Sudden Nausea: Could It Be Pregnancy? Early Symptoms

Sudden urge to vomit!

Hello Doctor, my menstrual period was from September 6 to September 11.
Then on November 18, I had unprotected intercourse for two days (without a condom), but I didn't ejaculate inside.
Afterward, I took a shower and urinated to flush it out.
However, on the morning of the 22nd, I suddenly felt nauseous and had mild abdominal pain.
I'm wondering if I might be pregnant, but I bought a pregnancy test and it currently shows one line.
I would like to know if the result is accurate at this time, and when would be the best time to test again? This time feels different, similar to the early stages of my pregnancy with my son.
Two years ago, I also experienced nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Within a month, I tested and got two lines, and when I went to the clinic, I was already 5.6 weeks along! Should I wait until the week after my next expected period on October 6 to test again if I don't get my period? Thank you, Doctor.

Xiao Xuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/22

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is better to take a pregnancy test after your expected menstrual period has missed.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/09/22

More Info

Sudden nausea can indeed be a sign of early pregnancy, but it is important to consider various factors before jumping to conclusions. Based on your menstrual cycle, you mentioned that your last period was from September 6 to September 11, and you had unprotected intercourse on November 18. Given that your next expected period is on October 6, it is still relatively early to confirm pregnancy through a home pregnancy test.

Home pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine, which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Typically, hCG levels can be detected about a week after a missed period. Since you are experiencing nausea and mild abdominal pain, it is understandable that you might suspect pregnancy, especially since you have had similar symptoms in the past when you were pregnant.

However, the fact that you tested negative with a home pregnancy test could indicate that you are not pregnant, or it could simply be too early to detect the hormone. It is not uncommon for women to experience symptoms of early pregnancy, such as nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness, even when they are not pregnant. These symptoms can also be attributed to hormonal fluctuations, stress, or other health issues.

To answer your question about when to retest, it is advisable to wait until after your expected period on October 6. If your period does not arrive, testing a week later would provide a more accurate result. This is because hCG levels double approximately every two to three days in early pregnancy, making it more likely to be detected in your urine as time progresses.

In addition to waiting for a more accurate test result, it is essential to monitor your symptoms. If the nausea persists or worsens, or if you experience severe abdominal pain, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test to measure hCG levels more accurately and provide further evaluation if necessary.

In summary, while sudden nausea can be an early sign of pregnancy, it is crucial to consider the timing of your test and the possibility of other factors influencing your symptoms. Waiting until after your expected period to retest will give you a clearer picture of your situation. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health and well-being are paramount, and a healthcare professional can provide the guidance you need during this time.

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