Pregnancy Chances: Symptoms and Timing Explained - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Am I pregnant?


Doctor, my wife's last menstrual period was from February 24 to March 3.
We had sexual intercourse on March 5, 6, 7, 12, 18, 19, 24, and 25, with ejaculation inside.
Her period was originally expected to start on March 25, but as of April 2, she still hasn't gotten her period.
On April 1, she visited a gynecologist, where a urine test showed no pregnancy, and an ultrasound only indicated that the uterine lining was thickened but there was no implantation.
The doctor suggested administering a progesterone injection to induce menstruation; if she is not pregnant, it will induce her period, and if she is pregnant, it will help maintain the pregnancy, as she has been experiencing symptoms of pregnancy, including nausea, abdominal pain, breast enlargement, palpitations, dizziness, excessive sleepiness, frequent urination, and changes in taste.
I would like to ask how likely it is that she is pregnant.

Mr. Zhu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/02

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, you are likely not pregnant.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/04/02

More Info


Understanding the chances of pregnancy involves considering various factors, including timing, symptoms, and medical evaluations. Based on the details you've provided, let's break down the situation.

Your wife’s last menstrual period (LMP) was from February 24 to March 3, and you had unprotected intercourse on several occasions in March. The expected menstrual period was on March 25, but it did not occur. This delay in menstruation, combined with the symptoms your wife is experiencing—nausea, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, frequent urination, and changes in taste—can indeed suggest a possibility of pregnancy.

However, the negative urine pregnancy test and the ultrasound findings indicating a thickened endometrium without evidence of implantation are critical pieces of information. A thickened endometrium can occur in early pregnancy, but it can also be a sign of other conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or the onset of menstruation. The fact that the urine test was negative and the ultrasound did not show any signs of a gestational sac or fetal pole further complicates the situation.

In terms of timing, it is generally expected that a pregnancy can be detected via urine tests about one week after a missed period. If your wife is indeed pregnant, the hormone beta-hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) should be detectable in her urine and blood. The absence of this hormone in both urine and blood tests suggests that pregnancy is unlikely at this point.

The symptoms your wife is experiencing could be attributed to a variety of factors, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), stress, or other hormonal changes. It is also possible for women to experience phantom pregnancy symptoms, where they believe they are pregnant due to psychological or physiological factors, despite not being pregnant.

Given the current situation, the recommendation from the doctor to administer progesterone (黄体素) is a common practice. Progesterone can help regulate the menstrual cycle and may support early pregnancy if it is indeed occurring. If your wife is not pregnant, this treatment can help induce menstruation.

In conclusion, while there are symptoms that may suggest pregnancy, the medical evaluations (negative urine test and ultrasound findings) indicate that the likelihood of pregnancy is low at this time. If menstruation does not occur after the progesterone treatment, or if symptoms persist, it would be advisable to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. This may include additional blood tests to measure beta-hCG levels over time, which can provide more definitive answers regarding pregnancy status.

It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and discuss any ongoing symptoms or concerns. They can offer guidance tailored to your wife's specific situation and help navigate the next steps, whether that involves confirming pregnancy or addressing other potential health issues.

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