WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Missed Period: Often the First Sign of Pregnancy

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Missed Period: Often the First Sign of Pregnancy
A missed menstrual period is typically the first and most recognized sign of pregnancy for many women.
This article explores what a missed period can indicate in the context of pregnancy and what steps should be taken once you notice this change.
Understanding a Missed Period
  • Definition: A missed period occurs when you don’t experience your regular menstrual bleeding at the expected time.
  • Relation to Pregnancy: It's often the first sign of pregnancy, occurring when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, altering hormone levels and stopping the menstrual cycle.
Confirming Pregnancy
Taking a Home Pregnancy Test
  • A home pregnancy test can detect the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced during pregnancy.
  • For best results, take the test a week after your missed period.
Visiting a Healthcare Provider
  • If the home test is positive, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for confirmation and to begin prenatal care.
  • Even with a negative test, if your period doesn’t arrive, consult a healthcare provider as there could be other reasons for a missed period.
Other Early Signs of Pregnancy
  • Apart from a missed period, early signs of pregnancy can include nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination, and mild cramping or spotting.
Causes for a Missed Period Besides Pregnancy
  • Stress: Significant stress can affect your menstrual cycle.
  • Weight Fluctuations: Extreme weight loss or gain can disrupt your cycle.
  • Hormonal Imbalance: Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can cause irregular periods.
  • Thyroid Issues: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to missed periods.
Next Steps After Confirming Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care: Regular check-ups are crucial for monitoring your health and the baby's development.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: This may include dietary changes, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and taking prenatal vitamins.
  • Education: Learn about pregnancy stages, what to expect, and how to prepare for childbirth and parenting.
Q&As
  1. How accurate are home pregnancy tests? They are quite accurate when used correctly, but false negatives can occur, especially if taken too early.
  2. Can I miss a period and not be pregnant? Yes, other factors like stress, weight changes, and hormonal imbalances can cause missed periods.
  3. When should I take a pregnancy test after missing my period? It's best to wait a week after your missed period for the most accurate result.
  4. What should I do if I have a positive pregnancy test? Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and start prenatal care.
  5. Can I experience bleeding even if I’m pregnant? Some women have implantation bleeding, which is lighter than a normal period, but any bleeding during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Understanding the implications of a missed period and the early signs of pregnancy is crucial for timely and appropriate health care decisions.
All I Need to Know
Your First Trimester Symptoms
1 min read
B
Bethany
9 Mar 2023

Anyone tested positive really late after a missed period? I’m 4 days late. No sign of a period. Feeling a lot of different pregnancy symptoms, but getting negatives. (I didn’t test positive with my daughter until I was 5 weeks and 3 days but also didn’t know I was pregnant).

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
10 comments
L
Lea
I didn’t test positive with my daughter until I was around 6-7 weeks . every test before then was negative. Just give it another week or too love ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Bethany
So I had a bad acne flare up for 2 weeks during the 2 week wait. I have very clear skin, never get break outs, and get pimples like once or twice a year. It was BAD enough for my mom & husband to notice. However, 4 days late, I noticed my acne is dying down and clearing up. Is that a good or bad sign?
27 Mar 2024

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lisa
18 Feb 2023

My period is now 16 days late but i have no symptoms of pregnancy only missed period what can this be?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
C
Chelsea
Could just be stress Did you recently stop taking birth control? Birth control withdrawal can also cause your cycle to be late
27 Mar 2024

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Adrienne
It’s possible that you had an anovulatory cycle. I would get my hormonal blood levels tested with my obgyn to figure out what is out of balance.
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shy
16 Nov 2022

What was your first sign of an early pregnancy symptom?? Need tips because I’m going crazy and my boobs are very sensitive rn which is weird I’m not even on my period

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
S
Shyann Marie
what symptoms you been experiencing besides sore boobs love cause I been having some symptoms as well
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shy
So my period was very light this month, it stopped then started but it wasn’t heavy at all for the 5 days. I’m having light cramps in the mornings and my nips are sore. Idk it’s super weird
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rekha
22 Oct 2022

It's about to be day 6 of missed period I took a pregnancy test and it was negative.. please help

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
5 comments
K
Kathryn
Wait a little longer and take another. Don’t stress that can make it later
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rekha
Yea it's hard not to stress about it but I'll try an how long you think I should wait
27 Mar 2024

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K
Katie
11 Oct 2022

Ok so I'm not sure if this could be a sign I've been lightly Spotting comes and goes and ive missed my period could I be pregnant

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2 comments
m
mari
yes you could
27 Mar 2024

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m
mari
try another two days ahead
27 Mar 2024

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A
Anshi
23 Aug 2022

Day 2 of missed period. Tooth paste showed negative. Body is producing so much heat and feeling very tired since yesterday which is the 1st day of missed period. Drinking lots of water to dilute the heat. Is there still a chance of getting positive?# Fingers 🤞 #Struggling to get pregnant #first pregnancy#. Wish I shouldn't get my period and become pregnancy positive. Mamas!!Need all your suggestions and 🙏 prayers

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6 comments
J
Jasmyn🪴🧘🏽‍♀️
If you missed your period that seems like a good sign and as long as you don’t feel your normal pms symptoms. I would take a pregnancy test. The first day of a missed period would be the best day to test to get a result. Don’t trust too many DIY preggo tests. Good luck!
27 Mar 2024

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A
Anshi
Sure. Thanks dear
27 Mar 2024

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A
Anshi
23 Aug 2022

I'm in the day2 of my missed period. My body is producing heat. Is there still a chance to get pregnant positive? Can't dare to test soon due to negative results previously. #Struggling to get pregnant #first pregnancy # fingers crossed#.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
7 comments
M
Mineka
Try testing tomorrow and try not to think about the results
27 Mar 2024

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Anshi
. Sure. Thanks 🎉
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rikayla
20 Aug 2022

2 lines missed period was suppose to get my period on August 1st still no period light spotting about twice very nervous first child if so ...

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
8 comments
M
Mz brittany baby
You pregnant some women have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
27 Mar 2024

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Alana
Definitely pregnant 🤰🏻 congratulations!! 🎉💕
27 Mar 2024

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Brittney Duncan
2 Feb 2022

I've been cramping a lot lately and blood when I wipe is that normal and is it a sign of pregnancy 😕 I can't take a pregnancy test til the night when I have a missed period by a day already

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
H
Hannah
You can a pregnancy test when you’ve missed your period. And there’s pregnancy test that early detection. Which means you can take it 3 days before your missed period
27 Mar 2024

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H
Hannah
I knew I was pregnant before my missed period
27 Mar 2024

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S
Steph
18 Jan 2022

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has ever heard that having loose stools is a sign of early pregnancy? I also have other signs nausea not wanting to eat headaches fatigue I don’t know my last period date I am irregular so I don’t know if I missed my period

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0 comments
S
Sara
I've had 2 healthy kids and 2 miscarriages, I had loose stools HOWEVER I would 100% recommend checking in with your doctor as there especially with COVID and higher then normal flu this year, it could be both or something else. Hoping the best for you.
27 Mar 2024

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Anna
I read somewhere that constipation was a sign of early pregnancy and diarrhea was not
27 Mar 2024

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