Pregnancy

Could I Be Pregnant?

Any time you have sex, there is always a chance of pregnancy. While the likelihood can vary depending on the timing in your menstrual cycle, sperm can live in the female body for up to several days, so it’s hard to predict the exact chances of pregnancy.

Many women believe that contraception eliminates the risk of pregnancy, but it is not 100% effective. While contraception significantly reduces the chance, the possibility of pregnancy is never entirely gone if you’ve had sex. [1]

A missed period is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy. While there are other reasons for a missed period, if you’ve had sex, pregnancy should be considered as a possibility.

Possible Signs and Symptoms [2]

Pregnancy symptoms can vary widely from woman to woman, and even from pregnancy to pregnancy. Some women may not notice any symptoms at all. Early signs might include:

Missed period
Tender or swollen breasts
Nausea (with or without vomiting)
Increased urination
Fatigue

Other symptoms may include:

Light spotting
Cramping
Mood swings
Bloating
Constipation

Pregnancy Tests

A pregnancy test is a helpful indication, but it’s not a definitive diagnosis. Only a healthcare professional can confirm a pregnancy. If your test is positive, consider taking another test or scheduling an ultrasound for confirmation. While it’s rare, some women have received positive results without being pregnant, but pregnancy should still be considered.

If you’ve had sex and are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, we can provide you with a free, confidential pregnancy test or retest. We can also arrange an ultrasound to confirm the results. Call us today. We’re here to help you with your questions in complete confidence.

[1] Contraception Options and Effectiveness. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Website: https://www.hhs.gov/opa/performance-measures/contraceptive-options-and-effectiveness-text-only/index.html. Published May 2, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2020.

[2] “Symptoms of Pregnancy: What Happens First?” Mayo Clinic, last modified May 11, 2019, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853.