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Hi. I think my last period began on Oct. 7 or 8 but I have been experiencing dull cramping (like I normally do right before my period) since the 23rd. I am on the pill, but may have been off on my timing the first week of the month due to the flu. I have sex regularly with my husband and know I did on the 18th and several days around then. I have also had sore breasts, increased sense of smell, and my appetite has been minimal. When I get hungry I feel like I am going to get sick until I eat something. When I eat, I get full quickly. I also can't eat spicy food right now, it makes me feel sick and it is usually my favorite. I have also been much quicker to get angry or upset than usual. I have taken some otc pregnancy tests, though I know it may be too early. My doctor said it is too early to feel any symptoms, but I am usually pretty in tune with my body. I also feel bloated and just different. And, the first two days, everything I ate came out of me and now I have not had a bowel movement in days despite an increase in my fruit and veggie intake. I am 26 and not trying, but wondering if I may be pregnant. What do you think this can be?
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Anon,
As you have found out, it's incredibly difficult to figure out anything for sure this early in a possible pregnancy. Partly that's because a lot of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy mimic those of PMS in many women -- sore breasts, for instance, or your cramping. Even when a woman has symptoms that are uncommon for her, like you seem to be having, it's possible to not be pregnant at all.
The earliest objective sign of pregnancy is the test, of course. Home pregnancy tests detect HCG, a hormone present in your body during pregnancy. But when you test too soon, there may not be high enough levels of HCG for the test to detect. They are most reliable about two weeks after conception, which is the time you ordinarily would be starting your next period.
Some other things I would ask, just to rule out: have you started any new medications this month? Changed your diet in any noticeable way? (Other than the sensitivities you've explained). Have you been under extra stress?
When you had the flu, did you take any antibiotics? (Birth control is not as effective when you are taking antibiotics.) Do you feel totally recovered from the flu?
Some women do just "know" when they are pregnant. And some women's symptoms do begin earlier than others. It's possible you're one of these women. But you're still going to have to wait a little longer to find out for sure.
Helpful as a rock, huh? LOL It's so hard to wait when you really want to know!
October 30, 2009 - 9:01amThis Comment
Thanks for the info. When I had the flu I took only over the counter medicines but as I stress over this I remember that I changed the start date of my birth control the last two months in a row...I started one day later each month because I didn't make it to the pharmacy in time. I don't know if that changes anything. I am pretty sure the flu was totally gone before the cramping all started. I guess I just keep waiting. Today I still have the same symptoms except am adding extreme fatigue. I just had two days off of work so I should have been great today. I spent the two days off sleeping or laying on my couch. Guess I keep waiting. It should start next Wed. so I will probably try another early test this weekend just in case then wait to see if my period shows up.
October 30, 2009 - 4:50pmThis Comment
You know, we wouldn't think that changing the start date by one day would have such an effect, but when it comes to our hormones, almost anything is possible.
I am also wondering if your extreme fatigue could still be an after-effect of the flu? That wouldn't explain the cramping, but this flu does have a reputation of coming back after someone believes they're getting better.
I have my fingers crossed for you, Please update us when you know more, OK?
November 2, 2009 - 8:25amThis Comment