Pregnancy Testing
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Some tests can detect pregnancy 10 days after conception. However, the best time to take a pregnancy test is after you miss your period. If you experience irregular cycles, don’t chart your cycles, or have been on birth control, take a test after the longest menstrual cycle you’ve had. For example, if your cycles range from 25 to 28 days, the best time to take a test would be day 29 or later. Contact us to make an appointment for lab-grade pregnancy testing at no cost to you.
Understanding Your Pregnancy Test Results
An at-home and clinical pregnancy test measures the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), determining whether or not you’re pregnant. The lines have particular colors, designs, and symbols that respond to the hCG levels in your body. The hCG hormone is referred to as the pregnancy hormone because it is created by cells formed in the early embryo and later in the placenta. The hCG hormone gradually accumulates in your system as the pregnancy progresses, making hCG levels higher and easier to detect, improving the accuracy over time.
It’s important to follow the directions of the pregnancy test to get an accurate reading. Otherwise, a false-positive result could occur due to user error. Additionally, all pregnancy tests are not the same. Each type of test has specific timing, sensitivities, and accuracy. If you plan on testing multiple times at home, always use the same brand.
“I Took a Test at Home. Why Should I Get Tested at Caring Hearts Pregnancy Center?”
Great question! While at-home tests can be useful, our medical-grade tests provide lab-quality results, administered by medical professionals, assuring accuracy and peace of mind, knowing that your results can be trusted and verified. Not only does this eliminate any possible user error, but our medical staff will also be there to discuss your unique situation and determine if it is too early to accurately detect pregnancy with a urine test. Receiving results through our clinic will also provide you with a “Verification of Pregnancy” letter, which is needed for important next steps, such as Medicaid eligibility or scheduling an appointment with an ObGyn.
Bottom line – learning you are pregnant is a big deal, and we are here to help provide you with accurate results and the necessary documentation you will need as you begin making decisions.