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What to Do if You Think You Are Pregnant
I have received several comments on my article, Early Signs of Pregnancy, from readers wondering what they should do if they think they may be pregnant. I thought I would write a quick article with some suggestions to help other readers who may be wondering the same thing.
There are really only a couple of things you can to do determine if you really are pregnant.
- You can opt to take a home pregnancy test. These can be purchased from any pharmacy or grocery store. There are many options on the market so be sure to read the labels and pick one that suits you preferences and needs. Home pregnancy tests have fairly high accuracy rates when used correctly and used at the proper time. False positives are very rare.
OR
- You can visit your doctor for a doctor administered urine pregnancy test (similar to home pregnancy tests) or a blood test. Many women feel more comfortable hearing the results directly from their doctor, especially if you are unsure about performing the home test properly. If you don’t have a regular doctor or lack health insurance you can also go to a clinic to have these doctor administered tests.
There are many early signs of pregnancy from sore and swollen breasts, cramping, exhaustion, morning sickness, and lack of or late period. All of these symptoms can also be signs of other things that may be going on, which makes it important to find out for sure. Any time you have unprotected sex (and even protected sex since no birth control is 100% accurate) there is a chance of getting pregnant. If you suspect that you may be pregnant the best thing is to take a pregnancy test.
If you have questions or concerns about your early pregnancy symptoms, or about how to get and administer a pregnancy test you should contact your doctor.
I forgot to add that a few days before I should have started my period I had this dull pain in my lower abdomen that I’ve never felt before.
Anistacia,
It is possible to get a false negative on a hpt, however, they are fairly accurate (usually about 95-99% accurate if administered correctly). If you still think you may be pregnant you could wait a few more days and test again, or, you could go to your doctor for a blood test.
Ok. I have always had an irregular period and my doctor put me on tri-sprintec a month ago to help regulate me. My last period was May 25th and I began taking my birth control on the 15th of June. I didn’t miss any pills although I did have a couple of times when I took them a couple of hours late. I did have sex with my boyfriend prior to going on the pill but, my doctor took a urine pregnancy test before I went on my birth control and it was negative. I am now on my third day of white pills in my first pack of pills, but still no sign of my period. I did have sex with my boyfriend on the 26th and 27th of June and in the earlier part of the month. both on the 26th and 27th and a couple of times before that he did not put on a condom for a while. I had been on antibiotics at the time of the 26th and 27th which I later found out could alter the effectiveness of my birth control. I went through a spell when I did felt bloated, but that has passed. then I went through a spell of not being able to sleep (which is very unusual for me) and then sleeping more than is normal for me. I have had a few times when I have had horrible tension headaches that seemed to come out of nowhere. I work in a restaurant and am on my feet for long periods of time and I have had a couple of dizzy spells and have come very near to fainting after work a couple of times. my breasts are not tender, and I have not had any cravings for food (unless you count not wanting any food). More recently I have been having stomach cramps similar to period cramps, but sharper and more severe, and I have had a couple of bouts of nausea. I should add that I do not usually get bad period cramps. I have noticed over the last few weeks that I have been going to the bathroom more than usual. I did have a UTI about two months ago but I was put on antibiotics and it was cleared up. then about a month ago I began to have symptoms of another UTI and I went back to the doctor. However my urine test came back with only trace amounts of bacteria (not enough to make me sick). Around the same time I also had some blood taken and it was found that my WBC was elevated to about five thousand more than it should have been, yet they could find nothing wrong with me to indicate why it was elevated. I have still been feeling like I have to pee all of the time and a couple of days ago I began to experience really bad cramps and a feeling like I had to pee but when I went to the bathroom I couldn’t and it was extremely painful. This came on very suddenly and in a couple of hours it disappeared, also very suddenly. I thought it might have been the beginnings of another UTI but the sudden onset and disappearance of the symptoms made me think twice. The night before this episode I came home from work feeling very nauseated and faint. I have continued to feel cramps and nausea and I have had no appetite for anything since then, but I have not had any problems urinating, although I have continued to need to pee more often than is normal. I should also mention that over the last few weeks I have been feeling very moody and emotional. as well as very quick to get upset for reasons which I can’t really say when asked why I am upset, which is very out of character for me. I looked at symptoms of pregnancy online and I took several online quizzes designed to tell you the probability that you might be pregnant and based on the results of those I decided to take a home pregnancy test. this morning I took a first response and it was negative.
These symptoms are not like anything I have experienced before. Am I just paranoid?
Is it still possible that I could be pregnant? Or could these things just be the side effects of the tri-sprintec or symptoms of a UTI?
p.s. I forgot to mention my best friend just found out she is pregnant a couple of weeks ago. Is it possible that I could be experiencing something like sympathy symptoms?
