My period is late, what should I do?

Usually, menstrual cycles occur every 24-38 days, but several factors that can contribute to a missed cycle. If your period is typically regular but hasn’t started within 4-5 days of when you expected it, this irregularity could be due to stress, lifestyle changes, or pregnancy.

Could I be pregnant?

If you are sexually active, there is always a chance you could be pregnant. A missed period is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Naturally, the first step would be to take a pregnancy test. Timing is critical in receiving an accurate result. The Mayo Clinic recommends testing a day or two after your missed period to allow hCG (pregnancy hormone) levels to increase to detectable levels.

At Pregnancy Help Clinic, we offer no cost lab-quality pregnancy testing and verification to help you navigate your choices.

Symptoms of pregnancy

Early symptoms of pregnancy vary in each woman. The typical symptoms include: 

  • Sore or swollen breasts
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Increased tiredness
  • Frequent urination
  • Bloating or constipation
  • Mild cramping
  • Mood swings
  • Heightened sensitivity to smells or tastes

Next steps if the test is positive

The first few moments after a positive pregnancy test can be scary. Women can feel angry, sad, nervous, happy, or simply numb. Allow yourself to feel each emotion and process this new information.

When you’re ready to think about next steps, no matter what your plan for pregnancy is, it is important to have your pregnancy verified with a lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound. An ultrasound exam can

  • Make sure the pregnancy is viable – up to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage according to the Mayo Clinic
  • Confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus
  • Provide accurate dating

Even if you are considering abortion, for your safety it’s important to know how far along you are and that your pregnancy is in the uterus. Contact us to schedule an appointment or text a nurse directly at 810.634.9574 with questions.

We are here to help you navigate this new information whenever you are ready.

    Text a Nurse

    References

    Cleveland Clinic. “Abnormal Menstruation (Periods) .” Cleveland Clinic, 2019, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods.

    Mayo Clinic. “Home Pregnancy Tests: Can You Trust the Results?” Mayo Clinic, 23 Dec. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940.

    —. “Symptoms of Pregnancy: What Happens First.” Mayo Clinic, 3 Dec. 2021,

    www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853.