I Am 16 Weeks Pregnant and Just Found Out! TOTALLY FREAKED OUT!

Updated on April 20, 2007
E.P. asks from Baltimore, MD
32 answers

I was wondering if anyone has been in this situation. I am already over my 1st trimester and just found out I am pregnant. I have been so distraught thinking of all I did and didn't do to take care of myself and this tiny baby. I just had a sonogram and the little baby was so active and cute. I can't believe that I never had symptoms until now. My question is has anyone found out way late they were pregnant and had a healthy baby? I just need support and some easing for my nerves!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the support and encouraging stories. I am trying not to worry, but I keep remembering things that have happened. Early on I got an X-Ray at the dentist...boooo, I think it'll be ok. I had been casually smoking and drinking at least once a week but not very overboard. Other than these things, I eat pretty healthy and walk a lot with my 11 month old in a stroller. I will keep posted on my status.

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S.J.

answers from Washington DC on

A friend of mine went to the ER with severe abdominal pains and came home with a 9 lb. beautiful and healthy baby girl. She say's that she had no idea she was pregnant. My philosophy is there is no use worrying about somethimg you can't change. You can't go back in time, so congratulations! Every thing will be fine!

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A.R.

answers from Scranton on

I actually knew someone who didn't find out they were pregnant until their 7th month. They had a perfectly normal and healthy baby boy! Congratulations and good luck!

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J.T.

answers from Erie on

E.:

My ex-boyfriend (years ago) had 3 sisters. One of them didn't find out that she was pregnant until she was taken to the hospital with severe abdominal pain, only to find out that she was dilated to 9 cm and within 15 minutes out came Brandy a brand new daughter, fortunately very healthy with the exception of fetal alcohol syndrome. In her case she was a very athletic person, fit and slender, although she did like to go out to the clubs and get very drunk...still not so sure who Brandy's dad is and Brandy is now 22. She we used to not having periods due to her athleticism so never gave it a second thought. She never had any morning sickness or anything. After the fact, she did tell people that she had experienced a lot of "butterflies" in her stomach and for the past few weeks it had been very difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep in.
Provided you have kept yourself healthy, and you now are going to the OBGyn and taking your pre-natals, eating right, etc., everything should be just fine. If there is anything you can think of that you might have done up until now, here is the time to tell your OBGyn... I.E. illicit drugs, drinking...can't think of anything else at the moment.
Otherwise...enjoy the fact that it will be a short pregnancy as far as you are concerned and be glad you didn't get the morning sickness, etc.
Congratulations, please have a look at my profile and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

God Bless and Best of Everything,

J. T

1 mom found this helpful
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T.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

E., I too was 16 weeks pregnant(or more) when I found out I was having my last son. I was horified because I had been drinking heavily for that period of time and had done some other things I'll not mention. I was also 36 years old. Talk about compounding bad factors! But as soon as I found out I was pregnant, I did everything correctly and had a beautiful, healthy baby boy. My point is, don't worry. It's not good for you or the baby. Chances are, everything is okay. Enjoy your pregnancy!

1 mom found this helpful
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V.W.

answers from State College on

Hi E.,
This happened to my friend Ashley but she was much farther along than you. All the sudden one day she went to the hospital because her legs and feet were extremely swolen out of nowhere. The Dr. asked if she had missed any periods and she hadn't. She was on the patch and continued to get her period on time every month. He decided to do a pregnany test just to be sure and it came back positive. They did an ultrasound to see how far along she was and she was 7 months. She hadn't felt the baby move or anything and she had just overcome an eating disorder so she thought she had just gained a little weight. Her little girl, Chloe Madison came home a month and a half later. She was a little on the small side. A little under 6 llbs. However she's completely healthy other than some normal things any child can experience like cradle cap and acid reflux. She's not behind on any of her growth milestones. I babysit her quite often and she's a smart, animated, wonderful child. Have no fear I'm sure your baby will be fine. What a fun surprise. Maybe not the best timing for you but it will be worth it. Best wishes and keep us posted with the progress of your pregnancy and your other child. Good luck with school as well.

