The waiting can be so scary. You’ve been sexually active (with or without protection), and now your period is late. Did you know a late period isn’t always a sign of pregnancy? At Life Light, we offer free on-site, self-administered pregnancy tests. There’s no reason to wait and worry. Schedule your appointment today.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
It’s true. A missed period is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. However, there are other reasons your period could be late. Emotional stress, rapid weight gain or loss, hormone problems, or eating disorders are just some of the reasons for a missed period.
It is even possible you are experiencing a natural miscarriage. According to the Mayo Clinic, at least 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. There is a possibility that you may have been pregnant, miscarried, and still have pregnancy hormones in your body for days or weeks afterward. This can result in a false positive when taking an at-home pregnancy test.
Below is a list of some of the early symptoms of pregnancy:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Implantation bleeding or spotting
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue or increased tiredness
- Food cravings or aversions
- Mild abdominal cramping
- Moodiness
- Late or missed period
Each woman is unique. Because of this, pregnancy symptoms can vary. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your next best step is to schedule an appointment at Life Light for a free self-administered, on-site pregnancy test.
The Way a Pregnancy Test Works
When a woman becomes pregnant, her body begins to produce hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hCG hormone is known as the “pregnancy hormone.” It’s produced after the embryo has attached to the uterine wall. This process usually happens about seven days after fertilization. The levels of hCG rise quickly, doubling every 2 to 3 days.
Pregnancy tests work by detecting levels of the hCG hormone in your urine. If it is present, the test will be positive. For more information, check here.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
The timing of a pregnancy test is often based on your regular menstrual cycle. If it is like clockwork (every 28 to 30 days), you will want to take your test a day or two after your missed period. If your cycle is irregular, we suggest waiting 5 to 7 days before taking a pregnancy test. By waiting longer, you will be able to get a more accurate urine sample.
You may have already taken an at-home pregnancy test. Regardless of the results, you will still want to take a pregnancy test from us. Often, women take an over-the-counter test too early or they don’t read the instructions completely. To get the most accurate test result possible, let us assist you by ensuring your test is administered correctly. Besides, our pregnancy tests are free and confidential so you have nothing to lose.
What to Do if the Test is Positive
If you receive a positive pregnancy test, the next step is obtaining an ultrasound. Not only does an ultrasound assist by confirming your pregnancy but it offers additional information that will be important as you take your next steps.
Life Light can help with obtaining a basic ultrasound.
You Are Not Alone
A positive pregnancy test is not the end of your world, it’s just taking you down a different path. We want to walk this life journey with you. Let us show you the options you have to avoid an abortion. You might be surprised at the answer!