Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Could I Be Pregnant?

by Kathryn
(Florida)

A week ago my boyfriend and I had sex and used a condom, but it tore and we didn't realize it untill it was over.

So technically it really didn't do much. I took Plan B 3 hours later, but also have been on antibiotics which I hear can mess the effectiveness of it up.

My period was supposed to be yesterday and I still have no signs of it. I have been craving a TON, had some bad cramping, had extreme headaches and some backaches, been constipated, very emotional and moody and have been waking up covered in sweat and having these weird dreams.

Everything I've read makes it sound like I'm pregnant, but I wasn't sure if I would be feeling any of these symptoms so early?

It's only been 7 days, almost 8 now, but I'm 16 and have no idea what I'm doing! any help I can get I would be extremely grateful for. Thank you soo much :)

Answer:

Hi Kathryn,

I know it's hard, but the best thing to do first is just calm down.

It is true that antibiotics can greatly reduce the effectiveness of birth control, including Plan B. You did take it very quickly after the condom broke, though, and it works better the sooner you take it.

Another thing to consider - if you and your boyfriend had sex just a week ago and your period is due now, there is a great chance you were not fertile when the condom broke. You should always use a condom - but in general you are fertile about 14 days before your period. So just 7 days ago you would not have been able to get pregnant (please, please, still always use a condom, though, in case you're unsure of dates or your monthly cycle is going to be strange that month!)

Many women do have symptoms of pregnancy very early - and many women have signs and they're not pregnant at all! Most women find that if they think they're pregnant, their mind will invent some symptoms for them ;)

You did take Plan B, and Plan B itself can cause some of the symptoms you're describing. It can cause many pregnancy-like symptoms including nausea, cramping, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness. It can also cause changes in your period.

I would wait a couple of days and see if your period shows up late. If it doesn't you may want to get a pregnancy test. If you have a Dollar Store in your area you can get a pregnancy test there - their pregnancy tests are very good. You can also get a test at any drugstore. Or you can call your doctor or go to the health department - they offer confidential tests.

If you are pregnant it's a good idea to start researching healthy pregnancy now, so you can give the baby the best start. I have a lot of information in my healthy pregnancy section.

I was a teenage mother myself - and it is not all easy. In fact, it was (and still is) the hardest thing I've ever done. But also a great joy.

Best of luck to you Kathryn, let me know if I can help you any further.