Pregnancy Chances: Symptoms, Tests, and Concerns - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Probability of Pregnancy


Hello, Doctor: First, I would like to explain my previous menstrual cycles: 11/1-11/7, 12/2-12/8, 12/30-1/5, 1/30-2/5, 3/3-3/9, and 4/3-4/9.
On 4/18, I had sexual intercourse with a condom.
On 4/20, I suddenly experienced dizziness for about 30 minutes, and during the worst of it, I felt a bit nauseous.
After eating something, I felt better.
Then, on 4/25 and 4/26, I noticed pink discharge, followed by bleeding from 4/27 to 5/3, but the amount was relatively small.
Later, from 5/9 to 5/14, I experienced bleeding again (similar to a regular menstrual flow), and around 5/9 to 5/11, I felt a heaviness in my lower abdomen.
I also had bleeding from 5/22 to 5/28 and from 6/15 to 6/21.
The bleeding on the first day was a small amount of brown and dark red, while on the second and third days, it changed to bright red and dark red (heavier flow).
In June, I particularly noticed that the bleeding was accompanied by small blood clots.
I took home pregnancy tests on 5/1 (not first morning urine, but midday, after sitting for 10 minutes), 5/5 (first morning urine, after sitting for 10 minutes), 5/28 (evening, after sitting for 5 minutes), and 5/29 (first morning urine, after sitting for 5 minutes), all of which were negative.
On 5/11, a gynecological examination showed a negative urine test, and a transvaginal ultrasound indicated no pregnancy.
The gynecologist mentioned that the bleeding from 5/9 to 5/14 might be ovulatory bleeding, and the lower abdominal discomfort could be ovulation pain.
However, recently I have felt that the area below my navel has enlarged.
After the bleeding in June, I experienced pain in my lower abdomen similar to ovulation pain, but since my period just ended, it seems unlikely to be ovulation pain...
I found online that some people might have ultrasounds that do not detect pregnancy and have negative pregnancy tests for three months but are actually pregnant.
So, I would like to ask, what is the likelihood of being pregnant in this situation? I also want to know that online information states that pregnancy causes enlargement starting from the pubic bone; how can I determine the location of my pubic bone? Additionally, does a pregnant belly appear smaller when lying down? If it is not pregnancy, what specialty should I be referred to for the abdominal enlargement?

woo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/26

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, as your obstetrician-gynecologist mentioned, it is unlikely that you are pregnant.
Please consult a gastroenterologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/06/26

More Info


Understanding the complexities of pregnancy, especially when symptoms and test results seem contradictory, can be quite challenging. Based on your detailed description, it appears that you have been experiencing a variety of symptoms and have undergone multiple tests, all of which have returned negative results for pregnancy. However, your concerns about the possibility of being pregnant despite these results are valid and merit further exploration.

Firstly, let’s address the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. The occurrence of light spotting or bleeding, particularly in the form of pink or brown discharge, can sometimes be mistaken for a menstrual period or early pregnancy bleeding. In some cases, this can be attributed to ovulation or hormonal fluctuations, especially if you have a history of irregular menstrual cycles. The fact that you have experienced these symptoms alongside abdominal discomfort could suggest ovulation pain or other non-pregnancy-related issues.

Regarding your concern about cryptic pregnancy, it is indeed a rare phenomenon where a woman may not receive a positive pregnancy test result despite being pregnant. However, it is important to note that this is extremely uncommon, especially when multiple tests (both urine and blood) have consistently returned negative results. In most cases, if a woman is pregnant, especially beyond a few weeks, the hormone levels (beta-hCG) would be detectable in both urine and blood tests. The medical community generally considers that if you have had several negative tests and ultrasounds indicating no pregnancy, the likelihood of being pregnant is very low.

You mentioned experiencing dizziness and nausea, which can be symptoms of various conditions, including hormonal changes, stress, or even anxiety. It’s crucial to consider these factors, as they can significantly affect your physical well-being. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional who can evaluate your overall health and possibly refer you to a specialist if necessary.

As for the changes in your abdomen, it’s not uncommon for women to perceive changes in their body shape or size due to various factors, including bloating, weight fluctuations, or muscle tone changes. The area around the pubic bone can indeed change during pregnancy, but it can also change due to other reasons, such as hormonal shifts or gastrointestinal issues. If you are concerned about the size of your abdomen or any other physical changes, a visit to a healthcare provider would be beneficial. They can perform a physical examination and possibly recommend imaging studies if needed.

In terms of your question about whether the abdomen appears smaller when lying down, this can be true for many individuals. The position of the body can affect how the abdomen looks due to the redistribution of body fluids and the relaxation of abdominal muscles.

If you continue to have concerns about your health or if the symptoms you are experiencing do not resolve, it may be worthwhile to seek a referral to a gynecologist or a primary care physician who can provide a comprehensive evaluation. They can help rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms and provide guidance on the next steps.

In conclusion, while the possibility of pregnancy cannot be entirely ruled out without further testing, the consistent negative results and medical evaluations suggest that it is unlikely. Focus on your overall health, and don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare professionals for support and guidance. Your well-being is paramount, and addressing any physical or emotional concerns with a qualified provider is the best course of action.

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