If you’ve recently had unprotected sex, you may wonder if there’s any chance that you could be pregnant. The process your body goes through to indicate a pregnancy can take time. You may even still be menstruating, and without any clear signs, there can be confusion about whether you’re pregnant or not. After having unprotected sex, how long does it take to get pregnant?
A pregnancy can cause your body to go through changes, but if it’s still early, these signs may not be easy to detect. Avenue Women’s Center is here to ensure you have access to any unexpected pregnancy resources you may need, including reliable information about various stages, as well as your pregnancy options. On top of medical-grade pregnancy tests, one of our caring pregnancy consultants can meet with you for a private session to answer any questions you may have within a safe, nonjudgmental environment. We are here to serve you any way we can. Contact us today to confirm your pregnancy and receive compassionate support!
How Your Body Prepares for Pregnancy
It’s important to understand the process your body goes through when a pregnancy occurs. In order to for you to become pregnant after unprotected sex, it is necessary for ovulation to take place. This involves the release of a mature egg through the ovary, where it is then pushed down through the fallopian tube. This is done to prepare the egg for fertilization, and at this time, the lining of your uterus may have thickened. If the egg remains unfertilized, then the uterine lining will be shed, leading to your period.
In the event that your menstrual cycle is not disrupted after a certain amount of time, then it is unlikely that you’re pregnant from unprotected sexual activity. But in order to be absolutely sure, it is recommended that you take a pregnancy test through a healthcare professional or a pregnancy clinic. However, please note that some healthcare providers will want to wait until you’re 8 to 12 weeks pregnant before they see you.
If you’ve taken a pregnancy test with a negative result, but you still haven’t gotten your period, you may want to take a follow-up test in a week to confirm.
The Early Weeks of a Pregnancy
Most women do not learn they’re pregnant until weeks four through seven. This is because the first few weeks allow time for ovulation and conception to take place, and the fourth week is usually when some women begin to notice pregnancy symptoms. This may include nausea, breast tenderness, and lower backaches.
If not much time has passed since the last time you may have been sexually active, then it may be a few weeks before your body makes it clear to you if you’re pregnant. To help alleviate any confusion you may have about an unexpected pregnancy, you may want to consider seeking assistance from a trusted resource that can keep you informed about the signs and stages of a pregnancy.
You may be wondering if recent unprotected sexual activity may have led to an unexpected pregnancy. Avenue Women’s Center understands how the process of confirming a pregnancy can seem overwhelming, and we are here to help by offering our clients free medical-grade pregnancy tests and private consultations. After receiving your pregnancy test results, we offter the option of speaking to one of our trained pregnancy consultants in a confidential setting. Avenue is here to address any of your concerns, as well as supply you with accurate information about abortion, adoption, and parenting. Reach out and schedule a free appointment today!
References:
- American Pregnancy Association. Week by Week. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/week-by-week/
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018, April). How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/How-Your-Fetus-Grows-During-Pregnancy?IsMobileSet=false
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.