Weight gain and breast enlargement after taking ECP?

By Estarriol1138 November 6, 2011 - 9:06am

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It is normal to have weight gain (about 5-10 pounds) and slight breast enlargement, very similar to that which occurs during pre-menstral syndrome, about a week after taking an ECP (Next Choice)? My breasts definitely feel heavier than usual and I'm just wondering if it is a side effect of the drug and if/when it will wear off?

I also started some heavy spotting/light bleeding yesterday to the point where I have to use a pad and my next period isn't due until November 19th. I guess I am kind of scared that these symptoms are early signs of pregnancy instead of side effects of the pill as I've read that implantation bleeding can occur as soon as 7 days after ovulation. My method of birth control failed when I had sex a day after my last period ended so I took an ECP a few hours after.

Are any of these symptoms I'm experiencing typical of a pregnancy a week after conception? I know it is unlikely that a pregnancy can occur a day after your period ends as you are still in the follicular phase but I guess I could just use some peace of mind while I'm waiting for my next period to start (hopefully) :-)

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Anonymous

I had the same experience with you because I had a pregnancy scare as I was experiencing pregnancy-related symptoms. I had protected sex with my boyfriend and the condoms he bought were brand new. However, I was scared because I didn't take any contraceptives before we had sex and of course the risk is still there. I quickly took ECP within 72 hours but I didn't bleed during. I didn't used to have symptoms on my first experience with ecp until this. I had a very bloated stomach, lower abdominal pain (not cramps, it's like some twist and pull-like feeling). I also gained 2 pounds and my breasts slightly enlarged. Luckily, I was able to get my period on time.

March 13, 2019 - 12:20am

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Rosa Cabrera RN

Dear Estarriol,

Symptoms of Next Choice include:

Nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, changes in your period, dizziness, and breast tenderness.

Pregnancy symptoms would not occur this early, nor would you gain 10 lbs on your first week (can you imagine if you gained 5-10lbs a week for 40 weeks??) You may be retaining water and simply need to increase your fluid intake.

You will need to wait. If you are more than one week late on your period, please take a pregnancy test.

Best of luck,

Rosa

November 6, 2011 - 12:47pm