Clin Evid. 2015;2015:0806.MedlinePlus.Premenstrual syndrome.Planned Parenthood Federation of American.Pregnancy tests.Office on Women’s Health.Pregnancy tests.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Pregnancy.MedlinePlus.Pregnancy test.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are menstrual irregularities?Osayande AS, Mehulic S.Diagnosis and initial management of dysmenorrhea.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(5):341-346.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Methods for estimating the due date.Planned Parenthood.How long after sex does pregnancy occur?
Foxcroft KF, Callaway LK, Byrne NM, Webster J.Development and validation of a pregnancy symptoms inventory.BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2013;13:3. doi:10.1186/1471-2393-13-3
Kim SM, Kim JS.A review of mechanisms of implantation.Dev Reprod.2017;21(4):351–359. doi:10.12717/DR.2017.21.4.351
MedlinePlus.Ovulation home test.
Merck Manual.Stages of development of the fetus.
Office on Women’s Health.Knowing if you are pregnant.
MedlinePlus.Common symptoms during pregnancy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Bleeding during pregnancy.
National Institutes of Health.What are some common signs of early pregnancy?
Hinkle SN, Mumford SL, Grantz KL, et al.Association of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy with pregnancy loss: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(11):1621. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.5641
Motosko CC, Bieber AK, Pomeranz MK, Stein JA, Martires KJ.Physiologic changes of pregnancy: A review of the literature. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017 Oct 21;3(4):219-224. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.09.003
Kwan I, Onwude JL.Premenstrual syndrome.BMJ Clin Evid. 2015;2015:0806.
MedlinePlus.Premenstrual syndrome.
Planned Parenthood Federation of American.Pregnancy tests.
Office on Women’s Health.Pregnancy tests.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Pregnancy.
MedlinePlus.Pregnancy test.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are menstrual irregularities?
Osayande AS, Mehulic S.Diagnosis and initial management of dysmenorrhea.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(5):341-346.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Methods for estimating the due date.
Planned Parenthood.How long after sex does pregnancy occur?
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