Is Pregnancy Likely? Your Symptoms and Cycle

What is the likelihood of pregnancy?

The last menstrual period was from July 10 to July 17, and the most recent one was from August 7 to August 14.
I have been tracking my basal body temperature daily: on August 20 it was 36.288°C, August 21 - 36.438°C, August 22 - 36.398°C, August 23 - 36.39°C.
I had intercourse on August 24 (36.258°C), August 25 (36.83°C), August 26 (36.80°C), August 27 (36.758°C), August 28 (36.80°C), August 29 (36.87°C), August 30 (36.80°C), August 31 (36.919°C), September 1 (36.869°C), September 2 (36.919°C).
I traveled abroad from September 3 to September 6 and did not take my temperature.
On September 7, it was 37.239°C, September 8 - 37.239°C, September 9 - 37.169°C, September 10 - 37.239°C, September 11 - 37.169°C, September 12 - 37.239°C, September 13 - 37.209°C, September 14 - 37.169°C, September 15 - 37.239°C, September 16 - 37.169°C, September 17 - 37.089°C, September 18 - 37.26°C.
I have been experiencing consistently high temperatures.
On the night of September 4, I noticed some pinkish discharge.
On September 11 (18 days of high temperature), I took a pregnancy test, but it showed one line.
Since September 11 until today, I have only seen a small amount of brown discharge once a day, which was minimal and did not soak through a panty liner.
I have not experienced any early pregnancy symptoms, just persistent high temperatures and no menstruation.
I have never seen pink discharge before, but I did on September 11.
Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent breast pain and cramping in my lower abdomen, but otherwise, I feel fine.
My average menstrual cycle is around 32 days.
I would like to ask the doctor if this means my period is coming or if I might be pregnant.
I have already taken a pregnancy test that was negative; should I test again?

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/18

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The last menstrual period was from July 10 to July 17, and the most recent one was from August 7 to August 14.
I have been tracking my basal body temperature daily: on August 20 it was 36.288, August 21 was 36.438, August 22 was 36.398, August 23 was 36.39, and I did some homework.
On August 24 it was 36.258, August 25 was 36.83 (homework), August 26 was 36.80 (homework), August 27 was 36.758, August 28 was 36.80, August 29 was 36.87, August 30 was 36.80, August 31 was 36.919, September 1 was 36.869, September 2 was 36.919.
I traveled abroad from September 3 to September 6 and did not take my temperature.
On September 7 it was 37.239, September 8 was 37.239, September 9 was 37.169, September 10 was 37.239, September 11 was 37.169, September 12 was 37.239, September 13 was 37.209, September 14 was 37.169, September 15 was 37.239, September 16 was 37.169, September 17 was 37.089, and September 18 was 37.26.
I have been experiencing consistently high temperatures.
On the night of September 4, I noticed some pinkish discharge.
On September 11 (after 18 days of high temperature), I took a pregnancy test but it showed one line.
Since September 11 until today, I have only noticed brown discharge once a day, and it was just a small amount that did not reach my panty liner.
I have no early pregnancy symptoms, just persistent high temperatures and no menstruation.
I have never seen pink discharge before, but I am certain I saw it on September 11.
Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent breast pain and cramping in my lower abdomen, but otherwise, I feel fine.
My average menstrual cycle is around 32 days.
I would like to ask the doctor if this means my period is coming or if I might be pregnant? I have taken a pregnancy test but it was negative; should I test again?
Answer: It is possible that your period is approaching.
Please retest for pregnancy on September 25.

Reply Date: 2018/09/18

More Info

Understanding the complexities of pregnancy can be challenging, especially when it comes to interpreting symptoms and determining the likelihood of conception. Based on the information provided, let's break down your situation and address your concerns regarding potential pregnancy.

Firstly, it's important to note that a missed period is often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period was from August 7 to August 14, and you have not had a subsequent period since then. This absence of menstruation, combined with consistently elevated basal body temperatures (BBT), could indicate that you might be pregnant. Typically, after ovulation, a sustained rise in BBT for more than 14 days can suggest that conception has occurred.

You also noted experiencing some unusual symptoms, such as pink spotting on September 4 and occasional coffee-colored discharge. Spotting can occur for various reasons during early pregnancy, including implantation bleeding, which happens when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. However, it can also be a sign of an impending menstrual cycle or other issues, such as hormonal fluctuations or even stress.

The fact that you took a pregnancy test on September 11 and received a negative result is significant. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable, especially when taken after a missed period. However, if you tested too early, it might not have detected the pregnancy hormone (hCG) if it was still low. Given that you have had a sustained high temperature and other symptoms, it may be worthwhile to retest, especially if your period does not arrive soon.

Regarding your question about whether your symptoms indicate an approaching menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, it is difficult to say definitively without further testing. The presence of breast tenderness and abdominal cramping can be associated with both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy. If your symptoms persist and your period does not start, I recommend taking another pregnancy test a few days after your missed period for more accurate results.

In terms of timing, if your menstrual cycle averages around 32 days, you would expect your next period around September 9. Since you have not had a period since then, it is reasonable to consider the possibility of pregnancy. If you continue to experience symptoms or have any concerns about your health, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable. They can perform a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than home tests, and provide further guidance based on your individual circumstances.

In summary, while your symptoms could suggest pregnancy, the negative test result indicates that it is not certain. Retesting and monitoring your symptoms will provide more clarity. If you have any further concerns or if symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step. Remember, every woman's body is different, and understanding your unique cycle and symptoms is key to navigating this journey.

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