AboutDeborah Expertise I can answer questions about pregnancy symptoms, contraception, abortion, adoption,and
teen parenthood. Specifically, I can give up to date, accurate medical information, latest
studies as well as statistics pertaining to health issues surrounding pregnancy, and factors
to be considered before deciding to become a teen parent.
Experience I have answered over 3000 questions in this area on other health sites, most in the area of teen pregnancy.
Education/Credentials I have a bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Biology, and am halfway through a Master's Degree, also in Biology. I have access to and read many of the top medical journals, from which I also get the best, most thorough and accurate to answers to pressing medical and health related questions.
Past/Present Clients ehealth over 3000 posts
pro-choice talk over 6000 posts
Question hi there. so, i'm seventeen years old, and only recently became sexually active. i had only slept with one person, who things have gone bad with now, but that's besides the point. the last time i had sex was 6/24. we used protection (male condom) each time we had sex, because neither of us are ready for a child at this age. he was also sure to check the condoms to be sure there were no tears or splits, and i believe that he truly was, because he DEFINITELY would not want a child.
anyways, to the point. as mentioned, i last had sex on 6/24. i hadn't really been worried about pregnancy until just recently. he's assured me that he checked the condom (he even used a new one half way through the sex to make sure nothing would break from friction) and there was no unprotected contact. he also pulled out before ejaculation, even though he was wearing a condom. i probably shouldn't be worried, but i am.
as of late, starting a few weeks ago, i started to feel off. i'd been more tired than usual, and was feeling somewhat sick (like a cold). i've had a mild headache almost everyday. also, i've noticed small bumps appearing around my areolas (though these may have always been there and i'm just paying extra close attention now.) my veins seem somewhat more prominent, and my stomach seems to be pudging out a bit. when i lie on my back, i've noticed that my stomach pulses when i push on it, and there's an odd hardness around my belly button. it's not 10/5, so that'd have made it over 3 months along.
i had no symptoms that i was aware of for the first 2 months after sex. i wasn't tired, nauseas, or anything. also, i've had four 'periods' since then. i had PMS symptoms before hand (tender breasts, cramping, moodiness) that went away after the bleeding. i'm just concerned, because they've lasted only around 2 days (with a relatively normal flow, and some dark clotting) as opposed to my normal 5. i read that some women continue to bleed all through pregnancy, so this really frightened me.
i've taken four pregnancy tests, all of which have come back negative. i'd like to think they'd have been positives this far along, but again, i've read of women testing negative for months. i've scheduled an appt. with my gynecologist, but i just want some reassurance until then.
what do you think? can i be pregnant, or am i maybe worrying so much that i've tricked myself into thinking so? i was responsible with the sex, so i really am hoping this is all in my head.
help!
Answer Dear Julia,
I am pretty convinced that you are NOT pregnant. It is impossible to have your period and remain pregnant. Some women have spotting or other bleeding during pregnancy, but that is not too common, and it is not the same thing as a period.
The doctor's visit will be the best reassurance you can get.
