The likelihood of getting pregnant from precum (pre-ejaculatory fluid) is low but not zero. Precum itself usually does not contain sperm, but it can pick up leftover sperm in the urethra from previous ejaculations, which can lead to pregnancy

. Studies show that about 13% to 41% of men have sperm in their precum, and some of this sperm can be motile and capable of fertilization

. The chance of pregnancy from precum depends on several factors:

• Timing in the menstrual cycle: Pregnancy risk is highest around ovulation, when an egg is available. Sperm can survive up to five days in the female reproductive tract, so pregnancy can occur even if ovulation is a few days later

• Use and reliability of birth control: Using effective contraception (like pills, IUDs, or condoms) greatly reduces the risk. The withdrawal method, which relies on pulling out before ejaculation, has about a 4% pregnancy rate with perfect use but about 22% with typical use, partly due to sperm in precum

• Whether ejaculation occurred recently: Residual sperm from a recent ejaculation can contaminate precum, increasing pregnancy risk

In summary:

• Pregnancy from precum is possible but less likely than from full ejaculation.
• The withdrawal method is unreliable because of sperm in precum and human error.
• Using effective contraception is the best way to prevent pregnancy.
• Emergency contraception can be used after exposure to precum if pregnancy is not desired

Therefore, while the risk is lower than with ejaculation, you can still get pregnant from precum, especially if it occurs near ovulation and no reliable contraception is used.