Think!
How many days has it been since your last period? According to Tufts Medical Center your menstrual cycle may vary from 21 to 35 days long. Many women get their period like clock work but other women have an irregular cycle which can make it harder to anticipate when you should expect your period. Tufts considers a period to be late when five or more days have passed after the day you expected it to start.
So you’ve determined that your period is in fact ‘late” remember that pregnancy is not the only possible cause. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that menstrual cycles often change a small amount from month to month. A late period could be caused by many factors, including stress, lifestyle changes, and some underlying health conditions. An FAQ page on the ACOG website also points to a recent study where women who received the COVID-19 vaccine experienced a delayed period.
Next…
Be Kind to Yourself
If you still think you may be pregnant your next instinct may be to blame yourself. Don’t! The best thing you can do is to look forward versus focusing on the past because you can’t go back and change things. However, you can take steps to equip yourself and prepare for your future. Keep in mind that you are not the first to be in this position and there is tremendous support to help you navigate this situation. You can get through this and you don’t have to do it alone.
Now it is time to…
Slow down.
Do not make any rash decisions. You might be panicking at the thought you could be pregnant and that it will change or even ruin your life…. But so will a quick decision made in fear. The best thing to do is talk it through with someone you trust and that can certainly be someone at Birthright who will help you stay calm and really listen to your concerns.
After slowing down, you can…
Come into Birthright for a free pregnancy test
A pregnancy test is the logical next step. Come to our office for a free pregnancy test. We have walk-in appointments, or you can schedule an appointment on our website. Maybe you’ve already taken a test and it was positive. We still want to see you. We can perform another pregnancy test to ensure accuracy of the result. Next, we will talk with you about your options and make sure you remember to follow the 2nd and 3rd steps again.
Don’t forget…
Keep Tracking, Retest, Follow Up With Your Doctor
If you’re not pregnant, it’s important for you to keep tracking how many days you are late. Come to Birthright to retest and follow up with your doctor. Birthright can direct you to several community health resources as well.
And lastly…
Remember that we are here for you!
Lastly, you can help to stay calm knowing that you have us in your corner. We are here for you. Whatever method of communication you are comfortable with, no matter what circumstance you are in, we are ready and waiting to hear from you.
Call us at 610-436-0773.
Email us at birthrightwestchester@gmail.com.
Schedule an appointment online.
Reach out via Facebook or Instagram.
Stop by our office during our regular business hours.
Mondays: 9:30-12:30
Tuesdays: 12-3
Wednesdays: 9-3
Thursdays: 9-3
Fridays: 9-12
2nd Saturday of month: 10-12