That reaction is actually very common after sexual assault. Many survivors experience a deep fear or belief that they might be pregnant — even when tests say otherwise or there’s no physical sign of it.

This can happen for a few reasons:

• Shock and trauma: Your mind tries to make sense of what happened, and sometimes that fear of pregnancy becomes a way the body expresses distress.
• Loss of control: After being violated, it’s normal to feel hyper-vigilant about your body and any possible changes.
• Anxiety and body memory: Trauma can cause physical sensations that feel like pregnancy symptoms — nausea, fatigue, or changes in appetite — even when you’re not pregnant.

You didn’t do anything wrong by feeling that way. It’s your mind and body trying to protect you and regain a sense of control.