Pregnancy Symptoms or Just Stress? Your Body's Signals - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Is the symptom relief due to pregnancy?


Hello Doctor, I am Miss 120820.
I have some questions regarding articles 120757 and 120791.
I am confused because the timing of menstruation and sexual intercourse, as well as the signs of potential pregnancy, seem very similar, so how can the doctor be sure that she is not pregnant? Thank you.

Also, I would like to ask why I am having trouble sleeping at night.
Is it due to stress or some other reason? I feel hot while sleeping, but after getting up and moving around, I still feel a bit warm, although my temperature reading is around 35 degrees Celsius, after which I feel cold.

Additionally, regarding the third question I asked in 120820, what is the probability of pregnancy if I had intercourse five days after noticing egg white cervical mucus? If it is the latter, can I infer my chances of pregnancy? I can't understand how I could become pregnant when I used a condom throughout and withdrew before ejaculation without any breakage or leakage.
Although the doctor mentioned it was still a risky period, I had a similar situation last month without any issues.
Could it be that my body is just experiencing some irregularities?
Currently, my breast tenderness has decreased, and it is no longer sensitive to touch.
My nipples are not protruding, and there are no noticeable lumps on the areola.
I occasionally experience bloating and cramping around my navel, and the ovarian pain and lower back discomfort have also lessened.
I still feel nauseous and bloated, but I do not feel like vomiting due to any particular smells.
Could this still be a sign of pregnancy? Thank you, Doctor, for answering all my questions.

wu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/27

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


1.
I am Miss 120820.
I have questions regarding articles 120757 and 120791.
The timing of menstruation and sexual intercourse, along with the signs of potential pregnancy, seem very similar, so I am confused about how the doctor can be certain that she is not pregnant.
Thank you.

Answer: Generally speaking, before menstruation is overdue, all symptoms are unrelated to pregnancy.
That is the meaning.

Note: Next time, please print it out to avoid searching for #120757.
The last menstrual period was from March 1 to March 7, with a cycle of about 28 days.
On March 14, there was egg white discharge.
On the night of March 19, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend while using a condom throughout.
Later, I noticed a white, sticky substance on the condom.
After checking online, I found that it was likely my discharge that had turned into a white, sticky consistency due to friction, and the condom did not break.
However, it was slightly soft at that time, but the condom did not detach from my boyfriend's penis.
We continued until the end, and there was no further appearance of the white, sticky substance.
When I filled the condom with water, it did not break.
However, on March 22, 23, and 24, I experienced abdominal bloating and occasional cramping.
Normally, I do not feel bloated before my period.
My breasts were also painful, but today it is not as painful.
This morning, I felt nauseous and had a poor appetite.
Am I pregnant? Today, there are still 5 days until my period, and my discharge is currently drier than usual.

Answer: You are not pregnant; the abdominal bloating and occasional cramping are not indicative of pregnancy.
An ultrasound is needed to confirm the condition.

#120791
1.
My last menstrual period was on March 1, and I have abdominal bloating and occasional cramping.
Now, there is not much discharge, and it is dry.
The ultrasound showed no issues with the ovaries, and the pelvic exam indicated a lot of discharge.
The last sexual intercourse was on March 19, and I have had breast pain for a week along with nausea and loss of appetite.
Is it possible that I am pregnant?
Answer: It is not possible to be pregnant.

2.
There is a lot of discharge, but it is not itchy.
What could be the reason?
Answer: The amount of discharge can be influenced by hormones; since there is no inflammation, it is not itchy.

3.
Is it common to have a lot of discharge during the week after intercourse, indicating early pregnancy?
Answer: The most accurate way to determine pregnancy is through a pregnancy test.

2.
I have trouble sleeping at night and wake up.
Is it due to stress or another reason? I feel hot while sleeping, but after getting up and moving around, I still feel a bit warm, although my temperature reading is over 35 degrees Celsius, and then I feel cold.

Answer: This issue should be addressed with a family medicine physician.

3.
My third question from 120820 is regarding my chances of pregnancy after having intercourse five days after noticing egg white discharge.
If it is the latter, can I infer my chances of pregnancy?
Answer: The probability is just a reference value, intended to explain the risk of pregnancy.

4.
How could pregnancy occur if I used a condom throughout, withdrew before ejaculation, and there was no breakage or leakage? Although the doctor mentioned it was still a risky period, the same situation last month resulted in no issues.
Could it be that my body is just having problems?
Answer: Using a condom throughout, withdrawing before ejaculation, and having no breakage or leakage is the best scenario.
In fact, some individuals may experience a softening of the penis.
The fact that the same situation last month resulted in no issues indicates that it is not a problem with your body.

4.
Currently, my breast pain has decreased, and it is not sensitive to touch.
My nipples are not protruding, and there are no noticeable lumps on the areola.
I still occasionally experience bloating and cramping around my navel, and the cramping in the ovarian area and lower back pain has also lessened.
I still feel nauseous and bloated, but I do not feel like vomiting due to any specific smells.
Is this still a potential sign of pregnancy?
Answer: It is unlikely.
You can take a pregnancy test to confirm.

Reply Date: 2017/03/27

More Info


It sounds like you are experiencing a lot of uncertainty and anxiety regarding your potential pregnancy and the symptoms you are facing. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when dealing with the physical and emotional changes that can accompany pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy. Let's break down your concerns and address them one by one.

Firstly, regarding the symptoms you mentioned—such as sleep disturbances, feeling hot at night, and abdominal discomfort—these can indeed be influenced by stress and anxiety. Stress can significantly impact your sleep quality, leading to insomnia or restless nights. When you are under stress, your body may produce more adrenaline and cortisol, which can disrupt your sleep cycle and lead to feelings of being overheated or restless. It’s essential to find ways to manage this stress, whether through relaxation techniques, talking to someone about your feelings, or engaging in activities that help you unwind.

As for your concerns about pregnancy, it’s important to understand that while certain symptoms can indicate pregnancy, they can also be attributed to other factors, including hormonal changes, stress, or even premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The symptoms you described—such as breast tenderness, abdominal discomfort, and nausea—can overlap with both early pregnancy signs and other conditions.
You mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse during your fertile window, which does increase the likelihood of pregnancy. However, using protection, such as condoms, significantly reduces that risk. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, the most reliable way to confirm it is through a home pregnancy test or a visit to your healthcare provider for a blood test. These tests can detect the hormone hCG, which is produced during pregnancy.

Regarding your question about the timing of your menstrual cycle and the occurrence of sexual activity, it’s crucial to remember that ovulation can vary from cycle to cycle. Even if you had a similar situation in the past without resulting in pregnancy, it doesn’t guarantee the same outcome this time. Each cycle is unique, and factors such as stress, health, and hormonal balance can influence ovulation and conception.

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms that are causing you distress, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide you with personalized advice, perform necessary tests, and help you understand what your body is signaling. Additionally, if you are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or stress, consider speaking with a mental health professional who can offer support and coping strategies.

In summary, while your symptoms could suggest pregnancy, they could also be related to stress or other factors. The best course of action is to take a pregnancy test and consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Managing your stress and ensuring you have a support system in place will also be crucial for your overall well-being during this time. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and talk about your feelings—you're not alone in this journey.

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