Difference:pms and pregnancy symptoms

[bani29]

Hi! My question is how can we differentiate pregnancy and pms symptoms?Every month i have symptoms like breast tenderness,tiredness,digestive problems,bloating and twinges in lower abdomen for about a week prior to my period.All of these symptoms resemble early pregnancy symptoms.Since i have been ttc,it becomes very difficult for me to understand during the two week wait.Kindly share your opinions.

[mumwith#4]

There's actually not a great deal of difference in early pregnancy except that the symptoms of pms usually go away when AF arrives or just before/after. Whereas pregnancy symptoms not only continue but increase in intensity. Hope this helps and good luck with finding out!

[aisham]

God I had the same question! I usually have pms a week before my period.  I was due yesterday for my period and have not had any pms and I'm a few days late! So I still wonder what symptoms I should be looking for...

[AnnieBrooke]

For me, there was no difference.  If you are one of the people who is not gifted by Mom's genes to get morning sickness, you probably won't have any different signals.  I had IVF so I KNEW when there were embryos inside me and when they should be implanting, and I still couldn't tell during the 2ww either that I was pregnant or that I was not.  Lower body cramps, etc. were all the same.  I remember being really surprised to get an HPT that was positive, and wouldn't have been so surprised if I had known through my female intuition that the IVF had worked.  That said, some ladies  do say they just knew.

[aisham]

Great, then I guess I'll wait another week to test if I don't get af first! Sooo confusing...

[lucylocket2]

oh, you'll know. It a different kinds sick feelin. or at least it was for me. I have cramps really bad. I didn't with the pg.'s. plus, I could just tell. I felt it. Good luck ttc!!

[bani29]

Thanks for your comments ladies.I am due for af tomorrow and have all pms symptoms.I hope its a pregnancy this month.Anyways i am ready even if af shows up bcoz it would then give me a new cycle for ttc.Good luck to u aisham.....keep us posted.

[katherine1973]

i am going thru the same thing.  i am on day 16 of embryo transfer and due to take blood test on day 18 friday.  i am on my 3rd ivf try, this time the best results for me, i am a low responder, they transfered 4 embryos on 12/21.  i have been extremely tired, some foods i have put in front of me and start to eat and have to stop because the taste makes me nauseated and these are foods i have eaten before, my breast were tender but that is not as noticeable, and i am feel more cramping, more urination, lower back pain, and my husband says i have a different overall scent, but i was bad an took an at home test a few days ago and i guess the test worked but the line was so faint i could barely see it and had to hold it up to the light just to read it, but it said negative.  i spoke with my nurse and she said it may or not be the case because i did it early, but i am not buying that.  plus, i would think i would have that female intution...that i would know.  if anyone has any thoughts please comment or email me at Katherine_Anderson***@****  i am so anxious and worried and sad that i cant think straight

[tinypuppy]

oh gosh.. i am so confused between PMS and pregnancy symptoms.. are they similar? Coz i usually tend to look bloated, feel tired and have a larger appetite prior to PMS. Lately, I have been very very moody.. in fact, i cry at the slightest issue. I'm not sure if this time round is pregnancy symptoms.. I do hope it is. Have been waiting for good news.. my menses is due this week.. I pray and hope I will not get my menses.. wish me luck!

[ras1020]

I know, I can't tell the difference between PMS and early pregnancy symptoms either.  I was very bloated, eating less, nauseous and tired for the last two weeks, which I normally get one week before my AF, but not two weeks.  I was 6 days late until yesterday I had a little light colored bleeding when I wiped, which lasted through out the day, but only when I wiped (so it was not flowing) and today not much at all.  However, I don't have any of the symptoms anymore (sore breasts) but I am a bit nauseous (not as much).  Maybe it's all in my head, but this is crazy and frustrating because I am never never never late more than 32 days (my cycle is normally 28 to 31 days).  I have a doc's appointment next week, so we'll see then.  I know exactly how you feel!  Take care.

[somewhereoutthere]

Ok, thanks to Google I know I am not alone!  I feel like a crazy person running to the bathroom every hour checking for AF.  I too seem to be feeling symptoms of PMS bloating, tiredness, cramping. My breasts seem fine though.  I keep reading that a lot of people get that but mine seem to be fine.  I am feeling rather lightheaded and have had some heartburn that I don’t usually ever experience.   I just wish there was some kind of sign that would just let you know.  As if the 2 week wait from ovulation isn’t torture enough your body sends off mixed signals.  I am pretty irregular so I am going to wait another few days before dashing off to get a test but fingers crossed this is it!

