Could Nausea Indicate Pregnancy? Symptoms and Timing

Q: Could Nausea Indicate Pregnancy? Symptoms and Timing

Hello, the questioner： There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation does not occur during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm. <br>The effectiveness of emergency contraception is about 97% when taken within three days; its effectiveness decreases ov

Could nausea indicate pregnancy?

Hello, doctor.
I had my period from July 1 to July 5.
On July 9, I thought it was safe to have unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend since it was four days after my period, but he withdrew before ejaculation.
Initially, I didn't think much of it, but after 72 hours, I felt something was off and decided to take emergency contraception, so I bought the second-generation Ella and took it on the afternoon of July 13.
Today, July 14, I haven't experienced any side effects except for mild nausea (but I'm not sure if it's due to my cold with a cough).
I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
My last period started on June 3, so my cycle should be 28 days.
If my ovulation day is July 14, will taking the pill be effective?
2.
Is it possible to feel nausea immediately after conception, or is this nausea just a psychological effect or caused by my cold (I don't have a loss of appetite or breast tenderness)?
3.
I'm very worried about the possibility of pregnancy.
What is the most accurate timing and method for a pregnancy test? Thank you, doctor.

Qing, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/07/14

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the questioner: There is a possibility of pregnancy even if ejaculation does not occur during intercourse, as pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm.
The effectiveness of emergency contraception is about 97% when taken within three days; its effectiveness decreases over time, with studies in Canada showing around 90% effectiveness between three to five days.
There is currently no data on the effectiveness beyond that timeframe, and human trials cannot be conducted.
Additionally, early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, making it difficult to determine based on subjective symptoms alone.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2019/07/14

More Info

Nausea can indeed be an early sign of pregnancy, but it is not definitive on its own. Many women experience nausea or morning sickness as one of the first symptoms of pregnancy, typically starting around the sixth week after the last menstrual period. However, nausea can also be caused by other factors, such as illness, stress, or even the side effects of medications like emergency contraceptives.

In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period was from July 1 to July 5, and you had unprotected intercourse on July 9, followed by taking the emergency contraceptive pill (ella) on July 13. Ella is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but it can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after. Since you took it within this window, it should be effective in preventing pregnancy.

1. Effectiveness of Ella: Given your menstrual cycle of approximately 28 days, ovulation would typically occur around July 14, which aligns with your timeline. Taking Ella on July 13 should help prevent ovulation or fertilization if taken before ovulation occurs. However, if ovulation has already occurred, the effectiveness may be reduced.
2. Nausea as a symptom: It is possible to experience nausea shortly after conception, but it is more common for this symptom to develop a few weeks into the pregnancy. The nausea you are experiencing could also be related to your cold or could be psychological due to anxiety about the possibility of pregnancy. Stress and illness can significantly impact your gastrointestinal system, leading to feelings of nausea.

3. Best time to take a pregnancy test: The most accurate time to take a pregnancy test is after you have missed your period. For a typical 28-day cycle, this would be around July 29. Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Testing too early may result in a false negative because hCG levels may not be high enough to detect.

In summary, while nausea can indicate pregnancy, it is not a definitive sign, especially so soon after potential conception. The timing of your emergency contraceptive pill was appropriate, and you should wait until after your expected period to take a pregnancy test for the most accurate result. If you continue to feel unwell or have concerns about your symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

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