A late period does not necessarily indicate you are pregnant, but it can be one of the first signs. To know for sure, we recommend you visit Cornerstone for no-cost laboratory pregnancy testing with >99.0% accuracy. There are many reasons your menstrual cycle could change. Stress, hormonal changes, diet, and weight gain or loss, can also be reasons to miss a period.
It is even possible you are experiencing a miscarriage. As many as 30% of all known pregnancies actually end in a natural miscarriage. You can continue feeling pregnancy symptoms after a miscarriage for a few days or even weeks.
Common Pregnancy Symptoms
Even though a missed period is usually the earliest symptom of pregnancy, there are many others to be aware of. Here are some to watch for:
- Light spotting
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Frequent urination
- Bloating or cramping
- Lack of energy
- Feeling nauseous, with or without vomiting
No-cost Pregnancy Testing
You could take an over-the-counter pregnancy test, but home tests may not be as reliable. They are often taken at the wrong time, or the user doesn’t fully follow the instructions. Instead, why not have the confidence that your test results are accurate? Come to Cornerstone Women’s Resource Center where pregnancy testing is confidential and available at no cost to you.
The Right Time to Take a Pregnancy Test
The best time to take a pregnancy test is usually the first day after a missed period. If your menstrual cycle is irregular, or you don’t know when your last period began, waiting 17 days after you had sex to take the test can usually give you an accurate reading. At Cornerstone, we will ask you a few questions to determine the earliest date for testing.
Next Steps
If your pregnancy test is positive, we suggest you have a no-cost limited obstetrical ultrasound next. An ultrasound is the most accurate way to confirm a pregnancy and determine how far along you may be. Then, we can discuss the options you have as you look ahead.
We Are Here For You
An unplanned pregnancy means you have a lot to think about. You may need someone to talk to and someone who will listen. We are ready and waiting. You can trust your test results, and our conversations will remain confidential. We promise to be the safe, judgment-free place where you can get your questions answered and talk about your concerns. We care about you and want you to know you do not have to do this alone.