[candika]

Good luck to all who are  ttc.I know how you feel...I have a 9 year old son and have been trying for another child for about 7 years. After some fertility treatments I misscarried at 9 weeks in Dec.07.I have always had irregular cycles.After the mc I had reg visits from af in jan-feb- missed march she was back in april and missed may.Then I thought she was comin on june 3rd...all i got was a little discoloration and 2 bright red spots and she was gone.Now it is the 25th of june and in the in the last two weeks I have had some nausea and breast soreness.The last couple of days I have had some mild cramps lower back and legs aches. I've had almost like a watery fluid dicharge for a few weeks.I'm not sleeping to well at night. I was crying last night for no reason.I want to get pregnant again but the trauma from the misscarriage still haunts me.What do you think could I be pregnant.I got preg. the first time after just a couple of spots do you think that could have happened this time...Thanks, Candika

[msknox]

Wow, i feel so much better reading all of your stories. Every month I get my hopes up so high...... and when my period comes, i get so frustrated with my body. (Which of course is the wrong energy to have). I too am having sore bbs, (which I have been every month since ttc), severe moodiness, light headedness and tired. mild cramps. I'm taking a test thursday if still no period.
I have been having crazy dreams about babies and breastfeeding, which makes me wake up craving a child even more. It's amazing how in our society we're taught that if you work hard at something you will get what you want. This is one of the only times where that is simply not the case. I try to just have faith in the universe, that my time will come.
Good luck to all of you
- michaela

[candika]

Hi Candika here...Well af  teased me again this month.It was around the same time as last month,just a couple of red dots but never showed up.I still have all the same symptoms,I am gonna do another pt maybe this weekend.Wait and see I guess...I am so frustrated!

[Seimei]

UGHH!
I've been lookin for somewhere to just vent my total confusion. I mean during my period my breasts usually hurt but, now it just seems worse...or maybe just different. But i have been eating so much but not just to eat like i do on my period it's like i digest my food to quickly. I havn't had issues with nausea oddly enough, becuase I have a usually irritable stomach,but  I did notice when I went with my BF to a convention that I could smell everything... it was so strange it was like (as my BF told me) I hit a wall, and I would cringe at a scent....someones garlic fries, or perfume...or just people.

The smell thing was what kinda got me to thinking...uh oh what if? So I thought about it over and over...I haven't been more tired than usual but I  work a midnight shift there for I'm usually always tired, you know?

So my breast still hurting for more than a week now (usually it doesn't last that long) I bought a PT knowing that my period is not till next week, I felt SO strongly about being pregnant that I took it anyway....negative of course.

But what I just wanted to know, is there anyone who has had the same feeling or symptoms as me? You know, Do you think intuition is constitutable? I've just had some very light cramps...I thought it was a lttle early for that.

Oh yeah i failed to mention that My BF and I don't have alot of unprotected sex...just sometimes, but we use the "pull out" method and I'm not sure how much that would lower my risk of actually being pregnant.

UGhhh please help

SEI

[anna727]

SEI,

I have been having similar symptoms. For about a week I have noticed fuller breasts (more so than when I have PMS) and a continuous mild cramping. These symptoms came on a bit early in my cycle -- my normal PMS symptoms  tend to occur 3 days or so before my period and I'm not due to have my period until the 21st. I haven't experienced any nasuea or vomitting, though. My mood is also pretty stable.

I wonder if any mothers out there felt similarly early in their pregnancies? Since my symtoms came on earlier than my normal PMS symptoms, could this suggest pregnancy?

Thanks!

[tarabear]

Goddness im about to go nuts, im ttc and i dont know if its pms or if im acutally pregnant, ive had one baby before and had absolutely no clue what so ever that i was pregnant i was about a month along and my friend told me to take a test cause she thought that i was and sure enough i was, but this time i feel like i should know cause i know the symtoms but there so similar to pms i dont know if im just wanting to be pregnant so bad that im imaging it but i really feel pregnant, bloating tired,smelling everything etc.....i have irregular periods so its not my first sign so im going to wait about a week a take a test cause i feel like i should be having a period soon if im not pregnant, who knows maybe im not going crazy lol

[IZZIE70]

I am 38 ttc # 3 my kids are 20, 11  I always dreamed of having the perfect situation to have a baby I have the most amazing partner he never had kids and I can tell that he drulls when he sees one I am  ttc for 8 months now..I am two days late now ....having pms symptoms but my boobs hurt more than ever I totally understand how you feel.
I really want this baby for him..  I am going crazy too!
Good Luck.  Check in by next week!
LOTS OF BABY DUST TO ALL OF YOU!

