Pregnancy: Signs, Tests, and What to Do Next

Q: Pregnancy: Signs, Tests, and What to Do Next

Hello Mr. <br>Kai： A pregnancy test result showing two lines generally indicates a confirmed pregnancy, unless the second line is faint or barely visible, in which case it's advisable to wait some time and retest to confirm whether or not there is a pregnancy. <br>If your girlfri

Are you pregnant?

My girlfriend had her period from June 22 to June 25.
On July 20, a pregnancy test showed two lines, and a visit to the clinic confirmed the pregnancy.
We were told to come back the following week for an ultrasound, but there was no embryo and no pregnancy detected.
Her period then came on July 30.
We had unprotected intercourse around her ovulation period, and her next period was from July 30 to August 2.
Now, on August 30, her period has not arrived, and a pregnancy test shows two lines again.
Given that we had unprotected intercourse around her ovulation period, is she pregnant? What further tests should be done?

kai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/30

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello Mr.
Kai: A pregnancy test result showing two lines generally indicates a confirmed pregnancy, unless the second line is faint or barely visible, in which case it's advisable to wait some time and retest to confirm whether or not there is a pregnancy.
If your girlfriend is currently experiencing no discomfort, you can wait another week and then consult an obstetrician or get an ultrasound to determine if it is a normal pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2016/08/30

More Info

Understanding pregnancy can be a complex process, especially when it comes to interpreting signs, symptoms, and test results. Based on your situation, it seems that there are several factors to consider regarding your girlfriend's menstrual cycle, pregnancy tests, and potential next steps.

First, let's break down the timeline you've provided. Your girlfriend had her last menstrual period from June 22 to June 25. A pregnancy test on July 20 showed two lines, indicating a positive result. However, when you visited the clinic for an ultrasound, there was no visible embryo, and she subsequently had her period on July 30. This suggests that the initial positive pregnancy test may have been a false positive or a chemical pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants but does not develop properly.

Now, moving forward to the current situation: your girlfriend's period was expected around the end of August, but it has not arrived, and another pregnancy test shows two lines. Given that she has had unprotected intercourse around her ovulation period, there is a possibility of pregnancy. However, the presence of two lines on a home pregnancy test is not definitive without further confirmation.

Here are some important steps and considerations:
1. Repeat Pregnancy Test: It is advisable to wait a few days and repeat the home pregnancy test. If the test continues to show two lines, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

2. Blood Test: A quantitative beta-hCG blood test can provide a more accurate measurement of the pregnancy hormone. This test can confirm whether she is pregnant and help determine how far along she may be.

3. Ultrasound Examination: If the blood test confirms pregnancy, an ultrasound may be scheduled to check for the presence of an embryo and assess the viability of the pregnancy. This is typically done around 6-7 weeks of gestation.

4. Monitoring Symptoms: Pay attention to any symptoms such as cramping, bleeding, or unusual discharge. If she experiences severe pain or heavy bleeding, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.

5. Understanding Menstrual Irregularities: Sometimes, stress, hormonal imbalances, or other factors can cause missed periods. If pregnancy is ruled out, it may be worth discussing these irregularities with a healthcare provider.

6. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: Regardless of the test results, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss any concerns regarding reproductive health.

In summary, while the presence of two lines on a pregnancy test can indicate pregnancy, it is essential to follow up with further testing and medical consultation to confirm the status of the pregnancy. Given the previous experience of a potential chemical pregnancy, it is crucial to approach this situation with care and seek professional guidance to ensure the best outcome for both your girlfriend and any potential pregnancy.

Similar Q&A

Signs of Pregnancy: Understanding Symptoms and When to Take a Test

My girlfriend has been feeling nauseous lately, experiencing lower back pain, dizziness, and there's bleeding when I insert my fingers into her vagina during intercourse, which didn't happen before. The nausea started around the same time. Could this be a sign of pregna...

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
You can take a pregnancy test three days after a missed period. Symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and bleeding could all be signs of pregnancy. - Dr. Cheng Jin-He, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu Hospital.

Understanding Pregnancy Testing After Menstruation: Key Insights

If a woman has had sexual intercourse and her next menstrual period arrives, is there still a need to take a pregnancy test? Besides testing for pregnancy, what other methods can be used to determine if one is pregnant?

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The arrival of the next menstrual period typically indicates that pregnancy has not occurred. However, there are cases where abnormal bleeding may be mistaken for menstruation. This abnormal bleeding usually occurs later than the expected menstrual date and is often lighter in vo...

Understanding Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms: Your Questions Answered

Hello, Doctor. My last menstrual period was from April 7 to April 14. I experienced abnormal bleeding from April 21 to April 27 for a week. My next expected menstrual period is on May 13. I had sexual intercourse on April 18, 19, May 10, 11, and 15. On May 22, I took a pregnancy ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, it is not possible to determine pregnancy solely based on subjective symptoms. It is recommended to return for a check-up in a week to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Zhang

Understanding Early Pregnancy Symptoms and Diagnostic Accuracy in Gynecology

A week after intercourse, I experienced slight discomfort on both sides of my abdomen, an increase in discharge, and occasional bloating. I took three pregnancy tests, which showed one strong line and one faint line. I visited a gynecologist, who conducted a urine test that indic...

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Theoretically, it is not possible to detect pregnancy one week after intercourse. Therefore, to determine if one is pregnant, it is generally recommended to wait two weeks after sexual activity before using a blood test (HCG) or a urine test to find out.