It can be difficult to know when to test for pregnancy. You may not have any pregnancy symptoms, or perhaps your periods are usually irregular.
You can receive an accurate result, but timing is everything. The Pregnancy Help Center provides free and confidential urine pregnancy testing.
Could I Be Pregnant?
You can’t rely solely on symptoms to determine whether you’re pregnant. While a missed period or nausea could indicate pregnancy, they can also indicate other conditions, stress, and more.
The only way to confirm a potential pregnancy is to take a test. If you’ve had sexual intercourse, you should consider this step.
Both at-home and clinical pregnancy testing measure hCG levels in your urine or blood. HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy. During the beginning of pregnancy, it rises rapidly.
Ideally, you should take a pregnancy test at least a day after your missed period or several weeks after sexual intercourse. Timing is everything; if you take the test too early, hCG levels might not be detectable.
If you take an at-home pregnancy test, be sure to read the instructions carefully. Taking the test wrong can also lead to a false result. Following the instructions carefully increases your chances of receiving an accurate result.
Early Pregnancy Tests
Also, be careful when using an early detection test that claims to provide an accurate result days before a missed period. Sometimes, the results can be false because it’s still too soon to test, even if you followed the instructions.
The test’s accuracy will often increase as you get closer to your missed period. It could say it’s only 60% accurate five days before your missed period.
If your early pregnancy test result is negative and your period doesn’t arrive, wait two days and take another test.
How We Can Help
The Pregnancy Help Center knows that feelings of uncertainty can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer pregnancy confirmation services you can trust.
In addition to free pregnancy testing, we offer limited obstetric ultrasound exams to qualified clients. The ultrasound exam confirms the pregnancy and provides important additional information, such as if the pregnancy is developing in the uterus with cardiac activity (a viable intrauterine pregnancy), and how far along you are.
We can also discuss your options. Learning about adoption, abortion, and parenting from a trustworthy source helps you make an informed decision.
Request a free appointment today. We’re here to help you find answers.
