If your period is late and you’re wondering if you’re pregnant, the first step is to take a pregnancy test. You can purchase tests at most drug stores and pharmacies or come to Women’s Care for a free and confidential urine pregnancy test.
If being pregnant wasn’t planned, you may be afraid to find out the truth. Don’t worry. We understand the stress an unexpected pregnancy can add, and we’re here to walk you through the process. Schedule your free appointment today.
Why Do Pregnancy Tests Use Urine?
There are two types of pregnancy tests: blood and urine. A blood test is more accurate but takes longer to get results, while urine tests usually give results within minutes.
When a woman becomes pregnant, she produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It builds rapidly and enters the bloodstream around 11 days after conception. It also enters her urine stream but takes longer to register on urine pregnancy tests.
Because a urine test is easier and less expensive, it is the most common form of pregnancy testing. However, carefully following the directions is essential for accurate results.
What Steps Do I Take?
It is possible to get an inaccurate test result if you don’t take it at the right time or in the correct way. Here’s what the Cleveland Clinic recommends:
- Check the expiration date on the test before taking it.
- Wait until at least the first day of your missed period, or a few days later, to take the test. The longer you wait, the more accurate the results.
- Read the directions carefully.
- Take the test the first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated.
- Wait the recommended amount of time before checking the results.
- Repeat the test in three to five days to confirm the results.
What Should I Do if the Test is Positive?
At Women’s Care, we recommend following a positive pregnancy test with a limited obstetrical ultrasound. An ultrasound answers three critical questions about your pregnancy:
- Is the pregnancy developing, or have you had a miscarriage?
Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Because it takes a woman’s body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, it’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test after a miscarriage. - How far along are you?
The number of weeks you have been pregnant is called the gestational age. Sometimes, the date is very different from what a woman expected. - Is the pregnancy located in the correct place?
Although rare, some pregnancies form outside the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it can be life-threatening.
How Can Women’s Care Help Me?
In addition to free pregnancy services such as pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds, we can discuss your pregnancy options. Although we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can give you detailed information about abortion procedures, possible side effects, and risks. We can also share resources for making an adoption plan and parenting.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today. We’re here to help you.