Are delayed periods and pelvic cramps signs of pregnancy?

Question

Hello doctor,

My last menstrual period was from the 25th to the 31st of March. About five days after the end of my last periods, I had a light brown discharge accompanied by cramping in my lower right pelvic region that lasted for three to four days. My period application predicted that my next period would begin on April 24th and that I would ovulate on April 10th. Today is April 30th, and my period is 6 days late. I have cramping similar to the one I experienced while having brown discharge. I’m really worried that I am pregnant and also extremely stressed lately. I don’t know why my period is late.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In addition to pregnancy, there could be many causes of delayed periods like stress, anxiety, overwork, hormonal imbalance, sudden loss or gain of weight, hypo or hyperthyroidism, strenuous exercise, strict diet, etc. However brownish discharge and cramps need evaluation. Cramps could be associated with premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, or any other pathology. It is better to have one transvaginal scan, a high vaginal swab, and one urgent beta HCG (HCG- Human chorionic gonadotropin) to rule out pregnancy as beta HCG will give an idea about pregnancy and a high vaginal swab will exclude the possibility of any infection or inflammatory disease. For pain I suggest you have tablet Dolo-500 (Paracetamol) once in eight hours or as per need but make sure not to make it a habit. Follow up with the results and discuss it with a gynecologist.

I hope this helps you.

Thanks and take care.