Pregnancy Tests

Think you might be pregnant? Taking a pregnancy test is the first step toward finding out.

How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?

When you become pregnant, the placenta produces the hormone called hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). At-home pregnancy tests work by detecting levels of hCG in your urine to determine whether or not you’re pregnant.

Are Pregnancy Tests Accurate?

In early pregnancy, hCG levels rise quickly. However, most at-home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate if used after the first day of a missed menstrual period. This is why it’s a good idea to wait until that time before taking a pregnancy test (otherwise, you might end up with a false negative result).

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

While waiting until you’ve missed a menstrual period before taking a test is best, sometimes it’s hard to know when you should have been expecting a period. This can be especially true if you have irregular menstrual cycles. If this is the case, try taking a pregnancy test at least two weeks after unprotected sex or after noticing pregnancy symptoms.

However, if you receive a negative result, it’s best to retake the test a week later (since taking a test too early can give you a false negative result).

For the most accurate result, Mayo Clinic recommends taking a pregnancy test first thing in the morning, when your urine is most concentrated.

What If I Received a Positive Result?

If you’ve taken a test at home and received a positive result, following up with an ultrasound is important. This harmless scan will confirm that you’re pregnant and reveal essential information that will help keep you safe.

We’re Here to Help

Getting a pregnancy test and an ultrasound are two critical parts of confirming your pregnancy. We are here to help you access both for free. Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment.