Q&A: Pregnancy (Am I pregnant?) Page 3

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Tests say no, but...

I am at my wits end! Recently (over the last 6 weeks or so) I have had lots of pregnancy symptoms but all 9 tests were negative! After having my baby 5 months ago we had sex 7 weeks later and I felt pregnant again even though we used condoms. I did a home test and it was positive but the next day it was negative and the doctor did a urine sample check and it was negative so I just thought it must have been a false positive.

Over the last few months I have been craving red meat and dairy, have larger boobs and blue veins running over them, am very very tired, had some constipation, have cold hands and feet, headaches, gassy, very bloated (stomach looks 3 months pregnant), white bumps around nipple area, bleeding gums, and itchy boobs. I have been taking the mini-pill for 2 weeks (from the 1st day of my last period which was 32 days ago - I am usually 30 days between).

Two weeks before I was due I had slight spotting for 2 days and very light bleed for 1 day with no cramp and I usually bleed for 7 days. I took the mini-pill when I started spotting but don't think that was my actual period. On my last pregnancy I had cholestatis and itched everywhere and this is happening again - I am itchy on my palms of my hands and feet and have a rash over my right foot which happened last time and also I have much less of a appetite.

I have seen my doctor who thinks I have a tumor in my pituitary gland as I am producing milk 4 1/2 months after breast-feeding. I'm sure the doctor doesn't believe me but I am sure I am pregnant and have now stopped taking the mini-pill after the 2 weeks in case I am and will use condoms. It's just a feeling I know, but I also have hardening of my lower stomach - what are the chances of me being pregnant? I would like to know as I am diabetic and need good medical care. Should I do another test soon?

You should do another test - specifically request a BLOOD pregnancy test from your doctor or family planning. If it is negative, find out exactly from your doctor what is being done to figure out what is wrong with you and what is causing these symptoms. If your doctor still suspects a tumor, find out exactly how he/she is determining this and when you will know the answer and what the treatment would be if you do have a tumor.

If you do not feel your doctor is taking you seriously, then you should consider finding another doctor. In the meantime, go to your local family planning and explain all of this to them and have another pregnancy test. Good luck.

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Ovulation after sex

My partner and I had intercourse on Saturday. I suspected I ovulated the following Monday. Is it possible for me to get pregnant?

There is a slight possibility if you had unprotected sex and he ejaculated inside you. If you do not wish to get pregnant, then make sure you are using a reliable form of birth control - please see your local family planning provider. You will have peace of mind, which is much better than the stress of worrying!

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On Depo but could I be pregnant?

I got the Depo shot on Nov. 5. I should've been protected through Feb 5, but I'm really worried. In Dec, I bled for about 2 weeks and then it stopped; and in Jan. I got like a normal period around like Jan 26. I don't know if I was ever really protected on the shot. And my boyfriend ejaculated inside of me on Jan. 15 (only time ever).

It's now Feb 9, and I'm wondering if I'm pregnant. My boobs are like 1/2x their normal size and my nipples hurt really badly. I normally get tenderness in my breasts a week or two before my period but they've never swelled this much. How likely is it that I'm pregnant when I was on the shot??

Depo Provera is 99% effective. It is very unlikely that you are pregnant. You need to schedule an appointment for your next Depo-Provera injection. At that visit they you can explain your concerns and you can have a pregnancy test.

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Mom vs. Pregnant Teen

Me and my mom bump heads a lot; I really don't know what to do. I'm pregnant and she makes me feel like shit and I don't know why. I cry at night cause I believe my mom just really doesn't care. To relieve the stress, would it be better to give my baby up for adoption? My dad is really happy about it.

I am so sorry this is such a difficult time for you and your mother's relationship. Maybe it would be helpful if you mother attended your OB doctor's appointments together and the two of you could sit down with the doctor to discuss your concerns. Talk to your father as well and see if he is willing to help you and your mom work things out. You really need to talk to a trusted adult in this situation. If you can't talk to either parent, please contact your local counseling agency. If you call your local family planning office, they will probably have the number of a counseling agency that charges based on your income.

Ultimately, it is YOUR decision on whether or not to give the baby up for adoption. Please talk to someone soon who can give you outside perspective on the situation. Once you've made a decision about what you are going to do, dealing with your mom will get easier. The best thing is to remember that this is a very hard time for your mother as well. Be patient and calm with her, and be honest about your feelings. Good luck.

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Teen mum

I am 15 and pregnant - I don't know what to do.

Please feel free to call your closest family planning office to set up an appointment with a counselor to talk about your options. Also, I hope you have a parent, close family member or friend that you can involve to help you sort through what is the best option for you. Please talk to someone very soon. Take care.

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Cold medicines affect pregnancy test?

I took a pregnancy test, and it came back positive, but I am unsure if can I be retested. And, if I have a cold and have been taking different types of medication, can that affect the outcome of the results?

You did not say whether the pregnancy test was a urine or blood test. Assuming you meant urine, by all means get retested. Tests are not foolproof. In general, cold medications, antibiotics, etc. do not affect these tests. Please go to your nearest family planning center - they can answer all your questions and will retest you.

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First time sex; am I pregnant?

A week or so ago I had sex for the first time (not all it was cracked up to be either), Anyways, 2 days after I started feeling nauseous (we were talking about contraceptives in family life, I of course HAD to get male condoms as my example to talk about...which we did use). Well talking about that REALLY made me start worrying that I could be pregnant so I started to feel weird. After a day of nausea my breast started to hurt and I started cramping up (that would put us 3 days after the actual event).

We used a condom (lubricated and everything, and it didn't break as far as either of us know), and it was 3 days after my last period, so it's highly unlikely i was ovulating...but what I want to know is: Is it possible to imagine some signs of pregnancy? Or are these signs sometimes after a period? I haven't had them for the past few days, but I also haven't been NEARLY as worried as I was last week. Some people have told me it's just nerves, but could this really just be in my head?

Your symptoms are too early to be related to a pregnancy. They could indicate Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, but from your description, it is also too early for that. My best educated guess, without examining you, is that you could be experiencing signs of ovulation. The following observable symptoms can indicate ovulation:

--Breast tenderness
--Abdominal cramps or twinges
--Increased vaginal discharge

However, you are probably right in that your stress level and psychological state could have played a role in your symptoms. If you used a condom and it didn't break, then you are probably fine.

If you have any more symptoms, please contact your local family planning center. Since you are now sexually active, it is time to begin to care for your reproductive health and have yearly exams. Take care.

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On birth control, no period, am I pregnant?

I recently (December) went to a family planning clinic to have a pregnancy test, and it came out negative. One of the people there brought me into the back office and told me that I might be one person that does not have her period on birth control. I personally questioned that in my mind, being that I have my period always on it before.

Since that date, I am still yet to have a period. The last few weeks, I've been feeling sick and have not felt myself and someone came up to me and even asked me if I was pregnant. I'm really scared. I do not know the symptoms of pregnancy and that was one thing I was wondering because I do not want to go back to family planning and have another pregnancy test and it come out negative because I'll feel I should have trusted what they had said.

I'm worried that if I am pregnant that I will have no place to go; my dad's one rule was if I did get pregnant, I was out on my own, and I don't have an income and I don't know if I could receive help. Any answers would be a big help.

Since you have not have a period since your pregnancy test in December, it is very reasonable to return to family planning for another test. Early pregnancy symptoms include: morning sickness (sometimes all day--feeling sick to your stomach), breast tenderness, and feeling tired. If you have been taking/using your birth control method correctly then the risk of pregnancy is small. It is not unusual to stop getting a period on a method even though you were getting one before.

You won't be judged badly at all for going back to family planning! Please get this straightened out soon - call family planning to discuss this with them...your concerns are important.

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Pregnancy symptoms...Am I pregnant?

Hello I am 15 years old. Me and my boyfriend had sex 4-5 days before my period, I had all the symptoms of my period (i.e. Breast tenderness, breaking out, moody, temperature change) He did not ejaculate in me but I know there is a possibility of pre-ejaculation that can get you pregnant, he said he doesn't think he had any because about 15 minutes earlier I gave him oral sex and it would take him longer to ejaculate. But I'm still worried I was supposed to start about 3-4 days ago. My breasts are still tender, I am still breaking out. I took a pregnancy test last night and it came out negative. Is it too early? I am also having discharge. It is white with a little clear. Is that a sign of pregnancy or what? Just please give me as much info as possible thank you.

