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Started Spotting With Cramps, Headache And Tiredness Few Days After Period. Any Chances Of Pregnancy?

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Posted on Tue, 23 Apr 2013
Question: Hi. I am 20 years old and had my last period on March 11, 2013. On March 30 I experienced brown spotting along with period-like cramps. The spotting was very slight and lasted for about 4 days. I have also been experiencing headaches and tiredness. I am expecting my next period to start on April 9th. I am sexually active and on the pill. I am aware that it is between 95% -99% effective. Is there any chance that I could be pregnant?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Timothy Raichle (10 minutes later)
Hello, I would be happy to help you with your question.

Given that you are on the pill, the chance of pregnancy is extremely small. Sometimes, especially on low-dose pills, women still ovulate. Around the time of ovulation (usually around cycle day #14) there is a brief / abrupt drop in estrogen levels that leads to a small amount of spotting and brownish discharge. This sounds like a good explanation for what you are describing! The headache and tiredness, while they are possible symptoms of pregnancy, are more likely related to your cycle. Pregnancy, in your case, is probably not the explanation. Nonetheless, you need to check a pregnancy test at the time of your next period.

I hope that this helps. Please ask if you have followup questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Timothy Raichle (30 minutes later)
This is the first time ever expierencing brown discharge mid cycle. It scared me when I saw it. Another few symptoms I have been experiencing the past few days has been complete change of appetite and wanting certain foods, urinating a bit more frequently, some heartburn, constipation, more thirsty and feelings of feeling a bit queezy. What could all this possibly be if not pregnancy?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Timothy Raichle (20 hours later)
Symptoms that could be linked to your cycle include:

1. Bowel changes
2. Appetite changes
3. Queeziness (but this could also be related to the pill)

You are also describing frequent urination, and this could be a bladder infection. I know that you are worried about pregnancy, but as I said, this is unlikely. You do need to check a pregnancy test, but my guess is that it will remain negative, and your symptoms will all improve as you get out of this cycle.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Timothy Raichle

OBGYN

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 1687 Questions

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Started Spotting With Cramps, Headache And Tiredness Few Days After Period. Any Chances Of Pregnancy?

Hello, I would be happy to help you with your question.

Given that you are on the pill, the chance of pregnancy is extremely small. Sometimes, especially on low-dose pills, women still ovulate. Around the time of ovulation (usually around cycle day #14) there is a brief / abrupt drop in estrogen levels that leads to a small amount of spotting and brownish discharge. This sounds like a good explanation for what you are describing! The headache and tiredness, while they are possible symptoms of pregnancy, are more likely related to your cycle. Pregnancy, in your case, is probably not the explanation. Nonetheless, you need to check a pregnancy test at the time of your next period.

I hope that this helps. Please ask if you have followup questions.