V.

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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

My husband's grandmother didn't find out that she was pregnant until she was 8 month. She had her period and everything. Everything will be alright. If the doctors aren't worried then you shouldn't either. Getting stressed out isn't good for the baby. Hope everthing goes well with you and the baby.

L. R

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J.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I agree with the other responses here. Try not to worry. There is not hard scientific evidence that your child will be damaged if you do worry though. (If you're like me and hear that worrying is harmful you will start worrying about all your worrying!) If that was the case there would be alot more troubled kids than there are! My mother is an RN and she always said the baby will take what it needs from your body, even the calcium from your teeth! So, take care of yourself now and see the dr. regularly. If the dr. says everything looks fine, then you have reason to believe it. In addition to the assurances here, try prayer and meditation. None of us are really in control here on this earth, so give it to God. You will get peace from Him that none of us can give you.

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R.Z.

answers from Harrisburg on

Ok, so i know what you are going through. I got pregnant with my daughter 3 mths after having my son. and i didn't relize til i was sitting on the couch on night, and said, OH, i felt something flutter in my belly. (yeah, what 4 or 5 mths along) I didn't do anything right in the first months. I drank, (i had just turn 21) and took diet pills, (to lose the weight of my son) and my baby girl turned out fine. She was 2 weeks early, and weighted normal. she was fine. Just start taking care of yourself, and the baby.

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E.S.

answers from York on

E.,
I wouldn't worry about it too much. The same thing happened to me, only I was 5.5 months along with twin boys when I found out. I had gone drinking (but I had horrible indigestion and didn't drink too much thankfully), had an MRI done, had x-rays done, etc. I was on my way into have hand surgery done when I found out! The nurses at the surgery center where I were said chances are nothing was going to be wrong, and they were right. My babies are healthy and happy and perfect, they are now 17 months old and getting bigger and better everyday! As long as you tell the doctor's what all you had been doing, they will know whether or not they need to worry about anything. Good luck!

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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

My cousin found out she was pregnant when she was five months along. She is on the heavy side and as always had irregular periods so she didn't think much of it then she started having stomach pains and her boyfriend took her to the hospital and that is how she found out.
The baby is healthy and is now eight years old.

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L.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I didn't find out I was pregnant until I was about 2 months and I was a little upset at first also. I didn't have any symptoms either and had an abnormal period at the time. I also worried that I didn't take care of myself enough in the early part of my pregnancy. But from the moment I found out I was pregnant I started taking better care of myself and I had a healthy baby boy right on schedule. He was 6#5oz. But my husband and I are both small. I'm sure you'll be fine. I wish you all the luck.

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J.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi E.,
My friend found out she was pregnant when she was 6 months pregnant. She never had her period regularly before so she was never worried about it. She found out because she went in for her annual exam. She was also very scared about all the things she had done not knowing she was pregnant. Now she has a beautiful baby boy who is perfectly healthy.

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S.L.

answers from Reading on

HI E. CONGRATS VERY HAPPY FOR YOU HEY AND GUESS WHAT SOME OF THE BEST GIFTS ARE A SUPRISE. YES SEEING THAT YOU ALREADY HAD AN ULTRASOUND I WOULD SAY YOU AND BABY ARE FINE. HEY BEING BUSY WITH SCHOOL AND AN 11 MONTH OLD AND WIFE ITS NOT THAT HARD TO MISS THE SIGNS. I HAD A FRIEND MISSY WHO WAS VERY OVERWEIGHT SHE ACTUALLY WENT TO THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE SHE WAS HAVING PAIS IN HER STOMACHE THAT HAD BEEN GOING ON A DAY AND A HALF. HERE SHE WAS 6 CENTIMETERS DILATED AND IN EXTREME SHOCK BECAUSE SHE HAD HER PERIOD OFF AND ON THROUGHTOUT PREGNANCY WHICH IS HER HER CYCLE WAS. AFTER THE SHCOCK SHE WAS VERY HAPPY TO WELCOME LITTLE CHLOE INTO THE WORLD. IT WAS HER FIRST CHILD. GOOD LUCK ENJOY STEPH

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V.H.

answers from Altoona on

I found out I was pregnant when I was a little over 4 months...didn't really start showing until 5'ish. Since I had no idea, I didn't eat healthy, I was exercising excessively, and I went out to the bar a few times. So, when my first pregnancy test came out positive, I freaked out too. I was convinced that my child would have Down's Syndrome or deformities from me drinking and not taking care of myself. But my little girl is 6 months and doing great! Very happy, healthy baby. So don't fret. Everything will work out the way it's supposed to.

