Are you two days overdue?
Are you pregnant or not?
You’re two days overdue, but the pregnancy test is negative. How is that possible? There are many possible reasons for this. It’s possible that you are overdue and not pregnant, but it could also be that the test hasn’t yet detected that you are pregnant. The days after you expected your period can be an uncertain time with many questions. We’ll provide you with information about that in this blog. And if you want to know more about a possible pregnancy or irregular cycles when trying to conceive, you’re always welcome to discuss it with us at one of our midwifery practices in Amsterdam-Zuid.
When are you considered overdue?
The first day you’re overdue is the day you expected to get your period. An average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but it can vary for everyone. Does your cycle consistently last 30 days? Then you’re considered overdue if you haven’t gotten your period by the 31st day. You might also come across the term ‘NOD’ on many internet forums. NOD stands for “Not Onset of Period,” and it’s the day you were supposed to get your period. However, it’s not an official medical term.
hCG, the pregnancy hormone
When your period is late, you can take a pregnancy test to determine if you are pregnant or not. Such a test measures the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) level in your urine. This pregnancy hormone is present in your urine and blood when you are pregnant, but it can be difficult to measure in the early stages. So, if you’re two days overdue, a negative pregnancy test may not be reliable. Try taking it again a few days later if you’re still overdue by then. If the pregnancy test remains negative but you suspect you might be pregnant, make an appointment with a midwife. We can conduct a blood test to confirm a pregnancy.
Not pregnant but overdue? These are possible causes
If you’re overdue but not pregnant, don’t worry; it’s not uncommon. Your hormone balance regulates your menstrual cycle and can be disrupted, leading to a delayed period. You’re not menstruating, but you’re also not pregnant. The most common causes for this include:
- Stress
- Weight loss
- Underweight or overweight
- Medications or contraception
- Breastfeeding
- Extreme physical activity, such as in competitive sports
- Illness or hormonal fluctuations
- Menopause
When should you see your doctor?
There are various potential reasons for your cycle to suddenly deviate. If your cycle has never been very regular, it’s possible that you’ll still get your period soon (unless you’re pregnant, of course). If your period is absent for several months and you also experience a lot of stress, other symptoms like abdominal pain, and/or you’ve gained or lost a significant amount of weight quickly, we recommend contacting your doctor.
Frequently asked questions about being 2 days late
When is your period late?
Your period is late from the day you expected to get your period. For example, if you have a regular 30-day cycle, you’re late if you haven’t started your period by day 31.
Can your period be 2 days late and still give a negative pregnancy test?
Yes, that’s possible. If your period is 2 days late, the pregnancy hormone hCG may still be too low to measure accurately. Try again a few days later if your period still hasn’t started.
What does a pregnancy test measure?
A pregnancy test measures the level of hCG in your urine. This pregnancy hormone is present in your urine and blood when you’re pregnant, but can still be difficult to measure accurately in the early stages.
Can your period be late without being pregnant?
Yes, this happens fairly often. Your hormone balance can be disrupted, causing your period to be delayed for longer. Possible causes include stress, changes in weight, medication, contraception, breastfeeding, illness or hormonal fluctuations.
When should you contact your GP if your period is late?
If your period stays away for several months, if you’re under a lot of stress, have abdominal pain, or have gained or lost a lot of weight in a short time, it’s wise to contact your GP.
Overdue and have questions? You can also turn to our midwives!
Are you overdue and have questions about it? Or do you have a desire to have children, and is your cycle very irregular? Know that you can always come to us with all your questions. Even if you’re not pregnant yet, you can make an appointment with one of our midwives. Call or email us, and we’ll see you soon at our practice on Churchilllaan or Willemsparkweg in Amsterdam-Zuid.
