A missed period is usually the first sign of pregnancy. But a change in your monthly menstrual cycle happens for several reasons. Take a pregnancy test a day or two after the date your period should start. If you take a test too soon, your results could be incorrect.
Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Yes, a missed period is an early sign of pregnancy, but there are others. Are you experiencing any of these?
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Fatigue
- The need to urinate more often
- Mood swings
- Nausea (Morning Sickness)
- Food aversions or cravings
Every pregnancy is different, just like every woman. Some women feel every symptom from the beginning, and others may not feel anything for months.
You May Not Be Pregnant
It’s possible to have some pregnancy symptoms and not be pregnant. Stress, certain medications, hormonal changes, or rapid weight gain or loss are just some of the reasons for a missed or late period.
Irregular periods could signify polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal disorder. If you’re a dancer, gymnast, or runner, a change in your cycle could be due to high physical activity levels.
Up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. Of those that will miscarry, 80% will happen in the first 12 weeks. Your body may still experience pregnancy symptoms days and even weeks afterward.
You can get a false-positive result on a pregnancy test for days or even a week or two after miscarriage.
At-Home Pregnancy Tests
Many over-the-counter pregnancy tests are reliable, but they have different degrees of sensitivity. Some tests detect the pregnancy hormone, hCG, earlier than others.
It’s essential to take at-home tests on the right day at the right time of the day. If you got a positive result on a home pregnancy test, come to AscentCare for lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.
It’s always important to get a second confirmation test.
What If The Pregnancy Test Is Positive?
If you’ve confirmed a positive test result with one of our pregnancy tests, your next step is a no-cost limited obstetrical ultrasound at AscentCare.
Ultrasound is the only way to find out if you are pregnant or you’ve miscarried. You’ll also find out how far along your pregnancy is and where it’s located.
Contact AscentCare and make an appointment for your no-cost pregnancy test. You are not alone. We’re here for you no matter what!