Anonymous asked: What are some ways to cope with a pregnancy scare? I won't know for sure if I am for another week (waiting 7 days until preg test is most accurate) and the anxiety is keeping me up at night. I get hypnic jerks when i'm stressed out, which makes falling asleep pretty hard. Any advice would be wonderful.

There are pregnancy tests that claim to be accurate up to 6 days before your missed period, such as First Response, so those are an option as well.  It may ease your anxiety to take a test now and then another later once you’ve fully missed your period (if you do end up missing it). 

Also, if you did use a condom or other form of birth control (even if the condom broke or you used the withdrawal method or spermicide or anything at all), it can help to rationalize that you at least had some protection, which can reduce chance of pregnancy. If you are under 25 missed periods are also common so you can also think about that if you are worried about your missed period. 

Other than that there’s not too much you can do besides try to avoid thinking about it—read a book, watch some TV or your favorite movie, spend time with friends and family if you can, just try to keep yourself occupied with other things when you get stressed about it. There are also relaxation techniques you can try: taking deep breaths, imagining yourself in a peaceful place, exercising (walking, yoga, running, swimming, etc.), and many others. 

Those nervous 7 days will be over before you know it, and if it turns out you are pregnant, remember that you do have options!