She has been pregnant now for about 9 weeks but only found out two weeks ago so I would have had to have been experiencing these before I even knew that she was pregnant.
Jess,
The birth control pill, when you first start taking it, can cause symptoms similar to both period symptoms and pregnancy symptoms. Did your doctor tell you when you should expect to get your first period after starting the pill, it usually ends up being different than your previous cycles. I would recommend talking to your doctor and having them do a blood pregnancy test if you think that may be the cause of your symptoms.
Hi
Im unsure if i preg im about 4 days late and i am havin clear discharge and cramps in my stomach now and then.I read ya other advice and you say go to ya doctors if i did go what type of test would they do (urine or blood). Plz can you get bk to me
Many thanks
Jo
Jo,
Most doctors will start with the urine test if you haven’t already done a home pregnancy test. Some will go straight to the blood test as it is more accurate.
Ok…so I have been off the pill and this will be my second month without it. I have been having sex since my period ended on the 6th. Recently I have been extremely tired, felt sick to eat and headaches. I have also been having problems going to the bathroon (#2) I am not suppose to get my period for another 2 weeks I think. I know that it’s to early to test but what should I do in the mean time? I am in this alone until I find out for sure and im nervous and scared and def. confused on what to do Please help
Meg,
Really the only thing you can do at this point is wait. Is there someone you can talk to about this? It might make it easier to wait if you have someone you can talk to about it.
hi, im 25 yrs old. my bf and i have been having unprotected sex for about 2 months now. he does not pull out when he gets off. its inside of me. were prepared if we are prego!! but my ? is..i had my last period july 198, 2008 today is july 24th and i stil havent got it. im very sleepy and my breasts are soo tender?!?!? is it ok to take a test to see if im pregoo?? or what? i hate doctors offices so im not goin yet, but i am curious anyone out there??? and if i am pregnant is there anything fun about being prego? all i hear is bad stuff??? thanks for your help?
Nina,
Once you have missed your period you can take a home pregnancy test. I would read the labels and pick one that says it is accurate either before, right at, or immediately following your missed period.
As far as if it is fun being pregnant that totally depends. I personally loved being pregnant. I had a really easy pregnancy with no complications. Some people love it, some people hate it, and others are somewhere in between!
hey i need some help… i am about 15 days late and i took a test it came back neg. i dont know what to do because i have not gotten it yet… i have safe se every thime and have not missed a period in like 3 or 4 years… i dont know what to do what are the odds of the test being wrong???
Shar,
I would recommend going to see your doctor.
ok well i have a lot of symptoms of pregnany , hungryness, tired, cramps, back pian, headaches, dizziness, and nausea,and the feeling of being pregnant and i can also feel little fluttery movements in my lower abdomen. i have taken two pregnancy tests about 5 weeks apart, i have still been having my periods but they are differnt from normal so i looked this up on the internet and some women can have their periods for the first 3-5 months of their pregnancies, and not even know they are pregnant. now i feel this could be the case with me. if it is then i would approx be about 17 weeks and my stomach seems a lot more round and hips are larger, i am not able to book a doctors app as i am going abroard on sunday i tried to forget about thinking i was pregnant once i had both neg tests but now since feeling some movements i am getting worried. is there a reason why the tests are showing negative when i could be pregnant and what would you advice i should do, i am really confused and i have spoken to my partener and he confused and concern aswell PLEASE HELP ASAP thankyou
Racheal,
Wow, that is a bit weird isn’t it. Are you able to get into a walk in clinic or something before you leave? If you are I would recommend that. That way you can be examined and determine for sure if you are pregnant or not. I would think it is important to try to figure out for sure before you head abroad. Hope that helps. Best of luck to you.
My husband and I have been TTC for about 4 months. Last Saturday I started spotting – so lightly, and I still am five days later. I’m not supposed to get my period until the 17th, but I was under the impression that if implantation bleeding occurs, an EPT should pick up pregnancy. So, of course I’ve been staring at the EPT for way too long and I went ahead and took it today and it came back negative. I’m disappointed, but still hopeful that I took it too early. Should I be?
Hi! I have a question? I am taking birth control pills,but I am having some of the symptoms of pregnancy. My question is can you still get pregnant even if you are taking your pills everyday and on time? Also,are there any side effects if I am still taking the pills even though I am having the symptoms?
Jackie,
Pregnancy tests do become more accurate the longer you wait. It is possible that you tested too early. I would recommend testing again if you still think you might be pregnant. I know it is hard when you are TTC, but don’t get your hopes up too much.
Shandrea,
The pill is a very effective form of birth control, however, it is still possible to become pregnant while on the pill. I would talk to you doctor to see if there are any side effects and to get tested.
