Possible Pregnancy Symptoms: What to Know After Unprotected Sex

Question
I had unprotected sex the day after I ended my normal period and I am not supposed to start my next period till the end of the month, but my stomache is tender to push against and kinda crampy. Could these be early signs of pregnancy?

Answer
Dear Britt,

If this was the end of your regular period - meaning if you expected it and it was at the very start of your cycle - then the likelihood of conception is pretty low. Although it is not completely impossible to get pregnant at any time during your cycle, the most fertile days of your cycle are cycle days 11-21 (Day 1 being the day each period starts). This "window" of time allows for any variation in your ovulation day - the day the egg is released from the ovary each month. The egg can only survive for up to 24 hours once released unless it is fertilized. It sounds like you would have had sex on/about CD 6.

However, because you had unprotected sex, you cannot ever dismiss the possibility of pregnancy. If your next expected period is lighter than normal, spotty, or missed all together, you should test for pregnancy. Symptoms such as you describe are completely unreliable in determining the possibility of a pregnancy... especially at this point. Make sure whenever you test for pregnancy that you use 1st morning urine to get a concentrated sample for the most accurate results.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda