Are you experiencing strange symptoms like nausea or food aversions? Have you had unprotected sexual intercourse in the past several weeks or longer? The thought of pregnancy may have crossed your mind; taking a pregnancy test and determining the necessary next steps is a good idea.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Both urine and blood-based pregnancy tests detect hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. HCG is a hormone that is only present in the body during pregnancy.
Pregnancy tests can be taken at home, but it’s best to confirm your result with a lab-quality test. Doctor’s offices can also verify your urine pregnancy test result with blood tests to monitor hCG levels over time. Your provider may ask you to have multiple blood tests if you are at risk for miscarriage.
When Should I Take A Pregnancy Test?
You should take a pregnancy test several weeks after sexual intercourse or a few days after your missed period. It’s ideal to wait a little before testing to allow your body time for hCG to develop. Sometimes, women test too early or take an at-home test incorrectly. If this happens, they may receive a false negative and mistakenly believe they aren’t pregnant.
Ensure you read the pregnancy test kit’s instructions carefully. It’s best to test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated. And many women take multiple tests over a period of days to see if they have a consistent result.
What If My Pregnancy Test Comes Back Positive?
If the test comes back positive and this pregnancy is unplanned, take a deep breath and remember that people are here to help. Today’s Choice Women’s Center enables you to receive the answers you need to move forward, gather resources, and make an informed decision.
We provide lab-quality pregnancy tests. If you receive a positive result at our center, we’ll offer a limited obstetric ultrasound. This scan reveals important information about your pregnancy and can alert you to medical conditions that require treatment. We can talk about abortion, adoption, and parenting during an options consultation.
We understand the news of an unplanned pregnancy can be unsettling. All our services are free and confidential. We provide compassionate care in a pressure-free environment.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’re here for you.
What to Expect at Today's Choice Women's Center
When you visit Today's Choice, you can expect no-cost and confidential services, accurate information, and a safe space to talk and ask questions. Schedule your free and confidential appointment today!
