If your period normally arrives on time, you might have started to worry if you missed it. Factors such as stress or illness can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle. But missing your period can also be an early sign of pregnancy. Understandably, you may be feeling anxious, but it’s recommended you confirm your suspicions first. There may be concerns about what you’ll do if you know for sure that you’re pregnant. If you’re worried that you’re pregnant after a missed period, what are some steps you can take?
Are you wondering what to do after a missed period? Avenue Women’s Center is here to provide you with services at each of our DuPage County centers at no cost. During your confidential appointment, our caring staff will guide you through the steps of taking a free, medical-grade pregnancy test. After receiving accurate results, our expert staff can discuss your options, answering your questions about abortion, adoption, and parenting.
Call, chat, email, or text for a free appointment to find out if you are pregnant today!
Coping With Panic After Missing a Period
You may have felt a rush of emotions when you realized you had missed your period. Perhaps you felt fear, helplessness, confusion, and anger. Suspecting you may be pregnant when you don’t feel prepared for it can be overwhelming. In times of stress, it can be easy to imagine all sorts of negative outcomes. But try not to let your mind wander too much toward what could be.
The scenarios that pop into your mind in moments of anxiety may not be things you have control over. But it is still the present. While the possibility of an unexpected pregnancy may seem scary, you still have control over what you can do now. As you take a deep breath and center yourself, it can be helpful to remember you are not without support.
Confirming Your Pregnancy Suspicions
When faced with a potential change, it’s normal to be worried about what may happen next. You probably have questions about which of your three decisions you should consider – abortion, adoption, or parenting. And you may be wondering how to tell your friends and family. These things are important, but they don’t need to be addressed until after you’ve confirmed if you’re pregnant or not.
An at-home test is one method of verifying an unexpected pregnancy, but the results may not always be accurate. Home tests vary in procedure and sensitivity and many factors can influence the results. To be certain about the results of a home test, you may want to determine if you are pregnant through a doctor or a first-step options clinic.
It may also be better to confirm your suspicions with a professional resource instead of doing it alone. This way, you can have a form of encouragement beside you if what you suspected is true. Your doctor or pregnancy consultant can explain your results and often provide you with other relevant information. Having an expert at your side in this can be helpful as you plan for the road ahead.
Is the Pregnancy Healthy?
Once you know you’re pregnant, it’s recommended you also make sure the pregnancy is viable and there is no risk of complications. Even if you are considering abortion, if condition a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy is detected, you may no longer be eligible for abortion, as you will likely need to seek medical treatment right away.
In order to be screened for existing health issues, you’ll probably need to schedule an ultrasound exam. This can be done through a doctor or first-step options clinic. The exam will usually provide information regarding potential early pregnancy risks, and help you see what choices are available to you by informing you of the gestational age.
Considering Your Choices After a Missed Period
You may be aware that women in your situation typically have three potential decisions. Each of these choices can be life-changing. The satisfaction you feel afterward often depends on how well you research and consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option. Since this can be a very personal process, understanding how you feel about your circumstances and seeing what support is available to you can play a part in finding which option suits your needs best.
If you feel pulled toward one decision over the other, it can be a good idea to talk about why with a professional resource. Are you wondering what sort of aid you’ll have if you decide to move forward with parenting? Perhaps you’re looking for clarification about what sort of organizations and government programs exist to help you?
Alternatively, if you’re leaning toward abortion, you may have questions about the cost and different types of procedures. Or, if you’re curious about adoption, you may be wondering about its many forms, as well as what the steps behind the process may look like.
It’s natural to look for answers when it comes to an unexpected pregnancy. Ensuring you have the right assistance as you go through each step related to figuring out your options can be an invaluable form of support.
Noticing a missed period may have caused concerns about a possible unexpected pregnancy. Avenue Women’s Center can offer you accurate information and free services within a nonjudgmental environment. Our pregnancy consultants will discuss your options with you, providing you with a limited ultrasound exam to screen for early pregnancy risks. We’re here to answer your questions and provide you with the first step services you need.
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Reference:
America Pregnancy Association. Pregnancy Symptoms – Early Signs of Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/early-pregnancy-symptoms/
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.