How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your body. If you think you’re pregnant, it’s important to know when to take a pregnancy test to get the most accurate result.
Know that you are not alone as you navigate this nerve-racking time. Our non-judgemental team is here to help you every step of the way.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Known as “the pregnancy hormone,” HCG is a hormone that is produced in pregnancy. Once the embryo (or fertilized egg) attaches to the wall of your uterus, the placenta begins to form, producing tremendous amounts of the HCG hormone for up to the first ten weeks of pregnancy.
When Should I Take A Test?
Time of Cycle
HCG can be detected in a person’s blood 11 days after conception, but it takes a little longer to be detectable in urine. That said, it’s best to wait until the day of your next expected period to take a pregnancy test.
Waiting until the day of your expected period also helps ensure you don’t miss early pregnancy detection. If you test too early, the HCG levels may be too low to be detected by the test.
It’s also best to take a pregnancy test in the morning, as urine is most concentrated in the morning.
Get An Ultrasound To Be Sure
While pregnancy tests are helpful; it is essential to protect your health by confirming you are pregnant with an ultrasound as well. Ensuring you’re pregnant with a pregnancy test AND ultrasound helps determine the age of your pregnancy so that you can be aware of all your options.
Getting an ultrasound will confirm that your pregnancy is not a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (pregnant outside of the uterus), which can pose a threat to your health and well-being.
No-Cost Pregnancy Testing
You may take a second pregnancy test for confirmation. We offer pregnancy testing at no cost to you whether you choose to visit us for your first test or if you want to follow up on a test you took at home.
Our medical staff offers pregnancy testing AND ultrasounds at no cost to you. Schedule an appointment with us today to be sure you get all the information you need to be confident in your decision.