My Period is Late. What Do I Do?

January 2, 2025

A late period can make it feel like time has stopped—because although there are many reasons for a missed period, you know that pregnancy is one of the most common.

If your period is late, here are some steps you can take to figure out what’s happening, what symptoms to watch for, and why an ultrasound is important if you’re pregnant. (Looking for a safe space to talk and get a pregnancy test? We’re here for you.)

1. Look for Early Pregnancy Symptoms

If you suspect you might be pregnant, watch for these common early signs:

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired due to rising progesterone levels.
• Nausea with/without vomiting: This can occur at any time of day, starting as early as the 4th week of pregnancy.
• Tender breasts: Hormonal changes may cause breast swelling, tenderness, or sensitivity.
• Frequent urination: Increased blood flow to the kidneys can lead to more bathroom trips.
• Spotting or light bleeding: Some women experience implantation bleeding, which is lighter than a period and occurs 6-12 days after conception.

While these symptoms are common, every pregnancy is different, so you may experience none or all of them.

2. Take a Pregnancy Test

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, taking a pregnancy test is the next step.

Pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG, the hormone produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. For the most accurate results:

• Wait until at least the first day of your missed period.
• Test first thing in the morning when hCG levels are most concentrated.
• If the result is negative but your period doesn’t start, test again in a few days.

3. Get an Ultrasound

If your pregnancy test is positive, the next step is to confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound. Ultrasounds are essential for:

• Confirming viability: Detecting a heartbeat to ensure the pregnancy is progressing.
• Determining location: Ruling out ectopic pregnancy, which occurs outside the uterus and requires immediate medical attention.
• Establishing gestational age: Accurately dating the pregnancy helps guide your next steps. (For example, the abortion pill is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under.)

We’re Here for You

Whether you’re ready for this news or not, you’re not alone. At ALC Pregnancy Resource Center, we offer free tests, ultrasounds, and peer counseling to provide clarity and support.

Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help. We have two locations for your convenience: 711 Henry Clay Street, Shelbyville, KY; (502) 647-0300 and 368 N. Buckman Street, Shepherdsville, KY; (502) 212-2535.

Need immediate assistance? We’re available 24/7—text us any time at (502) 401-1344.