Am I Pregnant? Pregnancy Tests and Symptoms

Are you pregnant?

The menstrual cycle is usually regular, around 29 days.
The last menstrual period was from August 25 to August 30.
At the beginning of September, I traveled abroad and had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend on September 4, after which there was no further sexual activity.
My period was delayed by 6 days (on September 30), and I purchased an over-the-counter pregnancy test, which indicated no pregnancy.
That day, I experienced breast tenderness and lower abdominal discomfort, similar to my usual premenstrual syndrome.
On the tenth day of the delay (October 5), I bought another brand of pregnancy test.
Initially, there was only one line after one minute, but after three minutes, a faint pink line appeared in the test area.
I would like to know if this indicates pregnancy.
Additionally, in the past week or two, I have experienced palpitations (I have a history of arrhythmia and take medication as needed), shortness of breath, and diarrhea.
If I need to seek medical attention, should I consult a gynecologist or another specialist?

yy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/05

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
The menstrual cycle is usually regular, around 29 days.
The last menstrual period was from August 25 to August 30.
After traveling abroad in early September, unprotected intercourse occurred with my boyfriend on September 4, followed by no further sexual activity.
My period was delayed by 6 days, and on the evening of September 30, I purchased an over-the-counter pregnancy test and tested negative for pregnancy.
That day, I experienced breast tenderness and lower abdominal discomfort, similar to my usual premenstrual syndrome.
On the tenth day of the delay (October 5), I bought another brand of pregnancy test.
Initially, there was only one line on the test strip after one minute, but after three minutes, a faint pink line appeared in the test area.
I would like to know if this indicates pregnancy.
Answer: Since the last menstrual period was from August 25 to August 30, and unprotected intercourse occurred on September 4, the test on October 5 showing one line initially and then a faint pink line after three minutes suggests that pregnancy is likely.
2.
In the past week or two, I have experienced palpitations (I have a history of arrhythmia and take medication as needed), shortness of breath, and diarrhea.
Should I seek medical attention from an obstetrician-gynecologist or another specialty? Answer: You should consult a family medicine physician.

Reply Date: 2017/10/05

More Info

Determining whether you are pregnant can be a complex process, especially when you are experiencing symptoms that can overlap with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Based on your description, let’s break down the key points regarding pregnancy tests, symptoms, and when to seek medical advice.

Understanding Pregnancy Tests
1. Types of Tests: Home pregnancy tests (HPTs) typically detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. Blood tests, which can be done at a doctor's office, can also measure hCG levels and are generally more sensitive than urine tests.

2. Timing of Tests: It’s crucial to take a pregnancy test at the right time. Most tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. Since your menstrual cycle is usually around 29 days, if your period is late by more than a few days, it’s a good time to test. However, testing too early can lead to false negatives, as hCG levels may not be high enough to detect.

3. Interpreting Results: A faint line on a pregnancy test can indicate pregnancy, especially if it appears within the time frame specified in the instructions. However, it’s essential to confirm with a follow-up test or a blood test, as faint lines can sometimes be due to evaporation lines or testing errors.

Symptoms of Early Pregnancy vs. PMS
1. Common Symptoms: Symptoms such as breast tenderness, abdominal cramping, fatigue, and mood swings can occur in both early pregnancy and PMS. The key difference is that pregnancy symptoms often persist or intensify, while PMS symptoms typically resolve once menstruation begins.

2. Unique Symptoms: Some women may experience symptoms unique to pregnancy, such as nausea (morning sickness), increased urination, or changes in taste and smell. However, these symptoms can vary widely among individuals.

When to Seek Medical Attention
1. Persistent Symptoms: Given that you are experiencing heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and diarrhea, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. While these symptoms may not directly relate to pregnancy, they could indicate other health issues that need attention.

2. Choosing the Right Specialist: If you suspect you might be pregnant and are experiencing concerning symptoms, starting with a visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) is a good choice. They can perform a pregnancy test and evaluate your symptoms comprehensively. If your heart palpitations and breathing issues are significant, you may also want to consult a cardiologist, especially since you have a history of arrhythmia.

Conclusion
In summary, while the faint line on your pregnancy test could indicate pregnancy, it’s essential to confirm with a follow-up test or a visit to your healthcare provider. Given your symptoms, seeking medical advice is prudent to rule out any underlying conditions and to ensure your overall health. Remember, early detection and management are key to a healthy pregnancy and well-being. If you continue to feel uncertain, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

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