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B.F.

answers from Scranton on

Congratulations. I didn't find out I was pregnant with my daughter till I was 5 months along. I didn't have any symptoms or signs other than being really tired, but I was working days and taking night classes at the time. I started taking the pre-natal vitamins and watching what I ate and I had a perfectly healthy 7lb. 3oz. baby girl who just turned two on Valentines Day.

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C.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

I was about that far when i found out i was pregnant with my third i was on birth control and my period stopped but the doctors did a urine test every month and kept telling me i wasn't pregnant and finally it showed up that i was and they did extra testing and said the baby is fine she is now five months old and is doing fine she has a problem with reflux and wasn't gaining weight for a while but i don't think the first trimester had anything to do with it because my other daughter had the same problem with reflux and feeding. congradulations....it is going to be alot of work with two kids that close in age...i think my three are enough work and they are 6, 3 and half, and five months...have fun...

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L.W.

answers from Scranton on

i didn't find out until i was 11 weeks and my son is 2 now and perfectly fine there were some thing that i did in those first 11 weeks that i regret and wouldn't have done had i known but fortunately it didn't effect him at all you and your baby should be just fine don't worry

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K.A.

answers from Washington DC on

Hello I know exactly how you feel when I was pregnant with my daughter I didn't find out till I was about 16 weeks and now she is 5 years old and as healthy as can be. So dont worry your baby will be fine.

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A.M.

answers from Reading on

I also found out late also. I found out at 21 weeks. The baby is healthy so far and he is due in June. I am sure everything will be fine. Just take a deep breath and enjoy.

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J.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

hi i have an 18 month old and went through the same theing didnt find out i was pregnant till three months later and was completely overwhelmed freaked out my son is extremely healthy and doing great. i wouldnt worry about anything your blessed with another child so just do they good stuff now and dont freak out about the past few weeks dont worry did my fair amoun of drinkin an d smoking too i was nervous but he is great

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B.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Not only once, but twice this happened to me! You'd think I would have figured things out the first time but I was always too busy with the tiny one(s). The first two are almost 20 months apart and there are 21 months between #2 and #3. Both were just as healthy as the first and have been fabulous additions. I should also note that I got pregnant with #2 and #3 while breastfeeding the previous child so it never occurred to me that my cycles were out of sorts.

As long as you continue with good pre-natal care, your new baby will be just fine. This pregnancy will certainly fly by quickly!! Good luck & enjoy the first one as much as you can right now!!

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J.L.

answers from Pittsburgh on

relax, my 20 year old daughter just had a perfect baby girl, and we did not find she was pregnant until she ws 5 months along, she had her periods every month like she was suposed to,she had 4 pregancy test done at the dr office,{when your sick, sexually active,and dont have your tubes tied, my dr gives a preganacy test before prescribing any meds} no weight gain, no mood swings, nothing to indicate she was pregnant, until she had a bad dizzy spell and hit her head, we went to the er and the dr said she had a concussion and she was pregnant. but she did all the normal"partying" stuff a 20 year old does and baby is fine, god watches out for babys, so dont worry, that will cause more harm to baby than anything else.

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T.L.

answers from Reading on

DO NOT WORRY! I was about 16 weeks when I found out as well. And the scary part is I WAS having symptoms since day one, and they did a blood test but it was too early. And since I was throwing up 3 times a day and there was no reason for it, I was having anxiety attacks. So, they put me on an anti-anxiety medication till 16 weeks. So, if my little angel was born healthy and is growing at an above normal rate, you'll be just fine!