[no57]

I've only been trying for a few months, we waited until we were ready and now we just want to go go go! The 1st month was agonising and I imagined most early pregancy signs - nausea, breast tenderness, moddiness and then it was just PMS!!!!  I tested about 6 times!!!!! This month Im trying to be more chilled about it (as much as you can) and try not to worry or stress as it just makes me blue!  But here I am scouring the websites on PMT virsus pregnancy signs (they're the same!) How annoying.
I think this will get easier... Ive told myself to give it 6mths, if we still haven't concieved I know Ill be very low.  But I have a wonderful hubby and life so chin up ladies.
I also keep dreaming of babies and breast feeding, so it's definately in our sub-concious............. fingers crossed for all.
Just remember to keep strong girlies x

[no57]

Just found out this morning that I'm 2 weeks pregnant, the biggest give away is definately bigger and very sore boobs!  Good luck everyone. x

[cino456]

I have been trying for about a year and alwas get my hopes up evry month,I become angry when my AF arrives..I have had an ovulation test as well and it came back positive.I've have no cervical mucus to show whether im ovulating or not.Good luck to all ttc out there

[nikki193]

Im in the same boat ladies here i am waiting! P-Day is tommorrow for me!!! Im biting my nails. Ive taking 2 preg test one 3 days ago and one 8 days ago both neg! My boobs are in so much pain!!!!! Now its all a big waiting game! Write back tommorrow!!!!  Atlanta mommie

[MrsKing]

Hi,
We have been ttc for 16 months now and Husband had Acupunture to improve his count which we have now found out through having another sperm test that it worked! But for 2 weeks now my boobs have grown and not fitting into many bras and they can be really really painful, sometimes I get tingling there as well.  I have been craving chocolate more than normal and boy am I moody!! lol I know its very likely that AF will arrive but can't help but wonder 'what if. ' I'm expecting AF tomorrow and really don't want that to happen. took 2 hpt 2 days ago and today obviously both negative so feel a bit depressed....suppose I just want to get this off my chest and have a rant! but please keep fingers crossed that my AF does not come tomorrow and lots of baby dust to everyone.

Lucy xx

[MrsKing]

Too late, AF did come to visit in the end!!! I feel so sad yet determined again for next ovulation....Here we go again!! (sigh)

x

[2dogcrew]

HI all,

So I am new at this baby stuff and I am in the same PMS/Preg boat. Flow is due to arrive on Monday. My hubby and I literally just started trying this month. I have been taking my temp with a basal therm and Im not sure if Im even doing that properly. I jumped the gun and took a couple tests already cuz someone told me if the preg hormones are there, they'll show up on a test right away. Needless to say both were negative. But as I sit here typing, Im super nauseas, my boobs are sore and Im an emotional wreck. However typical of AF. Whlie our bodies are incredibly wonderful and complex, why the hell do these 2 things have to be so similar?

Don't know what my objective is while I am typing this, but Im a bit frustrated and just wanted to let it out. Im happy to see a lot of ladies go thru this!

Thnx,
J

[Patiently_Waiting_NR]

