Am I Pregnant? Symptoms and Testing Accuracy

Am I pregnant? What are the chances?

I got married at the end of December last year.
Starting in August this year, I planned to try for a baby! My period in August was from August 23 to August 28.
I expected my period in September to arrive between September 22 and September 27, but it has not come yet.
I had intercourse on September 15, September 25, and September 30.
During this delay in September, I experienced persistent lower abdominal discomfort, and one day my lower back felt particularly sore.
In October, I have also been experiencing ongoing abdominal discomfort.
I find it difficult to stand or sit for long periods, and my back feels especially uncomfortable.
Recently, I have been experiencing bloating after eating, which is quite uncomfortable.
I am unsure if this is psychological or if there is a real issue.
I have been tracking my pregnancy tests, but they consistently show a single line! Is there any possibility that I could be pregnant?

Eva, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/12

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I got married at the end of December last year, and we plan to start trying for a baby in August this year! My period in August was from August 23 to August 28.
I expected my period in September to arrive between September 22 and September 27, but it has not come yet.
I had intercourse on September 15, September 25, and September 30.
During this delay in September, I have been experiencing persistent lower abdominal discomfort, and one day my lower back felt particularly sore.
In October, I continue to have this abdominal discomfort, and I find it difficult to stand or sit for long periods; my back feels especially uncomfortable.
Recently, I also experience bloating after eating, which is quite uncomfortable.
I am unsure if this is psychological or if there is a real issue.
I have been consistently tracking for pregnancy, but I always see a single line on the test! Is there any possibility that I could be pregnant?
Answer: There is no possibility of pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2018/10/12

More Info

Determining whether you are pregnant can be a complex process, especially when considering the various symptoms and the accuracy of pregnancy tests. Based on your description, it seems you have been tracking your menstrual cycle and have experienced some unusual symptoms, which can understandably lead to concerns about pregnancy.

Firstly, it is important to note that a missed period is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy. However, there are many factors that can cause menstrual irregularities, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and changes in lifestyle or health. Since you mentioned that your period was expected around September 22-27 and has not arrived, this could be a sign of pregnancy, but it is not definitive on its own.

You have also reported experiencing symptoms such as lower abdominal discomfort, back pain, and bloating after eating. These symptoms can be associated with early pregnancy, but they can also be indicative of other conditions, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), ovulation pain, or even gastrointestinal issues. It is essential to consider that many early pregnancy symptoms can overlap with those of PMS, making it challenging to distinguish between the two without further testing.

Regarding the pregnancy tests you have taken, it is crucial to understand how these tests work. Most home pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine, which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If you are testing too early, there may not be enough hCG in your system to produce a positive result, even if you are pregnant. It is generally recommended to wait until at least the first day of your missed period to take a test for the most accurate results. If you have tested multiple times and consistently received a negative result, it may be less likely that you are pregnant, but it is not impossible, especially if you tested early.

If your period remains absent and you continue to experience symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test, which is more sensitive than a urine test and can detect lower levels of hCG. Additionally, a healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms more thoroughly and rule out other potential causes for your discomfort.

In summary, while your symptoms and missed period could suggest pregnancy, the negative test results indicate that it is less likely. However, the possibility cannot be entirely ruled out, especially if tests were taken early. Consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with the most accurate information and guidance moving forward. They can help you understand your symptoms better and determine the next steps, whether that involves further testing or addressing any underlying health concerns.

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