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A.D.

answers from Washington DC on

The same thing happened to me. I was also 16 weeks along when I found out. I was in college and bartending. So I worked in a very smokey bar and drank 3-4 nights a week. I also was in the process of leaving my husband due to his cheating and his ability of getting random waitresses pregnant. I also threw up 2-3 times a day but I thought it was just stress. So with all the factors above, LOTS of stress from classes & husband, working around TONS of second hand smoke, and drinking, I had a very smart intelligent son. Perfectly healthy.
So, I am sure your little one will be perfectly healthy, too.
Just be happy that you kids are going to be so close in age. They will become each other's best friend.

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M.G.

answers from Erie on

Hi Elanie,

When I got pregnant I didn't know until I was 12 weeks along. I barely had any symptoms. I felt sick a few times but contributed that to some food that both me and my fiancee got sick from. My daughter is now almost 2 and she very healthy. When she was born she was 10 lbs and 5 ozs. She was very healthy. Sometimes you can be pregnant and not really have all the symptoms. I know a few other people that had no symptoms in the beginning. I also saw a story on one of the baby shows on the discovery channel about a girl that didnt know she was pregnant until the baby came out. She thought that she was just gaining weight. That baby was also healthy. Like all the experts say "Every pregnancy is different." So I'm sure that everything with your baby is absolutely fine. I hope this helps you out E.. and good luck. :o)

M.

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S.M.

answers from Pittsburgh on

i didnt fine out until i was 4 months she came out healthy and beautiful you'll be find just do everything u can to keep that baby and ur self heathy and happy not stress thats not good for either if you calm down im sure everything will be fine

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L.B.

answers from Washington DC on

I had the exact same experience w/ my first child. I was totally in denial about being pregnant & when I finally went to the doctor, I was 16 weeks along. I wasn't ready to have kids & was completely freaked out....I hadn't taken care of myself at all before that, but my son was perfectly health & still is to this day...he's 9 now....as long as your Dr. says everything is alright, I would try to not worry too much....just start doing all the right things now & for the rest of your pregnancy!! Good luck & Congrats!!

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A.B.

answers from Washington DC on

E.,

I was in a very similar situation...I thought I had the flu! Or that it was stress. My son is now a wonderful, happy, and healthy 5 year old. My only advice would be: come clean to your doctor! If you took any medications (prescribed or over the counter), drank, smoked, etc...It can help your obstetrician to be aware of any potential complications or problems. If s/he thinks there's cause for concern, worry then. Otherwise, everything will most likely be fine...we women have been having babies for hundreds of years without the wonderful medical care available now. Try not to stress and enjoy your newest little one! Best wishes to you and your family!

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S.V.

answers from Scranton on

I was in my 7th month when I found out. Don't stress yourself out over it. Just go to your appointments and do when you need to. The baby will be fine. My daughter is 2 1/2 and healthy. Treat it just like any other pregnancy. You just have a little less time to prepare. Congratulations and good luck!!

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K.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

hi... i was over 13 weeks pregnant with my oldest before i found out... she will be 3 years old in a couple days... she has been very healthy and she is extremely smart... i dont know u circumstances but if you doctor isnt worried i wouldnt worry im sure u and ur new baby will be fine!!! congratulations!!!

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J.T.

answers from Pittsburgh on

HI E.,

This didn't happen to me, but to many people I know, including my mother. As I was growing up, nearly every unplanned little one surfaced around three months (if you go by days, thats 90 days, just shy of your 16wk/112 days). Really, unless you are trying to get pregnant or are extremely regular (ie...every 28 days by 5pm), you won't know right away. If you were in generally decent health and took decent care of yourself, you should have nothing much to worry about health wise. Your stress is probably the most dangerous thing. Just find some time to take it easy and breathe.
Good luck and congradulations!

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P.H.

answers from Williamsport on

E., I am sure everything will be ok with the baby. As long as you didnt' do anything that can hurt it. A friend of mine was 18 and never knew she was pregnant, She had a period the entire time and went to the ER with pains. Then they told her she was in labor. She delivered a healthy girl and that little girl is now 16 yrs old.

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