Emergency Contraceptive Pills and Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello Dr.
Lu, after taking one tablet of the emergency contraceptive pill, I have experienced symptoms of hiccups, which I also had before taking the pill.
I am wondering if this could be a sign of pregnancy, but would such symptoms appear just one week after conception? Additionally, when I am sitting, my abdomen appears to be protruding; could this be due to pregnancy? Thank you for your response.

Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/03

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Pregnant individuals are more likely to experience symptoms such as nausea, but not everyone who experiences nausea is necessarily pregnant.
2.
Typically, symptoms of morning sickness appear two to three weeks after conception.
3.
A protruding abdomen does not always indicate pregnancy.
4.
Confirmation of pregnancy requires a pregnancy test or ultrasound.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/08/03

More Info

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as Plan B or Ella, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg. It's important to note that ECPs are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 to 120 hours, depending on the specific pill used.

Regarding your symptoms, it's essential to understand that early pregnancy symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may not manifest immediately after conception. Common early signs of pregnancy include missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and frequent urination. However, symptoms such as burping or abdominal bloating can also be attributed to various factors unrelated to pregnancy, including hormonal changes, dietary choices, or gastrointestinal issues.

In your case, experiencing burping after taking the emergency contraceptive pill does not necessarily indicate pregnancy, especially if you had similar symptoms prior to taking the pill. It's also unlikely that you would experience significant pregnancy symptoms just one week after conception, as it typically takes time for the body to produce enough human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests, to trigger noticeable symptoms.

As for the sensation of a protruding abdomen while sitting, this could be due to several reasons. It might be related to bloating, which is common after taking hormonal medications, or it could be a result of normal digestive processes. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy or if your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be prudent to take a home pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while ECPs are effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly, they do not guarantee that pregnancy will not occur. Early pregnancy symptoms can be subtle and vary greatly among individuals. If you suspect you might be pregnant or have concerns about your symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a good course of action. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance, perform tests, and help you understand your situation better.

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