Think you might be pregnant? Pregnancy testing is the first step in finding out.
Knowing how these tests work and the optimal time to take one can help you get accurate results and plan your next steps.
Pregnancy tests detect the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body. This hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. There are two main types of pregnancy tests: urine tests and blood tests.
Urine tests: Urine tests are the most common type and can be done at home or in a doctor’s office. To use a home test, you either hold the test stick in your urine stream or dip it into a urine sample collected in a cup. The test detects hCG levels in your urine, and results are typically displayed as lines, plus or minus symbols, or digital readouts indicating “pregnant” or “not pregnant.”
Blood tests: Blood tests are performed by a healthcare provider and can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests. There are two types of blood tests:
The timing of taking a pregnancy test can affect its accuracy. Here are some guidelines to follow:
If you receive a positive result, it’s important to follow up with an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.
Ultrasound is a simple scan that will check to make sure your pregnancy has signs of life, like a heartbeat. It will also reveal your pregnancy’s gestational age, which is important when considering your options.
At Alpha Pregnancy Center, we offer free, medical-grade pregnancy testing with results that are explained by a nurse. If you think you might be pregnant, don’t delay. Schedule your free, confidential appointment to get the answers you need today.
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