I was with my boyfriend this weekend. Each time we did it (unprotected everytime) he pulled out then did it right after without urinated. We did that same thing 2 times Friday then, the same thing on Saturday. what are my chances of being pregnant? I’m suppose to start my period monday, could I still have gotten pregnant? Could I still have a period and be pregnant? It’s too early to have a test. How can I know for sure if I’m pregnant?
Kaslynn,
It is possible to become pregnant anytime you have unprotected sex. It is probably too early to test, but you could talk to your doctor.
Lisa,
I am suppose to start between today and Wednesday. I haven’t started yet. I’m thinking about going and getting a home test Thursday, when do you think it would be ok to take it?
Kaslynn,
I would read the package of the HPT. They vary on when they are most effective. There are some out there that can detect smaller amounts of the pregnancy hormone and can be used prior to your missed period.
Okay I Used A Condom But He Said It Busted And His Stuff Was Inside That Was Like 6 Days Ago Is It Too Early To Take A Test Or Get Any Symptoms
Jasmine,
It is probably too early to take a home pregnancy test as it takes a while for the pregnancy hormone to show up in your urine. However, you could talk to your doctor and determine when you can get a blood test as the pregnancy hormone shows up sooner in your blood.
Right, Well My Bf Cum Inside Me On The 4th August And Again On The 12th..
The First Time (4th) I Was Still On My Period But Very Light..However The Second Time I Wasn’t On My Period..
It’s Now The 22nd August And I’m Rather Worried If I Am Pregnant.
I’ve Become Very Emotional, Hungry And Tired..
Could I Be Pregnant?
I’m Not To Sure When I Should Do A Test Because I Thought It’s Only Been Two Weeks So It’s Still Early..
Help Please..
My period was shorter and lighter than normal. The only symptoms i’ve noticed are backaches, urinating alot, and feeling tired. Could I be pregnant?
A Little More Information To Tell You..
As Soon As Me And The Bf Finished Doin What We Had To Do, We Were Havin A Convosation About If I Was Pregnant..He Turned Round And Said If Your Pregnant Then I’ll Punch The Stomache. However I Know It’s A Little To Early To Tell If I Am Pregnant. I’m Pretty Positive That I Am. If I Am I’ll Keep The Baby, And Be A Single Parent, If The Boyfriend Doesn’t Want To Know. My Friends And Family Should Stick By Me. I’m Only 15 Years Old, And When I First Had Unprotected Sex In June I Took The Mornin’ After Pill.. Which My Mother Doesn’t Know, She Also Doesn’t Know I’ve Been Havin’ Sex At All With The Boyfriend.
Tessa,
I think you should go talk to someone. Since you are so young it would be best to take the test with an adult around, maybe a doctor or a trusted adult friend or relative.
Lakeshia,
It is possible to still get a light (even regular) period during your first few months of pregnancy. I would recommend taking a pregnancy test if you think you might be pregnant.
ok heres my question, i started my period august 25th, and got off august 31st. me and my husband had sex last night (september 1st) and didnt use protection or anything and he didnt pull out, but i went pee afterwards and the sperm fell out into the toilet. is there a chance im pregnant? i keep doing to ovulation calendars and calculators and there telling me i was not ovulating.. but i was just wondering if i could have some advice or opinions.
i know its to early to test, thats why its driving me crazy.
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Rachell,
Any time you have unprotected sex there is a chance of becoming pregnant. However, if you have been using ovulation predictors and they are saying you haven’t ovulated than you are less likely to become pregnant. Unfortunately you’ll just have to wait and see.
Hi bit of dilema, few year back i was trying for a baby and the doctors said that i had a low hormones and that i would find it hard to concieve….i had a smear and found that i had abnormal cells which i had removed….shortly after i fell pregant but then had a misscarrage.
I have now come of the pill again so i can prepare my body to try next year, had period when finished the pill but now i am not sure when my next period will be and my breast are sore and i had a small amount of spotting and for two days i have been sick in afternoon, i have done a pregancy test which showed negative but am concerned that if i do have low hormones would this mean that it would take longer to appear on a test!
Please help not sure what to do, my first day of my last period was 10/08/2008
Any ideas
Thanks
Gemma,
It does take a while for your body to go back to normal after going off the pill. When I went off the pill it took my about 3 months before I had a predictable cycle again. If you are worried about what you are experiencing I would recommend talking to your doctor, especially with your history.
Best of luck to you!
I have a worry…I am a married 25 yr old women and i have always had irrgeular periods but i have never missed a month…well I haven’t had a period since July 4th (which wasn’t my normal period..it was light and lasted one- two days) It’s now mid Sept and I have taken 5 Home preg tests and they are all negative…my chest isn’t sore, i haven;t had headaches, i have been a little light headed, hungryer, i am bloated with some cramping feels and my back hurts…i can;t get an appointment with the Dr till Oct 28th…what is wrong…i have been very upset about this,,, HELP!!!