HI All,
I've been married 10years and ttc for 7years. This is the first time I am writing this info in cyberspace- so here I go:o)  ..My husband and I went to see fertility specialist 4years ago- (it took 3years to convince my hubby to see the doctor) we found out that I was ok, but my husband had a condition called "Varicocele" DEF: Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the [vein] that is in the scrotum draining the testicles.
This condition caused his scrotum to be consistently over heated- it kills, deforms or drastically slows down 95% of his sperm. So out of 60million sperm aprox 5mil would be good viable sperm.
To make a long story short -the dr suggested surgery to correct the problem. My husband had surgery in 2006 and then again in 2008- The surgery’s made our infertility problems worse because it didn't fix the Varicocele and his sperm count decreased.
We don't have money for IVF's but we did try the IUI (Intra-uterine insemination) this is way cheaper than IVF- We have tried it 4X so far with no luck- actually the doctor didn't give us a lot of hope- because the amount of sperm that was inseminated was 1million each IUI and there is usually successes if the amounts for the IUI are 10mil or more. Ok to make to story short again.
I decided to take a break in March 09 and not do an  IUI for this Ovulation cycle- instead I bought my husband lots of vitamins- Vitamin C, E, fish oils, zinc etc. I take some too;). I'm also praying for a miracle- "Please Lord"
My husband and I are born again believers- we believe that God can do anything. If you look at our situation naturally- there isn't a lot of hope- we certainly don’t get a lot of hope from our doctors- we usually leave feeling discouraged after the IUI- They let me know they think it will work- only by miracle- of course they suggest doing IVF- But we don’t have the finances at this time.
I go though my emotional ups and downs- wondering if I was meant to be a mother or not? Praying sometimes for God to take that yearning for a child out of my heart- “ Dear Lord, If I’m not meant to have children please take this yearing out of my heart.” Sometimes, I also have hope-- believing that we will have children- when the right time comes-God knows the exact time/day/year- I just wish I also knew:o)
.  . My hubby doesn’t have the ups and downs- He just believes that we will be parents someday.  
I recently turned 30years old and my hubby is 31.
** Ok so today is 10days past ovulation. I feel a little nauseated, I have lower back pain, moodiness, sore bb's and light cramping- this all started 3days ago- I also had light spotting 3days. every hour I run the restroom to check for AF. AF is always ontime- she visits every 28days- About 2 times each year something happens and she is late- maybe 1-5days and if I’m late one month then the next month she makes up for it and comes early. Isn’t she wonderful- she is a monthly reminder that I’m not pg:o(
AF is scheduled to arrive in 2days- Oh gosh I really don't want her to come!!!. I usually feel these symptoms a couple days before AF so I'm trying not to get my hopes up. I hope this is finally the time for me to get my hearts desire** I pray that God blesses all of you out there in cyberspace. I pray that He gives you your hearts desire.. I'll let you know in a couple days if I finally get my hearts desire.
- Patiently waiting. NR

[Balan0931]

Hi All,

This is my first time to this site....I have been trying to get pregnant for some time now...but i should say seriously for the past 6 months...man..it is one big..challenging project........every month the week before ur periods is so challenging ...that it gets stressful to both me and my husband ...my periods is due on May 1...and I am in the same situation as every other month....no pregnancy symptoms...no PMS symptoms too......i just want to get pregnant.....all my friends are trying for their second child now....and it is becoming tough day by day.......i am trying hard to stay positive coz that's the only thing that will help...anyways...it felt good to just share my thoughts here..

[dillavi]

Hi ladies,
My heart is hopeful after hearing all your stories out. I am ttc only for the past 2 months. I have never felt nausea as PMS before and it has been happening ever snice these 2 months that i am ttc! I dont know what to do. Its painful to see negative test on HPT and then to have nausea that i have never had before. I am due for AF next week and feeling nauseous and irritated! I dont know why this has to be soo difficult. Its women with more thqan 2 kids all around me and that makes me wonder what is it that GOD doesnt like about me????

[rfoster8873]

Increased gas, cramping for almost a full month and I only get cramps about an hour or two prior to AF. Had massive cm, thought i was starting my period, but it was a clear, thin mucus. Now the mucus is still there, but not as much. CP is low and soft. Bloated beyond belief, heartburn too. What gives!! Expect AF in 6 days...when can I test?

[EannJ]

Hello Ladies! Thank you for being so open and sharing these things. I know that all might not have the same view, but I just wanted to hopefully bring encouragement that has come to me.

My husband and I have been married for almost 2 years and no children yet and we do not use birth control. I have been comforted by God and although every month is a challenge and the wondering and waiting process is sometimes emotionally wearing, I hope to have learned more that God is in control, afterall He created the first man and woman enabled them to multiply and fill the earth. Trust in God. He will bring a child in his timing. Spend time learning about being a mother and enjoy time with your husbands before children come and use time also to prepare together. Spend time also helping other women around you that have children. I have been encouraged by so many women and seeing how they care for their children. They too have been encouraged and they really apprieciate the help - whether it is being a listener and someone to talk to have a "real" conversation with when they are at home with their children all day or going on an outing with them or helping them around the house. Being around other people's children brings joy and happiness that we crave as women and wanting to be a mother, even when the children are not ours. And keep praying and hoping. Continue to enjoy life, no matter what the circumstances are!

Sincerely, another woman longing for a child, in God's timing!!! :0)

[EannJ]

P.S. I wanted to aslo share my current status. I started my period on April 7th. In May had light bleeding on the 1st and full flow on the 2nd. As of today, June 7th, I have not started.

