If your period is late, it’s natural to wonder what’s going on.
Maybe you’ve been keeping track of your cycle and noticed you’re several days behind.
Perhaps you’ve had sex recently, and now you’re worried you could be pregnant. Or maybe your cycle is usually regular, and this delay feels unusual.
Whatever the reason, try not to panic. While pregnancy is one possible explanation, it’s not the only one. Read on to learn practical steps you can take. You can also contact First Choice for Women to find a safe space to talk and find answers.
Take a Pregnancy Test
If your period is late and there’s a chance you could be pregnant, your first step should be to take a pregnancy test.
Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone your body begins producing after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
For the most accurate results:
- Take the test after you’ve missed your period.
- Use your first-morning urine, when hCG is most concentrated.
- Carefully follow the test instructions.
- If the result is negative but your period still doesn’t begin after a few days, take another test.
If your pregnancy test is negative, there’s a chance you took the test too early, and any hCG in your body hasn’t yet risen to detectable levels. If your test is negative and your period still hasn’t arrived a week later, it’s a good idea to test again.
Remember That Pregnancy Isn’t the Only Reason for a Late Period
A late or missed period can happen for many reasons besides pregnancy, including:
- Stress
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Intense exercise
- Hormonal changes
- Illness
- Certain medications
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)
- Thyroid disorders
Sometimes your cycle simply changes from month to month.
If your period doesn’t return and you continue to receive negative tests, it’s a good idea to follow up with an OB-GYN.
If Your Test Is Positive, Schedule an Ultrasound
If your pregnancy test is positive, an ultrasound is an important next step.
A pregnancy test confirms that pregnancy hormones are present, but it can’t tell you important details about your pregnancy.
An ultrasound can determine:
- Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus.
- Whether the pregnancy appears to be viable or if you’ve miscarried.
- Approximately how far along you are.
This information helps protect your health and provides the facts you need before making any pregnancy decision. For example, ultrasound can identify issues like an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical treatment.
Find Answers at First Choice Center for Women
If your period is late and you’re wondering whether you might be pregnant, First Choice Center for Women is here to help.
We offer free, confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasounds if you qualify in a caring, supportive environment. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and provide the information you need to move forward feeling more confident.
You don’t have to navigate this uncertainty alone. Contact First Choice Center for Women today to schedule your confidential appointment. We’re here to help you find answers and support every step of the way.