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Hi. I am 40 years old. I had my first child at 37 without any fertility treatments. My cycles are always completely normal and come like clockwork every 25 to 26 days. My last period was Oct. 2, 2010. I am actually due for it tomorrow (Oct. 26). We are NOT trying to get pregnant, but have been doing the withdrawal method since we had our first child (not using any formal forms of birth control). For the last 2 weeks, I have had symptoms. Something is definitely going on with my body. The list of symptoms are:
1) Very emotional;
2) Gums are swelling on and off (not constant and not bleeding);
3) Tender, swollen nipples (starting to darken as well), but not as bad as with my daughter - I couldn't even wear a bra without being in agony with her;
4) Frequent urination (unusual for me);
5) Lower abdominal bloating and cramping, but not painful - just uncomfortable. I don't get cramps with my periods - one of the lucky ones I suppose;
6) Fatigue (especially trying to get out of bed in the morning) and throughout the day at certain intervals;
7) Headaches that just come out of nowhere;
8) Lower back pain every now and then (not constant, but there);
9) A few drops of colostrum leaked from my breasts about 1 week ago; and
10) Sensitivity to strong smells (co-workers haircare products are killing me right now and she sits pretty far across the room), but no actual nausea as of yet.
I think we can safely say, the only symptom that I didn't get yet is nausea. I just knew I was pregnant with my daughter, but her test came up negative as well, of course my husband had just gotten here from Iraq so I didn't keep track of when my next period was due at the time. Now I keep track of everything so that I can readily answer questions when asked for whatever reason - have been humiliated at the doctor numerous times when I couldn't answer questions like that. I need a little direction here if anyone can add some insight. Before I started getting the symptoms, I hadn't thought of it much except to say, "Boy it would be nice if we had another child" but that was the extent of it. Now that the symptoms have started, it started to become real to me. When I received 2 negative results, I feel like my world crashed around my head. I know something is going on........but I haven't gotten enough interest from my doctor for her to even call me back. Suggestions?
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Dear Alison,
Well, I am sorry to say (at least in this instance) that I started my cycle the evening of the 26th following having sex with my husband. Alison, it started to become real to me. We weren't trying so it isn't as if I anxiously waited every month to see if this could be the month, but it started to become real to me the more symptoms I started to have. My husband got into bed beside me (he sleeps on the floor next to the bed due to a back injury) and held me, because he understood that this really had begun to be real. It is strange how I still feel a little movement or spasms or something in my ovaries since I never get cramps before my cycle, but I do see my OBGYN next month for my annual. I will take it up with her then. I just wanted to give you all an update and to thank you for your help. I am so sorry I wasted your time. It will take me a few days, but I will smile again and be just as happy as I was before all of this happened, but I must say it is very depressing.
Have a great upcoming holiday season and I will keep you posted for when we actually do decide to become pregnant.
Kind Regards,
Cheri
October 28, 2010 - 9:55amThis Comment
Anon - If you have extreme concerns about the accuracy of your home pregnancy test you can request a blood test from your doctor. You may also want to schedule a well woman check up to discuss the symptoms you are experiencing which could be caused by an underlying health condition. If your gut is telling you that something is going on with your body that you need to get checked out, then by all means get a check up and some peace of mind. If you are not satisfied with your current doctor then find another one. I hope that helps! Pat
October 25, 2010 - 6:03pmThis Comment
Oh sorry Pat......my name is Cheri.
To add to the other symptoms, last night I noticed that I now have the little brown bumps on my nipples and had a short dizzy spell. Today is supposed to be my cycle and it has not started and is not showing signs of starting. My primary care (who is also a family friend) ordered a pregnancy blood test, but told me to wait 10 days after my missed period (oh wow --- what a wait). I don't feel I am sick......I feel I am pregnant. I don't want to call my OB until I am sure.......and the fact that I take Advair for my asthma, worries me. Thanks for your help Pat.
October 26, 2010 - 9:36amThis Comment
Any/all of these symptoms can be related to pregnancy, pre-menstrual symptoms, or something else. If you feel like you are pregnant, and your period is due today, you do not need to wait for the blood test, you can accurately test with a home pregnancy test with about 99% accuracy. (False negatives are possible, but false positives are very rare). If it comes back positive, your suspicions would be confirmed! If it comes back negative, you can wait the 10 days (I know, they are excruciating!!) to have a definite answer.
Let us know what you decide!
October 26, 2010 - 12:39pmThis Comment