Signs of Pregnancy: When to Take a Home Test and What to Expect

Signs of pregnancy before a missed period?

Hello Doctor, my girlfriend's last menstrual period was from October 21 to October 25, with a cycle of about 31 days.
We had unprotected intercourse on November 4 and 5.
Although her expected menstrual period has not yet arrived, I am particularly anxious this time.
I would like to ask if it is possible to use a home pregnancy test at this point.
Additionally, I found online that common pregnancy symptoms include frequent urination and morning sickness.
Could you please tell me when these symptoms typically occur? My girlfriend has been going to the bathroom frequently around November 10.
Thank you, Doctor.

Axiang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/19

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

You can confirm whether you are pregnant by taking a pregnancy test 18 days after the sexual intercourse.
You can take the test on November 22.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/11/19

More Info

When it comes to signs of pregnancy and the appropriate timing for taking a home pregnancy test, there are several important factors to consider. Based on your girlfriend's last menstrual period (LMP) starting on October 21 and her average cycle length of 31 days, her next expected period would be around November 21. Since you mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse on November 4 and 5, it is possible for her to conceive during this time, as ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the next expected period.

Home pregnancy tests (HPTs) are designed to detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Most HPTs are reliable when taken after a missed period, which means that testing around November 21 would be ideal for the most accurate results. However, some sensitive tests can detect hCG as early as a few days before a missed period, which would be around November 16 in your case. If your girlfriend is feeling anxious about the possibility of being pregnant, she could consider taking a test a few days before her expected period, but keep in mind that testing too early may result in a false negative.

As for the signs of pregnancy, common early symptoms include frequent urination and nausea (often referred to as "morning sickness"). Frequent urination can occur as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the kidneys. Nausea typically begins around the sixth week of pregnancy but can vary from person to person. If your girlfriend is experiencing frequent trips to the bathroom around November 10, it could be an early sign of pregnancy, but it is also important to consider other factors such as fluid intake and potential urinary tract infections.

In summary, while it is possible to take a home pregnancy test as early as November 16, the most reliable results will come after a missed period on or around November 21. If your girlfriend is experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination and nausea, it may be worth discussing these with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Additionally, if she does test positive, she should schedule an appointment with her healthcare provider for prenatal care and guidance.
It's also important to note that every woman's body is different, and symptoms can vary widely. If there are any concerns or unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a good idea.

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