I have been wondering what is going on. I'm thinking I'm just getting back on track or it's one of those longer months (but I am usually pretty regualar) between 27 and 30 with a few off months of as early as 24 or as late as 34). Anyway, about 3 weeks ago I began to feel PMS symptoms, swelling, bloating, constipation. I also began to break out which usually occurs 1 week or so before. Since Sat. May 30th, I have been experiencing cramping that usually comes later in the day and lasts a couple seconds. These cramps have been constant since the 30th. Also, my skin has cleared up. I have also been pretty tired and especially today with a slight headache. So it almost feels like I'm on my period without the bleeding part?  

I decided to wait it out this week and see what happens. I'm glad to see other women experience similar symptoms and am trying to not worry or think that it is something bad. I will be thankful if I am pregnant and want to know! It is so hard to practice patience sometimes. :) I figure if I don't start by the 12th maybe I'll get a test done? How does that sound? I'll post an update.  Thanks for reading this :)

[hw108]

It is very reassuring to read that most women have the same frustrations, and maddening that period and early pregnancy symptoms are similar--AH! We have been TTC for almost two years and I started charting my BBT exactly one year ago (FAM). Although it's nice to know why and what your body temp means it is also upsetting to watch it drop at the end of my cycle, every month so far. We started seeing a fertility specialist 4 months ago, on Clomid #4 and IUI #2, both of which are very emotional for me (bad side effects!). We really thought the IUI would do the trick as my husbands sperm and motility are unusually high (of course! ;). However, I am 40 going on 41 so my doc just thinks my egg quantity is low. I can't help but think there is something else wrong even though i always get good test results and my doc continually says that there is nothing to be discouraged about (??!!). Well, I am discouraged, doc, and frustrated, and confused b/c each month I have tender breasts, cramping, etc. a few days before AF but this month I also have had a dull pulling pain on the left side for 5 days now. Against my doctors wishes I did a HPT on 10 DPO which was negative, so I may test again tomorrow but I'm scared to see the results. We desperately want a child and I'm worried that my time is just ticking away and, even as I write this, I wonder when or if it will happen. I really do try to have a positive outlook each month but I also feel helpless. I know I'm not alone so good luck to all!

[welshlass400]

Hi all,

Thanks for sharing all your stories.  I am new to this site.

I have been married for 2 years and recently my husband and I decided to try for a baby.  I came off the pill at the beginning of July which I have been on for about 5 years.

The period I would get whilst on the pill would be pretty much a breeze.

Now I know that I never used to get much PMS - only a bit of cramping either the day before or on the same day as my period which used to be quite bad.

This last week I have had lower back pain, been feeling constantly hungry but feeling sick other times, a metallic taste in my mouth which comes and goes, a bit of cramping which again, comes and goes as well as over the last couple of days needing to use the toilet a lot more.  Yesterday I also ranged from feeling sad and depressed to happy to crying at a couple who seemed so happy together on Relocation Relocation!!!!  I have never experienced this before.

I too was told that if the hormones are there they would show up on a pregnancy test but of course it was negative.  I'm guessing that my period would be due in about 1 - 2 weeks as I never charted when I was due (I used to be regular) but of course coming off the pill I guess it would be slightly different.

The doctor told me that it could be 6 months before I fall pregnant but I can't help wondering "what if".  I'm going on the basis that I never had PMS symptoms before the pill but then I wonder if coming off the Pill can increase the symptoms?  I feel so confused and would just like to know but it feels agonising to wait at least another week before I take a test.

Wish me luck girls, and lots and lots of baby dust to everyone else!!!

[EannJ]

Sorry it has taken me so long to write an update. Last I wrote I was going to wait until about the 12th of June to test. Well, my husband and I did wait. We got a home pregnancy test from a friend and tested early am. It came out positive!!! We were very happy. My husband said, "I knew you were pregnant!" :0) We are very thankful. Since then, we are in our 14th week. I did not experience morning sickness. Thank God!!! But I did experience much fatigue. I'm getting more energy now that I am in the beginning of the second trimester. We have had a couple of Dr's appts and also trying to get as much education we can about all our options, including a home birth :0) It was a long wait to get to this point but I know it was perfect timing. We saw our little one in an ultrasound for the first time yesterday! So amazing!

