How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
If you suspect you’re pregnant, it’s best to take a pregnancy test and receive an initial result. At-home tests are urine-based and readily available at pharmacies and grocery stores.
Both urine and blood-based pregnancy tests detect hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone is only produced in the body during pregnancy and rapidly increases during those initial weeks.
With an at-home test, you’ll receive your results in a matter of minutes.
When Should I Take A Pregnancy Test?
If you suspect you’re pregnant, it’s best to test several days after a missed period or a few weeks after sexual intercourse. This gives any hCG in your body time to build to detectable levels. And taking the test first thing in the morning, when your urine is most concentrated, improves your chances of receiving an accurate result.
Not all women experience pregnancy symptoms, and some can indicate other bodily changes or health conditions. But if you are pregnant, you could experience,
- Missed period
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Tender, swollen breasts
- Constipation
- Nasal congestion
- Cramping
- Food aversions
- Bloating
- Moodiness
You may receive a false result if you test incorrectly or too early. If you suspicious this occurred, wait a few days and try again.
What If My Pregnancy Test Comes Back Positive?
If you take an at-home test and it’s positive, don’t assume you’re definitely pregnant. You’ll want to verify the result and receive valuable information.
Pregnancy Help Center provides free and confidential urine-based testing at our center. We will gather a health history to determine if you are eligible for an ultrasound, which can be performed at Pregnancy Help Center at no cost to you. An ultrasound identifies key pregnancy information, including viability, gestational age, and location so you can make an informed decision and protect your health.
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