Are you worried your girlfriend might be pregnant because her period is late? Or because you had unprotected sex or experienced contraception failure? Breathe. Try to stay calm. There are many other reasons that might cause a missed or late period besides pregnancy.  

Let’s walk through reasons that might have caused her period to be late that aren’t pregnancy, figure out how to know if she really is pregnant, and what to do if she is.

How do I know if my girlfriend is pregnant?

Ask her

It might seem obvious, but the first thing to do is to talk to your partner. Whether you had unprotected sex, experienced birth control failure (like a missed birth control pill or a condom breaking), or her period is late – talk to her. It might be scary, but it will clear things up a lot quicker if you just ask.  

Maybe you’ve suggested pregnancy testing just to be sure, but she is reluctant. Or maybe you think she might already know she’s pregnant, but she won’t talk to you. She might just need some more time to work up the courage to face a potential positive pregnancy test. Be patient and supportive. Reassure her that no matter what happens, you can work through things together. 

In the meantime, let’s look at common reasons for a missed period.

Common reasons for a missed period besides pregnancy

There are many other reasons that might cause a missed or late period besides pregnancy. Here are just a few:  

• Stress 
• Weight loss or gain 
• Excessive exercise 
• Ovarian cysts 
• Recent illness 
• Certain medications, including birth control

Common first signs of pregnancy

The most common first sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Here are a few other common symptoms:  

• Missed period 
• Tender, swollen breasts 
• Nausea, with or without vomiting 
• Increased urination 
• Fatigue 

Early pregnancy symptoms can be very similar to the symptoms she experiences before her period starts. The only way to know for sure if she is pregnant is to take a pregnancy test.  

Not all at-home pregnancy tests are accurate, and taking a pregnancy test at the right time is important to get accurate results. Care Net of Puget Sound offers free, confidential pregnancy testing so you can be sure. 

She’s pregnant, now what?

It’s normal to not know what to say or the best way to support her. The best way to support her is by being a part of the conversation and pregnancy decision. Communication and honesty might seem simple, but they mean the world to her. Your voice matters in this conversation, too. Be patient, listen to her, and try to make a plan together.  

A simple next step you can make together is to schedule a free pregnancy test and ultrasound.  When facing an unexpected pregnancy, getting answers and knowing your pregnancy options can help alleviate a lot of worry and stress. Our compassionate staff can walk you through what the next steps might look like (like an ultrasound to see how far along she is and make sure the pregnancy is progressing properly) and what pregnancy options you have.

I feel overwhelmed.

Don’t feel ready for all of this? Take a breath. You don’t have to do it alone. We also offer services for men who are facing unexpected pregnancies. We can connect you with men who have been through similar situations who can help you work through financial worries, relational struggles, stage of life, and whatever else is on your mind. This is the perfect opportunity to grow into the man you want to be.  

Learn more about how to handle and process an unexpected pregnancy in this article “My Girlfriend is Pregnant. What Should I do?”