Ask Pat

My first pregnancy test at a week late was negative. Should I retest?

Q)I have been on oral contraceptives for four years and have always had a predictable period. Now I'm two weeks late, but I had light spotting for a day. My first pregnancy test at a week late was negative. Should I retest?

A)

If you are consistently on the pill, taking them properly, and have not been on antibiotics, the possibility of pregnancy is very remote. Our usual recommendation is if you miss one period don't worry, if you miss two do a pregnancy test. Please feel free to make an appointment and discuss the specifics of your situation with your provider. However, we do, on occasion, see women miss a period entirely, even though they are taking the pill appropriately.