[curefinder]

Who knows if it's the timely combination of gloomy weather, raging hormones, the week-long wait to find out if I'm getting my monthly period or not, but reading all your posts made me weep in front of the computer. It may sound silly to a 20-something, but since I have an inkling that you're all at least in your 30s, you might understand my reason for bawling.

When I was younger, the last thing I wanted was to have a bun in the oven. Now that I'm two years shy of 40, getting pregnant seems to be my greatest desire. When I was 35 and in a new relationship, I "accidentally" got pregnant. At first I was angry and scared because I was at the height of my career. (We didn't even know when we conceived the baby!) The idea of carrying one in my belly for 9 months seemed like a hindrance to my goals. But after a month I began spotting and went for an ultrasound. What happened next hit me like a ton of bricks. My doctor told me that I had a blighted ovum. There was no baby formed but my body still thought I was pregnant. I had to undergo a D&C procedure the following day. I found myself crying my eyes out in front of my doctor and her assistant in that dimly lit ultrasound room. It's weird that after all that anger earlier, I realized I was okay with being pregnant... and that I wanted to be a mom after all. But I only realized it after I lost the chance. My doctor said that since it was my first time to get pregnant it was early to tell if the blighted ovum problem will crop up again. Getting myself tested at the time was too much for me to handle.

Now that I'm married, I'm trying my best to put that horribly depressing experience behind me. My hubby and I want to try going about getting pregnant "the natural way". We put my career on hold so I can relax and produce good quality eggs. I must admit though that we haven't seen a fertility doctor, haven't taken any tests, and aren't considering IVF yet. We only rely on advice from friends and do research online.

Like all of you, I have experienced symptoms that left me baffled this month. I don't know if I'm having PMS or if I'm in the stages of early pregnancy. I know my body very well. I usually feel tenderness in my breasts, mild cramping and back ache, and get a couple of zits a week before my period. What's different this month is that I'm really breaking out-- face and upper back. For days my breasts not only felt sore-- it was like they wanted to double in size and burst. The description may sound funny but ladies, it hurt. At the back of my mind I keep wondering, "Am I pregnant?" But at the same time, I'm holding back any form of excitement for fear that I'd be proven wrong. Today however (about 6 days before my last chance to get my period this month-- my body suddenly switched to having irregular periods in my late 30s so it's difficult to chart when my flow will begin) the soreness in my breasts ceased. I've also started spotting, but it looks watery-- not the usual appearance when a woman spots (which is dense and dark in color before Day 1 of her menstruation). So now I'm going, "What's happening?!" I sorta wish the days would go faster so I can finally use that home pregnancy kit that's been sitting on the shelf for a couple of weeks.

My point in sharing my story is: despite our different experiences, we all have a common wish. And I'm glad I'm not alone in feeling emotional about this. I know I could've decided to have a baby earlier in life but I don't have a desire to change my past. I'm not the religious type but I believe that all of us here who have contributed to this thread are good people. All we want is the most honorable privilege of bearing children and raise them to be good individuals. Now who wouldn't grant a wish as wonderful as that? May we all get that POSITIVE result.  ;-)

[lovnovn]

Hi everyone, I'm in the same boat most of you were. I'd really like to know who ended up pregnant, as I'm coming up on the end of the 2ww. I thought I had pregnancy symptoms but now i think it may all be in my head as I don't really have sore bbs. Has anyone been pregnant without sore bbs as an early sign? AF is due today, fingers crossed!

[lilboo18]

i am having the same problems. af isnt due for 2 weeks, very sore boobs, mild cramps, eating alot, more tired, frequent headaches. but i always get my hopes up and then it comes. uhh i wish i would know!

[tiff888]

I am on month 7 of ttc and it was very dissapointing at first, not getting that positive result. Now, I just try to remain positive and keep telling myself that my time will come. I have done all the blood work to and even an ultra sound last month to let me know when I would ovulate. Now on month 7 , af is due in 5 days. At this time in my cycle, I usually horrible pms symptoms; very irritable, mild to medium cramps, moody, sensitive and very very tender breasts (every now and then the soar breasts don't come every cycle). This month at 5 days away , I have no symptoms except mild pms like cramping that I normally get prior to af, and always wanting to eat, and very thirsty. I try not to analyse every little thing my body does but as you all know it is very hard. So now I wait but am not stressed, I don't always always have the excact pms symptoms so it really is hard sometimes to tell them apart but truly this time is a tad different. I have just been so discouraged from doing all the right things the last 6 months but I am learning it is not as easy as people think ttc. I had an abortion at age 25 , 10 years ago. It's funny how it easy to happen when you don't want it to. Back to being positive. Thanks all for the good reads. It is comforting to know I'm not alone.

