A Pregnancy Test is done to determine if you are pregnant. These tests check for a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), which your body makes after a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus (about 10 days after conception). There are two main forms of pregnancy tests, including blood tests and urine tests.

URINE TESTS

Urine pregnancy tests can be done at home or in a doctor’s office. At-home urine tests involve urinating on the test stick, waiting a few minutes, and then reviewing the results. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with the at home test for accurate results. After you take an at-home test, you should confirm your results by visiting your doctor. If you are receiving a urine test at a doctor’s office, you will be asked to urinate in a test cup. Your urine will then be tested at the office.

BLOOD TESTS

Blood Pregnancy Tests are offered at a doctor’s office and identify pregnancy earlier than an at-home pregnancy test. The two main types of blood pregnancy
tests are:

  • Qualitative hCG Test: This test simply checks for hCG to determine if you are pregnant. It is often used to confirm pregnancy as soon as 10 days following conception, though it may detect hCG much earlier.
  • Quantitative hCG Test: This test measures the exact amount of hCG that is in your blood, and can find even very low levels of hCG. This option may help to track problems during pregnancy, and may also be used along with other tests to rule out an ectopic pregnancy or after a miscarriage.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE A PREGNANCY TEST?

If you think you may be pregnant, I encourage you to take a pregnancy test to confirm it. For the most accurate result, I recommend waiting until after you have missed your menstrual period, as testing too early may produce a false-negative result even if you are pregnant. If your first test is negative but your period still does not come, I recommend repeating the test a few days later or scheduling an appointment with me for further evaluation and confirmation.

Once your pregnancy is confirmed, I will guide you through every stage of your prenatal journey to help ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby. During your first prenatal visit, I will review your medical history, perform a comprehensive examination, and recommend any necessary laboratory tests and ultrasound evaluations to assess your pregnancy. I will also advise you to begin taking prenatal vitamins, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and discuss important steps you can take to support your baby’s growth and development.