My Period is Late. What Do I Do?

My Period is Late. What Do I Do?

A late period can send your thoughts racing. Whether the timing catches you off guard or you have been carefully tracking your cycle, the uncertainty is hard to sit with. 

While a missed period does not always signal pregnancy, it is worth taking the right steps to get answers and understand your options. 

Could It Be Something Other Than Pregnancy?

Several factors can cause your cycle to run late. Stress, illness, significant weight changes, disrupted sleep, or intense exercise can all throw off your hormones and delay your period. 

That said, pregnancy remains one of the most common reasons for a missed period, and the only way to know for sure is to take a test.

Taking a Home Pregnancy Test

Home pregnancy tests detect hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone produced when a fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining. To get the most reliable result, keep a few things in mind:

• Wait until the first day of your missed period to test
• Use your first morning urine, when hCG levels are most concentrated
• Follow the package directions carefully
• Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid beforehand, as this can dilute results

When used correctly, home tests can be up to 99% accurate. Testing too early, however, may produce a false negative even if you are pregnant.

Confirming Your Pregnancy at a Pregnancy Center

A positive home test is an important first step, but confirming it with a medical-grade pregnancy test at a clinic gives you a clearer picture. 

If pregnancy is confirmed, an ultrasound is the next recommended step. 

An ultrasound can tell you three important things:

Viability: An ultrasound can confirm that your pregnancy is viable and growing. Research estimates that 10 to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. If no heartbeat is detected, a medical provider can help determine the next steps.

Gestational Age: Using an ultrasound scan, a medical provider can determine how far along you are, an important detail when considering the options available to you. For example, the FDA advises against using the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Location: Ultrasound scans are also a valuable method for determining the location of your pregnancy and your health. Most pregnancies develop inside the uterus, but occasionally an embryo implants elsewhere; this condition is known as an ectopic pregnancy and requires immediate medical attention.

We Are Here for You

You do not have to sort through this on your own. 

At First Concern Pregnancy Resource Center, we offer free pregnancy testing and free ultrasound referrals in a confidential, caring environment. 

Our team is ready to walk you through your results, answer your questions, and help you explore all of your options without pressure or judgment.

Schedule your free appointment today and take the next step with confidence.