Is My Period Late or Am I Pregnant?

If you have periods, chances are you’ve experienced the anxiety-inducing moment when your period is late, triggering a range of emotions, from fear to uncertainty to excitement. But don’t worry — Oyrafem is here to help.

Am I Pregnant, or Am I Overthinking?

We’ve compiled this guide to help you determine whether your period is just late or if you might actually be pregnant, including signs that indicate you might not be pregnant (phew!). And if you are pregnant and don’t want to be, as a provider of compassionate abortion care, Oyrafem has you covered there too. The earlier you know you’re pregnant, the sooner you can consider your options and receive the high-quality care you deserve—whether that’s abortion care or continuing your pregnancy.

Step 1: When Did Your Last Period Start?

The first thing to do is identify when your last menstrual period started. Everyone approaches their period differently—some people track their cycle meticulously, while others get their period when they least expect it. Whether you’re a methodical tracker or not, knowing when your last period began can give you insight into whether pregnancy is a possibility.

Tricks to Help Remember Your Last Period

If you track your menstrual cycle, great! This step will be easy. If not, try to recall if there were any significant events around the time your last period started. Was it near a holiday or special occasion where you avoided wearing white pants? Maybe you texted your partner to pick up pads, tampons, or ice cream? While knowing the exact date is most helpful, estimating a close date can help you figure out when something might be off.

Find a Period Tracking App with Data Privacy

If you don’t already track your periods, now’s the time to start. As states increase abortion restrictions, knowing early that you’re pregnant opens up more options. You can track your period using your calendar or through an app. If using an app, be cautious with what you share, especially if you live in a state where abortion is criminalized. Check out this article on period tracking apps ranked by data privacy.

Step 2: When Should You Expect Your Next Period?

Once you’ve figured out when your last period began, you can estimate when to expect your next one. Most people have a 28-day menstrual cycle, so your next period should start about 28 days after the first day of your last period. If it’s already time and your period hasn’t arrived, try not to panic just yet.

What Are Common Reasons for a Late Period?

A late period doesn’t always mean pregnancy. Stress, changes in weight, altered exercise habits, and even some forms of contraception can delay your period without indicating pregnancy. If you’ve experienced any of these changes but have also had sexual contact that could have led to pregnancy, it’s a good idea to proceed to the next step. Anxiety over a late period is common, so taking a test can help you either relax or gather the information you need to plan your next steps.

Step 3: Take a Pregnancy Test

How Soon Can You Find Out if You Are Pregnant?

We recommend taking a pregnancy test as soon as it makes sense. Many home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy as early as 10–14 days after unprotected sex. A urine pregnancy test performed 21 days or more after unprotected sex should provide definitive results.

Are Expensive Pregnancy Tests Better?

Some people prefer to test frequently for peace of mind, while others delay testing if it feels stressful. It helps to know your cycle so you can recognize when your period might be late and the dates you had sex, especially if contraception wasn’t used. This knowledge can help you time your pregnancy test effectively. Pro tip: All pregnancy tests are essentially the same, so whether you buy a test from a dollar store or a pharmacy, the result should be the same.

Now What?

Step 4: Negative Test

If your test is negative and it’s been more than 21 days since unprotected sex, you can relax and wait for your period. However, if no period comes, or you’re unsure about the dates you had sex, or whether protection was used, you may want to repeat the test. Light spotting can also occur in early pregnancy, so if your period arrives but is different than usual, taking another test is a good idea.

Step 5: Positive Test and Your Pregnancy Options

What if your test is positive? If you’re unsure about what your options are, or you’re uncertain whether you want to proceed with an abortion, check out this free pregnancy options workbook. This guide includes exercises designed to help you consider all your options and decide what’s best for you.

Additionally, All Options provides a confidential talk-line where you can speak with non-judgmental support staff to help you navigate your pregnancy options.

Step 6: Seeking Abortion Care If You Want

If your pregnancy test is positive and you don’t want to continue with the pregnancy, Oyrafem is here for you. We offer a pregnancy calculator on our website to help you determine how far along you are, which may impact your abortion options.

Pregnancy is measured from the first day of your last period, not from when you think conception occurred. So, start counting from the first day of your last period to understand your pregnancy timeline.

Compassionate Abortion Care In-Person and Online

Oyrafem offers in-person abortion care with pills or in-office abortion procedures in three states. We also provide online abortion care and can mail abortion pills in 16 states, including video appointments or appointment-free online evaluations. You can choose the care option that feels right for you!

If abortion is restricted in your state, we can assist you with financial and travel support to help you access care in a nearby state. Can’t find an abortion provider through Oyrafem? No worries — resources like Abortion Finder can help you find more providers that meet your needs.

Whether your period is late, you’re pregnant, or you’re just concerned, Oyrafem is here to provide the trusted information and sexual and reproductive health care you deserve.

P.S. Need abortion care, birth control, or STI testing and treatment? Schedule an appointment with Oyrafem today.