Andrea,
I’m not a doctor, unfortunately I can’t tell what is wrong. If you think you need to see a Dr. before you can get into your doctor maybe you should go to a walk-in clinic.
hi so on august 1st i had unprotected sex. About two days later i bled a little but no much. For a week after the incident i was extremely exhausted.I did not feel well and two weeks after i got sick with flu like symptoms. I have been moody and the fatigue has returned lately. My period is 13 days late and i have had back back. One day i had intense pain bwlow my stomach and i ahve been bloated and ahving weird cravings lately. But… i took 3 home pregnancy tests and all came back negative. I want to be pregnant. is there any chane that i still could be? and is 11 days after your missed period ever still to early to tell if you are prego.(thats when i took mine)
back pain*** and iv been nautious
Britt,
Home pregnancy test are usually pretty accurate from about 5-7 days after your missed period if they are done properly. It is possible to get a false negative. You could always go see your doctor for a test if you still think you might be pregnant.
I was on the nuvaring for 2 months. It made me really sick (as all BC does). So, I took my ring out on time, had my period on time, and then had unprotected sex with my husband towards the end of my period. He did not pull out. Then, about a day or so later, I put my new ring back in. Well, it made me sicker than usual, so I just took it out. About 2 days later, I got a light period again. (from taking out the nuvaring). This all happened about 3 weeks ago. In the mean time, we have been having unprotected sex; he has been pulling out. (we’re not trying to get pregnant, but we’re not really NOT trying?) Lately, I have been so tired that I am to the point of not feeling well due to the exhaustion. I have also had a constant headache that does not go away, no matter what I do to relieve it. I don’t THINK I am pregnant, but do you think it is a possibility? Based on him not pulling out at the end of my period, I just can’t imagine getting pregnant from that…what do you think? Also, as far as determining my next period, should I base it on the first time I got it this month, or the 2nd “mini period” that I had?
Megan,
It could be that being on and off birth control is messing up your hormones causing the symptoms, but it is possible to become pregnant any time you have unprotected sex. You could always take a home pregnancy test to find out.
SINCE I STARTED MY PERIOD IT HAS NEVER BEEN REGULAR IT WOULD BE CONSISTENT FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND THEN GONE FOR A FEW MONTHS I NOTICED THAT INSTEAD OF A REGULAR PERIOD I’VE BEEN SPOTTING I TOLD MY MOTHER IN LAW AND SHE RECOMMENDED I SEE MY DOCTOR. MY DOCTOR THEN TOLD ME I HAD PCOS AND HOW IT WOULD BE HARD FOR ME TO OVULATE SHE THEN PUT ME ON METFORMIN WHICH MADE ME REALLY SICK BUT MADE MY PERIODS REGULAR AGAIN I TOOK IT FOR 2 MONTHS AND STOP. NOW THIS MONTH I NOTICE MY PERIOD IS LATE AND IM JUST NOT FEELING LIKE MYSELF ME AND MY HUSBAND TRIED REALLY HARD PRIOR TO KNOWING ABOUT PCOS FOR ME TO CONCIEVE. I FEEL REALLY TIRED AND ITS SO HARD TO SLEEP ON MY STOMACH SOMTHING IM REALLY USE TO DOING AND I JUS WANT TO KNO IF I COULD BE PREGNANT ??
Cynthia,
I would recommend talking to your doctor.
Hi,
I mucked up my pill this month because i didn’t have a new pack to take. So i started the pack about 5 days late. Now i have not come on at my usual time and am panicing about being pregnant!!
Do you think it is just because i took my pill late?
s
Sarah-Lu,
It could be the delay in starting the pill that threw off your cycle, but it could also be that you are pregnant. The only way you will know for sure is if you take a pregnancy test.
I am 26 years old female and getting merriad to a 51 year old male but for the past 3 mths. I have been feeling very tired, taste of through up in my mouth, bigger breasts – sore at many times, tightness in the stomach – feeling lots of cramping and stomach pain, and my stomach is growing straight out. Am I Pregnant? Early periods and also late periods but not losing lots of blood (spotting mainley at times). Home pregnancy tests are always showing up not pregnant. Everyone tells me to see a OBGYN or get a blood test done at planned parenthood. Need advice
Jackie,
I would recommend the same thing, go see your doctor. Since it has been going on for several months, and you are still getting negatives on the home pregnancy tests there may be something else going on.
I had my period about a week ago. But lately I’ve been peeing alote, and I have been falling asleep everywhere I go.two days ago I couldn’t get out of my bed due to nasia. My mom was concerned and asked me if I was pregnant. I’m on birth control and my boyfriend doesn’t usually where a condum. could I get pregnant a week after my period?
Sara,
It is possible, yes. Every woman is different and it would depend on when you ovulate. If you think you might be pregnant I would recommend taking a home pregnancy test.