Post-Menstrual Breast Swelling: Could It Indicate Pregnancy?

Breast engorgement after menstruation?

My last menstrual period was from July 6 to July 10, and it has been quite regular.
I had unprotected intercourse on July 26.
My period for August was delayed by four days and started on July 11, which is unusual as I typically experience breast tenderness before my period.
The first day of my period was characterized by a small amount of brown discharge, and I felt dizzy when standing for too long.
In the morning, I noticed my body temperature felt quite high.
On the second day, I started to see some blood, but it felt different from my usual periods, so I bought a pregnancy test, which showed only one line.
By the third day, the bleeding became more normal.
After my period ended, I started to experience breast tenderness the following day.
Now, I feel a dull ache in my lower abdomen.
Could this indicate that I am pregnant?

zero zero zero zero, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/18

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Please take a pregnancy test 15 to 18 days after sexual intercourse.
You can confirm whether you are pregnant by testing today.

Reply Date: 2016/08/18

More Info

Post-menstrual breast swelling can indeed be a sign of various hormonal changes in the body, and while it may indicate pregnancy, it is not definitive on its own. In your case, you mentioned that your menstrual cycle is usually regular, and you had unprotected intercourse on July 26. Your period was delayed by four days, which can sometimes happen due to stress, hormonal fluctuations, or other factors. The presence of brown discharge at the beginning of your period could suggest implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, but it is not a guaranteed sign of pregnancy.

The fact that you took a pregnancy test and received a negative result is significant. Home pregnancy tests are generally accurate when taken after a missed period, but they can sometimes yield false negatives, especially if taken too early. If your period started on August 11 and was different from your usual flow, it could be due to various reasons, including hormonal changes or stress. The subsequent breast swelling you experienced after your period could be attributed to the normal hormonal fluctuations that occur in the menstrual cycle, particularly due to estrogen and progesterone levels rising and falling.

Regarding your symptoms of feeling faint and having a high morning temperature, these can also be influenced by hormonal changes or other factors unrelated to pregnancy. It is important to note that breast tenderness and swelling can occur due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or other hormonal imbalances, and they are not exclusive to pregnancy.

If you are still concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, it would be advisable to wait a few days and take another pregnancy test, preferably using the first morning urine, which is typically more concentrated and can provide a more accurate result. If you continue to experience unusual symptoms or if your period remains irregular, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than home tests, and evaluate your symptoms more thoroughly.

In summary, while post-menstrual breast swelling can be associated with pregnancy, it is not a definitive indicator. Your negative pregnancy test and the timing of your symptoms suggest that it may be related to hormonal changes rather than pregnancy. If you have further concerns, seeking medical advice would be the best course of action to ensure your health and peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Breast Swelling After Period: Am I Pregnant or Is It Ovulation?

Doctor, my period just ended 9 days ago and now my breasts are swollen. I had sexual intercourse the day before my period started, and it has been 18 days since that last encounter. I took a urine pregnancy test today, which showed that I am not pregnant. Can I feel reassured? Is...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
It has been 18 days since the last sexual intercourse, and the pregnancy test shows negative results, so you can feel reassured. It is possible that the breast engorgement is due to ovulation and elevated hormone levels. Sincerely, Dr. Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Understanding Breast Swelling and Pain After Menstruation: What to Know

Hello, doctor! After my menstrual period ended, I've been experiencing breast engorgement for over a month now! It hurts when I touch them or when I jump or run! However, when I touch them, I'm not sure if there are any lumps. The last time I visited a gynecologist, the...

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid
If you are concerned about any issues with your breasts, you can visit a specialist clinic for a breast ultrasound examination.

Understanding Breast Changes: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice

My breasts have been swollen since my menstrual period and have not returned to normal for over two weeks, almost three weeks now. They initially decreased a bit after my period ended, but then became swollen again, feeling somewhat hard and like fake breasts. What could be the r...

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid
It is recommended to undergo an ultrasound examination at the hospital.

Could Early Breast Tenderness Indicate Pregnancy Signs?

I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend on September 4th, which was the last day of her menstrual period, and there were only some brownish discharge left. However, she experienced breast swelling starting on September 19th, which continued until September 29th, and her perio...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of pregnancy. However, it is not possible to determine whether you are pregnant based solely on subjective symptoms. I recommend that if your period does not arrive by the 10th or 11th, you should take a urine test to check...