How likely is it that I could be pregnant?

[NameChange443]

Sorry I know there are probably thousands of these threads each year and no one has a crystal ball.

Last period was 19th dec and about 2 days shorter than usual. Pretty sure I ovulated on 2nd Jan as can recognise the signs quite well.

I’m in a long term relationship and we use condoms but I’m not on the pill as I’ve had awful side effects. Previous history of SA means I am not ready to consider the coil but potentially would in the future if I was going to keep it for longer than a couple of years.

For the last couple of days I’ve felt especially exhausted and headachey constantly, very sensitive to smells and tastes also (tested and it’s not COVID although appreciate could be another virus).

I’ve had a stressful time lately and I am prone to stress migraines but I’ve stupidly gotten it into my head that I could be pregnant and now can’t shake the idea. I’ve also had some shoulder tip pain which I think is what started the thoughts off as I was worried about ectopic. I did tear my rotator cuff 2 years ago and it never quite healed properly and does sometimes ache but not searing pain like this was. I may have strained it as I was doing some very physical work the day before it started so there’s a reasonable explanation for that too. It lasted about 12 hours and then stopped.

I’ve taken 2 tests and both are negative. My period isn’t due until the start of next week so I appreciate it’s early but these were early response tests that claimed to be able to tell before missing a period. Does the negative increase the likelihood that I’m not pregnant or does it not mean much at all?

We would continue the pregnancy if I was pregnant. Do I do anything at this moment (like folic acid and vitamin D) or wait to see if my period arrives? I don’t know why I have this odd feeling. I’ve never felt like this before but appreciate it could be anxiety from other things going on at the moment.

We don’t plan to actively try for another 18 months - 2 years but they would be very much wanted and adored if it did transpire that I was pregnant.

Just wondering what anyone else’s first symptoms were and if it’s common for negative tests at this time period (despite potential symptoms) which later turned positive? Am I just going mad?

You will be fine taking folic and pre natal vitamins as soon as you test postive, but it wont harm you or the baby if you start now. Maybe ring your GP if you get the shoulder pain again, particularly if you spot too.
I cant say either way lovely sorry, but hopefully doing the above will reassure you.
With my first my main symptom that made me test was not coping at all with strong smells. With my second it was unbelievably sore boobs.

Thank you so much for your reply @Mydogatemypurse
I’ve definitely had the sensitivity to smells, even throwing up after looking in the fridge and finding some falafel that had gone bad. No sore boobs though

I don’t know why I have the odd feeling that I am pregnant. I’ve never had the feeling before and we’ve been together since late teens and now in mid 20s

We are very fortunate that things would work out if I was but ideally we’d like to buy a home first. We’re also due to pick up a puppy in the not too distant future so we’d need to think really hard on that one (very experienced dog owners but no experience with having a baby and we wouldn’t want to stretch ourselves too thin as it wouldn’t be fair on any of us).

I'd say the sickness and sensitivity to smells
Would not really come that early, or it's not typical at least. My first symptom was extremely sensitive nipples, about a week after missed period. The nausea started about 2-3 weeks after missed period. But that's just my experience!

Oh and just to add. I did have the feeling as well, I just knew, even before I missed my period. So if you trust your gut, you might just be right :)

@RiceRiceBaby16 Thank you! I think that realistically you’re right and I’m probably not. I know bodies can do weird things when under extra stress so that’s probably the most likely cause of me feeling odd.

I believe in the feeling too. Symptoms are different for everyone.
You could pay for a private blood test its more acurate early on.
Its lovely that this would be good news, and i think you are being sensible revisiting the puppy idea. No reason you cant do this at a later date. Good luck 👍 xxx

If there is even the slightes chance of you continuing a potential pregnancy:

Yes, start folic acid now. Do not wait until you know for sure.

We’d definitely be happy and have already discussed ‘what if’ as I told my partner as soon as I was suspicious.

Our pup’s breeder is amazing and very highly thought of. I know they take pups back even a decade later if the owner falls on hard times (as any good breeder should). I know of someone who rehomed an old boy from them that way. So I know they wouldn’t think badly of us if we declined to take him and he would find an alternative home very quickly although his bed and everything is here (hidden away from the rest of the menagerie) ready to go!

We would have a small, quick wedding rather than the slightly larger event we were thinking of (parents and siblings at the registry office with no specific celebration rather than registry then meals with 40-50 family members and friends split over 2-3 different low-key meals. We never wanted anything traditional/huge). Just because of effect on earnings etc. We’d also have to think about houses.

We’re far North so housing is very cheap, we are thinking about whether it would make sense to buy a 2 bed terraced in a small town outright rather than aim for the 5 bed semi by the sea.The 2 beds are selling for around £40-50k and don’t need much work at all so I know we would have a secure home, just not the one we dreamed of. The 5 beds are in the 250k range so would definitely need to be mortgaged which I know is harder to get once you have dependents.

Neither of us drink, smoke or spend much money on anything, we’ve been saving as much as possible to ensure we have security in the future. This would definitely set us back but wouldn’t be the end of the world. The end goal was always to have a family.

Of course we don’t need to think about any of that right now!! I will definitely pick up some folic acid just incase @HoppingAndHoping but I imagine it’s just stress/a virus.

If I’m not pregnant we have our lovely pup to look forward to and lots of time spent in the garden waiting for him to pee :). I think I’ll get myself an extra fluffy dressing gown as I know how cold it gets!! Our first pup once had me out in the garden for half an hour before I relented and then she peed on the doormat! I won’t make that mistake again

Go for the 2 bed, wait for the wedding chill and enjoy. You have the rest of your life. Dont need it all now.

It wont set you back, you will just do it in a different order than you planed. So what. Sounds like you will have a lovely life xxx