Wondering if you might be pregnant? The only way to know for sure is by taking a pregnancy test and following up with an ultrasound.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
When you become pregnant, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) becomes present in your body.
A pregnancy test works by detecting hCG in a blood or urine sample. However, since hCG levels start low and rise quickly, the timing of taking a pregnancy test is essential for getting an accurate result.
If you take a pregnancy test too early, you risk receiving a false negative. This is when you’re pregnant, but your hCG levels are too low to be detected by a pregnancy test.
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
Most at-home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate if taken after the first day of your missed period. However, this can be tricky if you don’t know when to expect your period.
If you’re having pregnancy symptoms or feel like there’s a chance you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to estimate when you should have had your period and take the test then. If you receive a negative result but still feel like you might be pregnant, you can wait a few days and take another test.
Take the pregnancy test in the morning when your urine is most concentrated. This will also help give you the most accurate result.
Where Can I Get Free Pregnancy Testing?
If you think there’s a chance you might be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test is the first step toward gaining clarity.
At Peak Women’s Care, we offer free pregnancy tests. If your result is positive, we also provide an ultrasound scan at no cost to confirm your pregnancy and determine how far along you are.
Wondering whether you’re pregnant can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do this alone. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.