[gabrielsmommy_TTc2]

hey everyone whos TTC.
   im in the same boat. this is only my first month so i know its no big deal but with my son we got lucky our first try. phew right. i know im over annalizing stuff but i did notice my nipples darker the other day. they are usually very light colored. im due for AF between tomorrow and saturday. . im getting a test tomorrow any way it cant hurt to be prepared for future months. if we are not lucky this month. but with Gabriel my first son we Baby danced for 2 weeks straight 2-4 times a day! on my period date. i hate the WORST  cramping ever like ever so bad i was curled up on my bed crying. not to mention the dissapointment of  thinking i was going to get AF they hurt. next day no AF   no Af in march either. so i starting wondering why my test we neg. all of them even the ones at the drs were neg.  i started to get really bad sharp pains in my va jay jay and surounding area. april 5th they just got way  way way to bad.  like woke me up during sleeping. at 2 am. and were so bad till 6 am!  went to the er. they did blood and lord behold i was 7 weeks pregnant!  other then the horrible cramps nothing really my boobs grew a size but they didnt hurt. no more cramping no other signs at all. wasnt peeing more no moods. so what im saying is signs are not always there  they werent for me then. and HPT are pieces of **** for me lol. i only trust blood now. best of luck everyone.

[Divateachermom]

I just wanted to say that reading all the comments have comforted me in that I know I'm not alone. I was pregnant last September and experienced a miscarriage. I was very depressed but found comfort in my wedding plans. Well, I was married in August and since the honeymoon of course we have been trying again. The hard part is in Sept and Oct I have had nausea, breast tendernes, extreme fatigue, and mood swings. Of course I had my hopes up but for 2 months it was negative. I'm still trying but it is killing me every month to wait and be disapointed. What makes it worse is that everyone around me is pregnant, 6 cousins and 3 co-workers. While I am happy for them it still makes me sad because I feel like what's wrong with me. Everyone tells me to be thankful that I already have a child but that doesn't make the yearning for another one better. My husband doesn't have any biological children and he is a great step-father. I pray that God will answer my prayers and though I'm trying to be strong I feel myself giving up little by little evry month because the dissapointment is painful. I hope that all of you do concieve and deliver healthy beautiful babies. Thanks for letting express my thoughts to women who are in similar situations, it helps to know someone out their understands!  

[bettycan]

I've been reading everyone's comments and they've brought me comfort. I'm 38 and my husband and I have been TTC for over two years. Actually, I was pregnant earlier this year but it ended up being ectopic. My hubby and I have been trying again since May. My PMS symptoms have been changing over the past few months. At first it started with tenderness is my right breast, which is very unusual for me. This month both breasts are tender to the touch. Last night I couldn't lie on my stomach because it felt like my right breast was being pushed back into my chest and it hurt badly. I've been having mild cramping since after my o date, and my stomach was upset today after eating a light salad.

AF is supposed to arrive in four days. I'm almost to the point of giving up, but since I was "pregnant" before, I believe it can happen again. I just have to have faith.

I wish you all sticky babydust and angels of your very own!

[mrswesson]

Hi I am new to your site but am finding comfort that I am not the only one. It seems rediculous, my pms symptoms start the day my LH surge begins, so needless to say I suffer 2 weeks of every month. My breasts get so tender they cannot be touched and swollen and cramps, crying is normal, oddly my left heel always hurts. Anyway I am 28 and have been TTC for about 7 months and even though I get nausea and think I am the TEST IS ALWAYS NEGATIVE!!! It is very emotional. My cycle is very regular and I use home LH testing strips and procuce the hormone on CD 15 every month just seems the time is not right yet. My mense is expected on the 9th so I guess we'll see. I am tired of wasting the money on hp tests because I can never wait until my mense is actually late!!! Well good luck to all and I will keep you all posted. Thanks for letting me vent...

