Is your period late? Did the condom slip? Are you feeling sick to your stomach? Do you think you might be pregnant? Before you panic, the first step is to be sure if you are or are not pregnant. Your period may be delayed or even missed for reasons other than pregnancy and nausea can be caused by other reasons too. Physical causes might be a stringent diet or exercise program, a disorder such as thyroid imbalance or medications such as birth control pills or injections. Emotional reasons might include depression, stress, anxiety or a life trauma (e.g. an accident or loss of a loved one).

Home pregnancy tests are very accurate (when performed according to the manufacturer's guidelines) although many of them ask the woman to wait until her period is overdue. They cost between $12 - $20 depending on the brand. A first morning urine specimen is best as it is the most concentrated, therefore more likely to have a sufficient quantity of the hCG hormone that can tell whether or not you are pregnant.

At the Pregnancy Resource Center we offer free, confidential self-administered pregnancy tests on the premises. You would need to provide a mid-stream urine sample while here. The appointment takes about 45 minutes and is best scheduled ahead of time for privacy. The pregnancy test is accurate 7 days after you may have become pregnant, which could be several days before your period is even due.

The Pregnancy Resource Center not a medical facility. The result of your test is not a diagnosis. Only a licensed physician can make a diagnosis. If the result is positive, we recommend that you contact a physician to confirm the result. If you do not start menstruating, we recommend that you also contact your physician to check if you have some other medical reason for your missed period. If your test is positive (looks like you are pregnant) we invite you to discuss your options with a caring, trained, volunteer consultant.

Please call the Center at 592-4700 if you would like to schedule a pregnancy test or you have any other questions about the above information.