Assessing Your Chances of Pregnancy: Signs and Symptoms Explained

I would like to know the likelihood of being pregnant?

My period started on April 22, and my cycle is approximately 29-30 days.
I had intercourse on May 3 and May 7.
After having intercourse on May 7, the next day I experienced abdominal discomfort and a feeling of heaviness.
A few days later, I started to have breast tenderness that lasted for about a week, along with two days of watery discharge.
About a week before my expected period, I again experienced abdominal discomfort, a feeling of heaviness, and breast tenderness that lasted for three to four days.
My period was expected on May 22, but it has not arrived yet.
However, I still have some abdominal discomfort and a bit of discharge.
I have been taking pregnancy tests, but they have only shown one line.
On May 19, I took a test that initially showed one line, but after five minutes, I thought I saw a faint second line, which then disappeared after some time.
Today, May 22, I bought another test, and it still shows one line, but my period has not come.
My menstrual cycle has been regular for the past three months, arriving consistently around the 22nd or 23rd.
I am hoping to get pregnant, but there has been no news yet.
I had a miscarriage last August with a fetus that had no heartbeat.
I would like to ask the doctor what my chances of pregnancy are this time.

Juan Juan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/22

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

My period started on April 22, and my cycle is approximately 29-30 days.
I had intercourse on May 3 and May 7.
After having intercourse on May 7, the next day I experienced abdominal discomfort and a feeling of heaviness.
A few days later, I began to feel breast tenderness that lasted for about a week, along with two days of watery discharge.
About a week before my expected period, I started to feel abdominal discomfort and heaviness again, along with breast tenderness that lasted for three to four days.
My period was expected on May 22, but it still hasn't arrived, although I still have some discomfort in my abdomen and a little discharge.
I have been taking pregnancy tests, but they only show one line.
On May 19, I took a test that initially showed one line, but after five minutes, I thought I saw a faint second line, which then seemed to disappear after some time.
Today, May 22, I bought another test, and it still shows one line, but my period has not come yet.
I have had regular periods for the past three months, always arriving on the 22nd or 23rd.
I want to get pregnant, but there has been no news.
I had a miscarriage last August with a non-viable pregnancy.
I would like to ask the doctor what my chances of pregnancy are this time.
Answer: The chances of pregnancy are high.
Please take another pregnancy test on May 31.

Reply Date: 2017/05/22

More Info

When assessing your chances of pregnancy, it’s important to consider various signs and symptoms, as well as the timing of your menstrual cycle and ovulation. Based on your description, you have a regular menstrual cycle of about 29-30 days, with your last period starting on April 22. You engaged in sexual intercourse on May 3 and May 7, which places you in a favorable window for conception, as ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period.

You mentioned experiencing symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen, breast tenderness, and some discharge. These symptoms can be indicative of early pregnancy, but they can also be associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or other conditions. The fact that you have been experiencing these symptoms consistently, along with a missed period, raises the possibility of pregnancy.

However, the negative pregnancy tests you’ve taken are concerning. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable, especially when used after a missed period. A faint line that disappears could indicate a very early pregnancy or a chemical pregnancy, which is a very early miscarriage that occurs shortly after implantation. It’s also possible that the tests were taken too early, as hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels may not be high enough to detect in the urine at this stage.

Given your history of a miscarriage last August, it’s understandable to feel anxious about the possibility of pregnancy. It’s crucial to monitor your body and any changes closely. If your period does not arrive soon, I recommend consulting with a healthcare provider. They may suggest a blood test to measure your hCG levels, which can provide a more definitive answer regarding pregnancy. Blood tests can detect lower levels of hCG than urine tests and can confirm whether you are pregnant or not.

In addition to the above, it’s essential to consider other factors that could affect your menstrual cycle and pregnancy chances. Stress, changes in weight, and hormonal imbalances can all lead to irregularities in your cycle. If you have been under significant stress or have experienced any lifestyle changes, these could also impact your menstrual regularity.

If you are trying to conceive, it may be beneficial to track your ovulation more closely. This can be done through various methods, including ovulation predictor kits, monitoring basal body temperature, or observing changes in cervical mucus. Understanding your ovulation cycle can help you time intercourse more effectively.

In summary, while your symptoms and missed period suggest a possibility of pregnancy, the negative home pregnancy tests warrant further investigation. A visit to your healthcare provider for a blood test and a thorough evaluation of your symptoms will provide clarity and help you understand your situation better. Remember, it’s essential to take care of your emotional well-being during this time, especially considering your previous experience with miscarriage. Seeking support from friends, family, or a counselor can also be beneficial as you navigate this journey.

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