[wifemothernurse]

Hey there everyone! I am so glad that I am not the only baby crazy one out there...my husband and I have been trying to conceive for only a couple of months now but since our first child was a surprise, just feeling the disappointment when I get my period is tougher than I thought it would be. Divateachermom I know how you feel when everyone tells you to be thankful for the child you have because I have been getting the same thing, but my heart still aches for another baby. And now it is really hard just to find time to have sex to make a baby with me and my husband both working and caring for a toddler, so I feel like that decreases our chances even more. Also it seems like once you want to be pregnant everyone around you is! Soooo frustrating! Anyway I know with my first child it took me longer to suspect that I was pregnant because I just kept feeling like my period was going to come, so I'm trying not to over analyze every little symptom but it's really hard...its due in 7 days and the breast tenderness and bloating are here, praying that its from a new little one; and if its not praying that I'll have the strength to just keep trying! Baby dust to all girls! Good Luck!

[kthorn38]

Hi everyone, I thought I would give this a try in getting some advice and information. I have regular periods 30 day cycles. My last period was on Nov 4th and I usually always wake up in the morning with it. Well, today is Dec 4th (well technically Dec 5th now) and I haven't gotten AF yet. I usually have the same symptoms every month around the same times, but this month it is a little off. PMS symptoms consist of me being bloated all around  my body the week before and breasts are tender, then 1 or 2 days before I should get AF Ill get cramps, pretty bad ones. I usually will get emotional and just eat whatever and feel like being a bum sometimes. Well this month, Nov 24, Nov 25, and Nov 26 I noticed some light bleeding, pinkish color just when I would wipe. Nothing on a pad or on underwear...then it stopped. During those 3 days I had slight aches mostly by my left hip bone and then over the next few days i started getting slight aches in my lower abdomin (abdomen). Nothing painful or sharp, just kind of annoying ache and cramping. Im feeling bloated but it seems more just in the front. My sides actually dont go over my jeans this month, which is nice. I have been eating, but unlike eating just whatever like I ususally do...I will crave something and want that and only that to eat. First time happened to be for Chinese, didnt think much of it...then I wanted wings...then nachoes...and then a spinach salad and fruit salad. Just not usually me. Ive been way more tired then usual and back and legs are hurting. Have been getting light headed and dizzy and some headaches. Been REALLY moody, Ill go from being so upset crying to being mad and hating things, to like having not emotions. Like to the Extremes. Since Nov 24 is when I first noticed it that my body temp was high. Im usually freezing and Ive actaully been warm. Temp have been 100.4 or so for the past week and a half. Just using a regular thrmometer though. My breast just got sore yesterday, but instead of all over, they are just really sore by my armpit and the outside. I see no darkening of the nipple. Took a PT today but it was negative...and was told to wait a week if AF doesnt come and try it again. I have only gotten sick 4 times so far, twice at night, once in the morning and once in the afternoon and have just felt sick numerous times. Me and my bf use the "withdrawal" method and he just didnt pull out the last 2 times which was Dec 1st and yesterday Dec 3rd, I dont think he didnt pull out any other time, but im not sure now. Any advice on what you think??? I'll listen to anything and anyone willing to answer...and no I am craving bacon and fries...so I guess Im going on a mission...Thanks!!

[BABYLOVER101302]

hi. i just want to say that we are all having the same problem and everyone keep trying and dont give up. GOOD LUCK LADIES =]

[WWBWB]

Hi
Just after some answers my self.
Came off the pill after 7 day break and withdrawel bleed on 24th November.
Decided we will casually see what happens, not had period yet, is probably to early.
About 3 days after stopping the pill i got what i believe to be ovulation pains, in th past when been off the pill i have felt this around ovulation. Very specific pain in right lower abdomen.
In the last three weeks i have felt completely different. Although i have been on the pill for many years it has been on and off (in between long term relationships) so i know what it feels like to come off the pill. Really sensitive boobs especially nipples now, change in shape of nipples seem to be more erect all the time, also white bumps around my nipples. Dull ache like cramps in lower abdomen, back ache (which i have never suffered with during PMS natural period or pill period). Also a couple of weeks ago i woke up in the night at about 2am with really bad cramps and feeling really sick.
This has not happened since, i just feel different and am eager to know if im pregnant.
I also feel like every smell is more in tense then ever, like everyone is wearing way to much perfume! I some times feel a little queasy after i eat (strangley) but no real tiredness, feeling sick, constipation (infact the opposite!)
Does anyone know when i can take a reliable test as i cannot calculate my cycle propery as i have not yet had a natural period?
When off the pill i have always been regular with my periods, and in stopping the pill in the past i have always had a period around the time i would have had i continued the pill (if that makes sense?)!
Anyway - suggestions appreciated! Thank you and good luck to everyone!