Pregnancy Test: Pregnant With Negative Test Results?
I think I'm 12 weeks pregnant but I have irregular periods and can't be certain. I took two pregnancy tests and they were negative. I have had swelling in my hands and ankles, extreme sleepiness and some nausea. I've gone from 165 to 200 pounds (showing mostly in my abdomen) in six weeks. I have not had breast soreness, but I have noticed a slight change. What are my chances of being pregnant?
Question:Peg Plumbo CNM
Peg Plumbo has been a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) since 1976. She has assisted at over 1,000 births and currently teaches in the... Read more
You should make an appointment right away with a nurse midwife or obstetrician. Prenatal care should begin as soon as a woman can confirm she is pregnant, but in your case, whether you are pregnant or not, something is causing the swelling and the abdominal growth. Home pregnancy tests are quite reliable, but there are false negatives.
You should have a full physical, including a urine or blood test for hCG, a pap test, STD check and a thorough pelvic exam. If you are pregnant, the uterus should be quite enlarged at this time. Your provider may even recommend an ultrasound.
Ovarian cysts or infection can also cause the menses to stop and give you signs of pregnancy. This should be evaluated right away!
If you need a referral in your area, "First Call for Help" is a good resource. If you would like to work with a nurse midwife who could do any initial screening and workup, call 1-888-MIDWIFE to find one in your area.
I hope this all works out for you, but please make an appointment right away.
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