Pregnancy Testing

February 12th, 2023

A pregnancy test measures a hormone in the body called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This hormone is produced during pregnancy, and it can appear in the blood and urine of a pregnant woman as early as 10 days after conception, when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

Pregnancy tests can be done using blood tests, but more commonly as a urine test. Blood tests are done by a healthcare professional while urine tests can be taken at home.

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

Home pregnancy tests can differ in how early they’ll detect a pregnancy. If you are taking an at home test, it’s best to wait a few days after your missed period before taking a pregnancy test. According to Mayo Clinic, “A home pregnancy test checks to see if there's HCG in the urine. During early pregnancy, the amount of HCG in blood and urine rises quickly — doubling every 2 to 3 days. That means if you wait a day or two after your missed period to take the test, and you are pregnant, it's more likely the test will find HCG and show a positive result.” That being said, don’t wait too long after your missed period to take a test. If you are unsure, contact us today for some guidance.

Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman. Besides a missed period, here are some other signs of pregnancy:

• Slight bleeding that is lighter in color than a menstrual period

• Tender, swollen breasts or nipples

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Nausea and vomiting

• Food cravings or aversions

• Mood Swings

• Frequent Urination

No-Cost, Confidential Pregnancy Testing

Our clinic provides completely confidential, no-cost pregnancy testing for anyone who may be going through an unplanned pregnancy. The pregnancy test is over 99% accurate. If you think you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to confirm, we encourage you to contact us to make an appointment. Whatever the pregnancy test results may be, we will meet you where you are at and help you navigate all your options so you can make an informed decision.

If you do receive a positive pregnancy test, you will also receive a free ultrasound from our credentialed nurse sonographer. We can review your test results and talk about your options in a completely confidential setting. Our clinic is a safe space for you to get all the information and help you need. We care about you and your health!

Cited Sources: Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Health, Forbes Health