Pregnancy is unlikely. Wait a few more days if your period does not come, then do another pregnancy test. Since you're having signs of your period, chances are you will be getting it a little late. Without a physical examination of the discharge, etc., there really is no way I can answer your many questions based on the information you gave me. Also, you should know that the symptoms of your period that you described can also be symptoms of ovulation. Unprotected sex is NEVER a good idea if you are not trying to get pregnant.

In the meantime - you're only 15 - are you sure that this is a good time in your life to be having sex? Perhaps talking to a trusted adult or your parents would be a good idea. Once this situation is resolved, you can save yourself a lot of future worrying if you would either abstain from sex, or, if you choose to continue having sex, go to your local family planning clinic and they will set you up on a reliable form of birth control. They will treat you with respect and answer all your questions. Also, if money is an issue, they will help you figure out the best way to pay for your appointments (sometimes it's even free, depending upon your situation).

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Have period and be pregnant?

Is it true that you can have your period 3 times but you could still be pregnant?

If they seem to be normal periods (compared to your usual periods), then it is unlikely that you are pregnant. However, it is possible to have some bleeding that appears to be a period after becoming pregnant. Usually, the bleeding is lighter and shorter than a normal period. To be absolutely sure, you can pick up a pregnancy test at your local pharmacy, or go to your local family planning clinic or health care provider.

If you do not wish to become pregnant, please consider a reliable form of birth control. Your local family planning clinic can help you decide which is best for you. Take care.

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Is it possible to get pregnant by a vagina and a penis just touching together?

Is it possible to become pregnant if the penis wasn't actually inserted? My boyfriend and I were just messing around but things got kinda close and now it freaks me out that there's a chance for pregnancy. My sister told me the sperm dies once it hits the air, but I'm still scared pregnancy is a possibility. Do I have anything to worry about if we didn't actually have sex?

The short answer is: pregnancy is possible but not likely. It is possible to get pregnant if semen is deposited right at the vaginal opening. It is LESS likely than if semen were deposited in the vagina as a result of intercourse.The long answer is as follows:

The situation you described sounds like it would be very unlikely that you would get pregnant, because his penis didn't ejaculate into your vagina. BUT because I don't know exactly what you mean by "things got kind of close", I'll give you some more food for thought.

Information on this subject states that sperm doesn't die INSTANTLY when it hits the air, so I advise people concerned about pregnancy to be aware of semen (the fluid that is ejaculated and contains sperm) while it is still wet. Sometimes if that fluid is deposited onto the opening of the vagina, the sperm can swim into the vagina and continue, possibly causing a pregnancy.

Also be aware of times that his penis is rubbing around your genital area while it is erect (before he ejaculates), as the pre-cum (fluid released while the penis is erect) also contains sperm and could cause pregnancy.

The pre-ejaculatory fluid is usually clear and often the male doesn't even realize it is leaving his penis. The risk small but still possible

If you're still concerned, I recommend that you take a pregnancy test, either at home or at Family Planning. It takes 5 minutes to get the results and cuts down on the amount of time that you're stressing and paranoid while not really knowing what the outcome is. At Family Planning they can also talk with you about different methods of birth control, testing for STDs (sexually transmitted infections), and other related concerns you might have.

In the future, be sure to keep your boyfriend's semen ("cum" and "pre-cum") away from your vagina while it is still wet. Wash and dry your hands and any other area on your body after coming into contact with his semen before touching yourself.

You may want to consider using a method of birth control, like having him wear a condom. Or you may want to consider doing other things with him that don't involve direct contact with each other's genitals or sexual fluids. Talking openly about these issues is also important!

Of course this is all related to decreasing your chances of pregnancy, and doesn't address risk of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Some STDs can be spread through the change of bodily fluids like semen and vaginal fluids, and some STDs can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, like rubbing genitals. This makes it very important to talk with your partner about your sexual histories, current health status, testing for HIV and other STDs, safer sex techniques, and how you would each deal with the situation if you tested positive for an STD.

