I have been spotting for about two weeks now. About three weeks ago I noticed that my stomach started getting a little bigger, then a week after that, when I started spotting, I assumed that it was just because I was about to start my period. Now, one week later, I have noticed that it is 5 cm bigger around then before and I can't hardly do up my pants anymore. My boyfriend and I do have unprotected sex because I am on Depo, which I have been on before, never having this problem. I haven't been on Depo again for very long and didn't get my period last month. My doctor, while I went in for a physical, did a pregnancy test and it came back negative, although this was within days of when I should've had my period. Everything else about my physical was normal except for an elevated white blood cell count. I am also exhausted all the time, and I'm not sure if this is something to be concerned about or if just stress from going to school all week, working on weekends and my four-year old. Any one have any advice?

Irregular spotting or bleeding can sometimes be caused by various forms hormonal birth control. It is one of the more common side effects, even if it hasn't happened with prior use.

When in doubt, it is always wise to check with the doctor regarding new or unusual bleeding to rule out pregnancy or other possible causes. If suspected due to the birth control method being used, it may be just a matter of more time for the body to adjust, or sometimes a different form will become necessary.