Health Question:
What are the first signs of pregnancy?

 

Question:
I'm concerned I may be pregnant after having sex for the second time. We lost the condom, but later found it. We're not sure how long we had sex without the condom. What are the first signs of pregnancy?

Response:
Pregnancy symptoms include

• no period or light period
• breast tenderness, swollen breasts
• nausea
• constipation
• frequent urination
• sensitivity to certain tastes or odors
• appetite changes, such as cravings for certain foods, inability to eat others
• tiredness, fatigue, sleepiness
• weight gain, feeling bloated/bigger
• feeling "different"
• if you are using fertility awareness method of monitoring fertility and your temperature remains higher rather than dropping after a missed period
• if you have a speculum and have been practicing self cervical exam, your cervix may appear blue or bluish

Of course, these symptoms could also apply to other conditions, some even occur with PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome).

"No period" is the biggest indication. By the time your period is a few days late, a pregnancy test can be done. Pregnancy tests are not 100%, but the are reasonably accurate. Read the package inserts for details on specific tests.

It IS possible to be pregnant and continue to have menstrual periods; the bleeding may be less than usual or a light period.

IF it has been 72 hours or less since you had unprotected intercourse, you can try Emergency Contraception to try to prevent pregnancy after sex.

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