In terms of preventing both pregnancy and STDs, give yourself some time to think about how important it is to you to engage in activities that are so physically intimate with a partner. You may also want to consider talking to your parents or a trusted adult for some more insight. Hopefully you are able to experience your sexuality in a positive way. Take care.

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IUD removal & pregnancy

Hi, I had my IUD removed at ovulation last month and my husband & I got together 1 - 2 days prior to it's removal. Is it possible that I could be pregnant? My period is 2 days shy of normal.

Yes, it is possible. IUD's work in a number of ways---one of which is preventing implantation. So it is possible to have fertilization occur in the fallopian tube one day--remove the IUD the next day---thus allowing implantation and the beginning of a pregnancy. Get a pregnancy test if it is negative (and you still do not get a period) repeat the test in one week. Good luck.

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Sex and Pregnancy

Hi I'm 13 years old and I had what I think is sex last night with my boyfriend. We really didn't have sex he kinda stuck it in and then took it out because we didn't have a condom and now he wants to do it if he gets a condom. I want to get birth control but I don't wanna tell my mom or dad about it and my questions are do you think I could get pregnant just by sticking it in not that long? and Where could I get birth control without my mother knowing because I want to be safe?

This is hard to give a short answer to, because there's a lot of information to cover. Some of what I'll share with you isn't even information that you asked about, but important for you to know.

First of all, it's good that you want to be safe, in terms of preventing pregnancy.

When used correctly, condoms are an effective method of birth control and protection of sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia and HIV. There is no prescription needed or age restrictions for people buying condoms. Condoms are available in drug stores, supermarkets, health centers, and sometimes schools.

Other methods of birth control requiring a prescription also require a visit to a doctor or family planning clinic.

You should know about state laws regarding age limits and sexual activity. For instance, in Maine, it is illegal for someone to have sex with someone who is under the age of 14. There are also laws prohibiting people to have sex when there is too much of an age difference, for instance a 15 year old and a 23 year old.

While staff at a Family Planning health center are trained to offer services confidentially, an exception to this rule is that they are required to report to the District Attorney's office when someone tells them about engaging in activities that are against these laws. This usually results in the DA contacting the parents of the minor. These laws exist mainly for the protection of young people, to make sure that they are in consensual relationships where power is equal and shared.

Have you talked with your boyfriend about what part sexual activity plays in your relationship? Have you thought about how important it is to you personally that you have sex at this time and with this person?

How would you handle a pregnancy or STD at this time in your life? What are the reasons why you don't want to talk to your parents? Many times parents want their teen to come to them with these issues because they want them to be safe, even though it's equally hard for them to talk about the topic of sex.

If you still feel you can't talk to your parents about this, are there other adults in your life that you trust, to give you information and advice, with your best interest in mind? These are just some of the questions to consider as you're thinking about and experimenting with sexual activity as a teen.

While the chance of pregnancy is very small because your boyfriend did not ejaculate while his penis was in your vagina, the chance is still there because the fluid released from an erect penis during the time before ejaculation is called "pre-ejaculatory fluid" or "pre-cum," and contains sperm.

Family Planning health centers are able to provide exams, counseling and education, and birth control to clients regardless of age. Staff talk with clients who are under the age of 18 about parental involvement and will work with them to make it easier to talk with parents when they feel ready. In the end, our job is to help each client with their needs and focus on them.

Good luck and good for you for searching for accurate information!

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When do you suggest a pregnant teen stops going to school?

NEVER! Stay in school! There is not physical reason for a pregnant teen to stop going to school. In the late stages of pregnancy some women choose to stop very physical jobs one or two weeks before the anticipated delivery time. These are decisions women make in consultation with their midwife or physician.

It is very important for your future that you continue with school. Many high schools have programs to help pregnant teens. Please see your guidance counselor or school nurse to discuss the best way for you to continue your education.

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Teen pregnancy statistics

What's the most common age for teenage pregnancy and approximately how many teens become pregnant every year?

Great question -- and it deserves an accurate answer. So, please go to the below link for this information at the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy website:

http://www.teenpregnancy.org/resources/data/preg.asp

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