QuestionHello- I stopped my bc pills last month around the 6thJune...started my period on the 10th. I was due to start AF on/around the 8thJuly. Still nothing...but have been having POSSIBLE pregnancy sxs x1 wk. Slight cramping a few days ago, extreame fatigue and really sensitive nipples? I saw my dr. yesterday for a hpt blood test, and he said it was negative. But sxs still persist and no sign of AF. Could I still be pregnant and not show enough levels of hcg yet? I need to schedule an x-ray for an unrelated problem, but Im scared to if there's possability of pregnancy. So I want to know for sure. Should I get another test done next week if no AF?
AnswerDear Dyan,
Did they do a qualitative blood pregnancy test or quantitative? If it was a quantitative test, it would give an actual amount of hCG in your bloodstream and there is no mistaking its results. At about 10-12 days after conception, you should be able to get a positive reading from a quantitative test.
If it was a qualitative test, they are still about 98% accurate in their results. However, yesterday would have only been about 2 days late for your period. I usually recommend that women wait until the week after a missed or spotty period before testing. If you happened to ovulate a bit late during the last cycle, the few days could make a big difference.
The symptoms you describe are hormonal in nature and can also be related to hormonal fluctuations within your cycle. This is why it is so difficult to "diagnose" a pregnancy based on symptoms alone. But if you still are having symptoms which you suspect are related to early pregnancy and have not had a period next week, I would suggest testing again. If the X-Ray is for an emergent condition and time-sensitive, I would simply let the tech know that there is a possibility of pregnancy.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
