[24F] With delayed period, nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described—nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness (especially around the nipples), delayed period, heightened sense of smell, increased urination, light cramps, and twinges on the left side of your uterus—it is highly likely that you may be experiencing early pregnancy. Here’s why:

• Early Pregnancy: These symptoms are commonly associated with the hormonal changes that occur during early pregnancy. The delayed period and faint positive results on sensitive pregnancy tests further support this possibility. Early pregnancy symptoms often include nausea (sometimes referred to as "morning sickness"), fatigue, breast tenderness, heightened sensitivity to smells, and increased urination. The light cramping and pulling sensations could be due to implantation or uterine changes as your body adjusts to pregnancy.

Mixed results from home pregnancy tests can occur if the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is still rising, which may lead to faint positives on more sensitive tests and negatives on less sensitive ones. A blood pregnancy test is the most reliable way to confirm pregnancy.

Other possibilities include:

• Hormonal Imbalances: If pregnancy is ruled out, these symptoms could be related to hormonal fluctuations, such as those seen in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or other conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the combination of symptoms strongly points to pregnancy.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Increased urination could also be a sign of a UTI, though you have not reported pain or changes in your urine, which makes this less likely.

What you can do

Here are some steps you can take to address your symptoms and confirm what might be happening:

1. Confirm Pregnancy: Schedule a blood pregnancy test with your healthcare provider. Blood tests are more sensitive and can confirm pregnancy even in its earliest stages.
2. Manage Nausea: Try eating small, frequent meals to prevent nausea from worsening. Ginger tea, crackers, or bland foods may help. Avoid strong smells or foods that trigger your nausea.
3. Stay Hydrated: Increased urination can lead to dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
4. Rest and Self-Care: Fatigue is common in early pregnancy. Prioritize rest and avoid overexertion.
5. Track Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and note any changes. This will help you share detailed information with your healthcare provider.
6. Monitor Breast Tenderness: Wear a supportive bra and avoid unnecessary pressure on your breasts to minimize discomfort.

What you should look out for

While your symptoms are likely related to early pregnancy, there are some warning signs to monitor:

• Severe Pain or Heavy Bleeding: If you experience intense abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately as these could indicate complications like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
• Fever or Burning with Urination: These could be signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or another condition requiring treatment.
• Persistent or Worsening Symptoms: If your nausea, fatigue, or other symptoms become severe or unmanageable, consult your healthcare provider.

It’s important to follow up with a healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy and ensure everything is progressing normally. If pregnancy is ruled out, they can help explore other potential causes of your symptoms.