My Period is Late. What Should I Do?

A missed period can bring a wave of emotions: uncertainty, stress, or even fear. While pregnancy is one possibility, other factors like stress, changes in diet, hormonal imbalances, or even certain medications can also affect your cycle. Instead of making assumptions, the best thing to do is take a step back and get the clarity you need.

If you’re wondering what to do next, here are some essential steps to consider.

Take a Pregnancy Test

If your period is late, taking a pregnancy test is the first step. Pregnancy tests work by detecting the pregnancy hormone hCG in your urine. Test kits are widely available at pharmacies and grocery stores. 

The best time to test is one day after a missed period. Furthermore, you should try to test after you wake up in the morning, when hCG is most concentrated, allowing you to get a more accurate result.

While at-home tests can be convenient, they aren’t always reliable if taken too early or incorrectly. A second test at HeartReach Center can confirm your results and help ensure their reliability.

Why an Ultrasound Matters

An ultrasound is the next step in understanding your pregnancy if your test is positive. A limited obstetric ultrasound can provide key information that a test alone cannot, such as:

• Pregnancy Viability: About 26% of pregnancies naturally end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can check for a heartbeat and confirm if the pregnancy is developing.
• Pregnancy Location: In rare cases, a pregnancy can develop outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy), which requires immediate medical attention.
• Pregnancy Gestational Age: Knowing how far along you are is important, especially if you are considering your options. 

Understanding these details can help you make informed decisions about what comes next.

Come to HeartReach Center for Support

If your at-home test result has left you feeling afraid, HeartReach Center is here for you. 

We offer a no-cost retest to confirm your results. A second positive test is essential before making any decisions. One of our advocates can walk you through the process, ensuring the test is taken correctly and answering any questions you may have.

If you receive a positive result, we can arrange a limited, no-cost obstetrical ultrasound to help you explore your pregnancy options.

You don’t have to navigate this alone—schedule a confidential appointment today.