Unless you’re in the habit of tracking your period, it can be hard to tell when it’s coming or when it’s late. If your period isn’t usually on time, tracking can be a hassle. And if you’re having sex, irregular periods can create a lot of stress.
Our writers and OBs have pulled together your guide to pregnancy tests with untracked periods. It includes questions and answers about when to take a test and which types of tests are best for you. Plus, we’ve included a few tips on how to start tracking your periods, symptoms you might experience if you’re pregnant, and what to do after a positive pregnancy test result.
5 Common Pregnancy Questions for Untracked Periods
If you’re not tracking your period, there are other ways to mark time and prep for a pregnancy test.
What are early signs of pregnancy?
Not every woman experiences the same combination of symptoms, nor do they necessarily experience them in a specific order. Some common early signs of pregnancy are missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, and peeing more than usual.
How soon will a pregnancy test show a positive result?
While you may not know the precise day your period should start, you likely have a sense that something’s off. Here’s the deal: fertilization and implantation of an egg takes about 5-7 days after sex. Once the fertilized egg is implanted in your uterine lining, it takes a few more days for the egg to create the pregnancy hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin or HCG. This is the hormone that tells your body it’s time for development.
So, if it’s only been a few days, wait to take your pregnancy test. The best time to take a pregnancy test is about two weeks after you’ve had sex.
What types of pregnancy tests are there?
Two types of pregnancy tests are available: urine and blood tests. Urine pregnancy tests are done at home using test strips you can get over the counter at your local drugstore. Urine tests may have a digital display that spells out, “positive,” or non-digital displays that show symbols or lines. Blood tests are done in your doctor’s office or in a lab. Both test types are looking for the same thing: the presence of HCG. Outside of these, ultrasounds done in the doctor’s office can confirm a positive pregnancy test.
Are drugstore pregnancy tests accurate?
Yes, pregnancy tests are designed for accuracy! Over-the-counter pregnancy tests will tell you whether or not HCG is present in your urine. Remember, this is the hormone your body will produce only if you’re pregnant. The main tip here is to follow the directions and make sure you take your test after two weeks after sex.
But is there ever an instance when you could get a false positive from an over-the-counter pregnancy test? According to the Mayo Clinic, false positives are rare, but they can happen if there are underlying ovarian conditions. So, if you think your test is wrong and are still unsure, try again within a week, or see your doctor for confirmation.
I skip my placebo week, and never get a period. Can I get pregnant if I miss a day or two of my contraceptive pills?
The short answer: while you might not bleed to shed your uterine lining each month, skipping your pills might cause you to ovulate. In this case, if you’re not diligent about taking your pill every single day, there is a chance you could get pregnant.
What to do after a positive pregnancy test
If this is something you were hoping for, congratulations are in order! Now’s the time to make your first OB appointment so you can schedule your ultrasound and start on your prenatal vitamins. Your doctor will walk you through what to expect, and conduct any specific tests you might need based on age or any health conditions you might have.
If this is a surprise, and being pregnant isn’t something you want right now, you have options. Depending on the state you live in, there are procedures you can have to terminate the pregnancy before the first trimester. For additional information, look to your state's specific offerings, women’s health clinics, or talk to your doctor about your options.
Tips for getting back on track
It’s up to you whether or not you want to track your periods. If you’re hoping to track your period at some point to learn when’s the best time to get pregnant, then it’s a good idea to start. Unless you have an IUD, you’ll likely get your period soon if you’re not testing positive for pregnancy. If cycle irregularity has always been a concern, it might be an indication that your ovaries aren’t functioning properly—look into supplements that have DIM & inositols, like FLO Ovarian Support.
The easiest way to get back on track is to download a menstrual cycle tracking app like Flo.health and start tracking your periods digitally. If you’re seeing a pattern of skipped periods or differences in menstruation times, you might want to talk with a doctor. Your doctor may have some insight to share after testing to tell you why you’re not seeing a regular period cycle.
Not into apps? You can estimate the time of your last period and physically mark the day on your calendar. From there, you’ll need to mark whether you see a period every 28 to 35 days. Once you’ve done this a couple of times, you can start to see a pattern develop and figure out what’s regular for you.
Why you should track your periods
Did you know that your period can tell you a lot about your body? Doctors recommend paying close attention to your period cycle because it can help you detect not just pregnancy but many underlying health conditions. While menstrual cycles and female physiologies are often kept quiet, we’re doing our best to bring you the information so you know. Our periods have power and may be the key to learning more about your body and its behavior.
