How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
If you’re wondering whether you might be pregnant, you probably want answers you can trust. Understanding how pregnancy tests work can ease some of the uncertainty and help you know when it’s best to take one.
At Life’s Choices Women’s Clinic, we provide no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy tests in a safe, private environment. Schedule your appointment today to get the clarity you need and the support you deserve.
What Pregnancy Tests Look For
Pregnancy tests detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone begins building in your body after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. The longer you wait after a missed period, the easier it becomes for tests to pick up on hCG because levels continue to rise in early pregnancy.
Testing too soon can sometimes give you an inaccurate result because hCG levels may not yet be high enough. That’s why waiting at least a day or two after your missed period is usually best for accuracy.
Urine and Blood Tests
There are two main kinds of pregnancy tests:
- Urine tests are available at most stores and provide quick results at home. While reliable, they can sometimes give false negatives if taken too early or if instructions aren’t followed carefully. Lab-quality urine tests are more precise and administered by trained RNs at our clinic.
- Blood tests are conducted in a doctor’s office or hospital. They can detect smaller amounts of hCG earlier than urine tests and are often used in specific medical situations, such as if there’s a risk of miscarriage. However, they tend to be more expensive and less commonly needed for most women.
Why Professional Testing Matters
Taking a test at home can give you an initial answer, but may leave you with lingering questions. At Life’s Choices Women’s Clinic, our no-cost pregnancy testing is designed to provide you with clarity and confidence. If your test is positive, we may offer a limited ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, determine how far along you are, and ensure the pregnancy is in the uterus.
Moving Forward With Support
Facing a possible pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We are here to walk with you, answer your questions, and connect you with the needed resources.
Schedule your no-cost appointment with Life’s Choices Women’s Clinic today and take the next step toward peace of mind.
FAQ:
When is the best time to take a pregnancy test?
It’s best to wait at least a day or two after your missed period for the most accurate results. Testing too early increases the risk of a false negative.
Why might I get a false negative?
Testing too soon or not following instructions carefully can result in a negative test even if you are pregnant.
What if my test is positive?
If your test is positive at Life’s Choices Women’s Clinic, you may qualify for a limited ultrasound to confirm details about the pregnancy.
Pregnancy Tests
If you have had unprotected sex or missed your period, you might wonder if you are pregnant. The first thing you should do is take a pregnancy test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.
Ultrasounds
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will help determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable (growing), and if it’s located in the correct place. We offer limited obstetric ultrasounds at no cost.
STD Testing
When a person engages in sex or sex-like activity, there’s a chance of contracting an STD. Most people with an STD don’t have immediate symptoms. Regular testing helps prevent later physical risks. We offer no-cost and confidential STD testing to women and men.
Men MENtoring Men
Our fatherhood program, Men MENtoring Men, begins during the first medical appointment. Men MENtoring Men is the opportunity for you to meet with a male advocate to discuss your feelings about becoming a dad.
Pregnancy Tests
If you have had unprotected sex or missed your period, you might wonder if you are pregnant. The first thing you should do is take a pregnancy test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.
Ultrasounds
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will help determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable (growing), and if it’s located in the correct place. We offer limited obstetric ultrasounds at no cost.
STD Testing
When a person engages in sex or sex-like activity, there’s a chance of contracting an STD. Most people with an STD don’t have immediate symptoms. Regular testing helps prevent later physical risks. We offer no-cost and confidential STD testing to women and men.
Men MENtoring Men
Our fatherhood program, Men MENtoring Men, begins during the first medical appointment. Men MENtoring Men is the opportunity for you to meet with a male advocate to discuss your feelings about becoming a dad.
