Dear Madam,
I do empathise your concern.
However, the first cardinal symptom of
pregnancy is missing a period (though occasionally some women may get menses in first couple of months of pregnancy). You had periods, however, somewhat lighter. This should be taken into consideration. The other symptoms follow about one or two weeks later. They are:
*
Nausea and
vomiting with pica: You do not seem to have them.
* Frequency of urination which you do not seem to have.
* Breast changes:
- Engorgement and tenderness which you are having
- Dark discolouration of the nipples and areola: This also you have noticed. Along with this, the size of areola also increases. Are there any tubercles under the areola? They will go more in favour of pregnancy.
- Secretions from the nipples: They will be strongly supporting the pregnancy.
We do not diagnose the pregnancy only on the symptoms; they have to be supported by confirmatory evidences like pregnancy test and/or clinical findings.
However, your pregnancy test is negative. Madam, I feel you have carried out this test rather too early. These tests may report false negative in the first week after missed period. Hence, repeat the test after about 4 days; however, going for
Beta hCG test would be more reliable. This is highly specific and sensitive test. The levels of hCG > 25 will confirm the pregnancy. If this test also reveals that you are not pregnant, you have to accept the diagnosis and attribute the symptoms to some other cause like increase in weight or so. Let the bluish discolouration of vagina be confirmed by Gynaecologist instead of a lay person like your husband.
I hope this has given you a valid clue to resolve your dilemma.
Dr. Nishikant Shrotri