This column has been updated to provide additional information.
Have you ever felt the dread rising in your stomach when you’re one ... three ... six days late? You got caught up in the heat of the moment and forgot to use a condom, or you’ve been too busy to remember to take your birth control. Your mind automatically goes to the worst (or the best, depending on if you want to get pregnant) scenario in your mind: there could be a little you running around in a year or two.
Don’t fret! Chances are you are NOT pregnant. With the busy lives we all lead, being slightly late or irregular with your period is OK. Stress, new birth control or “skipping the pack,” and a myriad of other reasons could be why you don’t have your period yet.
But stress is probably the cause. And stressing out over not having your period is going to make it come even later. So, read a book, take a jog or go have a drink with your squad. Your period will come soon enough.
Next time though, BE SMART! Buy a pack of condoms or start taking birth control. Is the stress of a late period really worth it? No.
But, on the off-chance that you are pregnant (1 in 20 women get pregnant who aren’t using contraception, according to a study by BBC), there are plenty of options for you. If you are in Athens, head over to the Athens Pregnancy Center on Court Street (they will give you a FREE pregnancy test) or Planned Parenthood on East State Street. If you are pregnant, they can give you options on what steps to take next.
If you’re not in Athens, call your local Planned Parenthood and make an appointment. The doctors and nurses are trained to coach you through this stressful time in your life, and you’ll leave with some peace of mind and a plan.
Hannah Wintucky is a sophomore studying strategic communications and Spanish at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. How do you keep calm during a pregnancy scare? Let Hannah know by emailing her or tweeting her at hw333514@ohio.edu or @wintuck.
