When a woman becomes pregnant, her body begins producing the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). As it builds in her body, it enters her urine and bloodstream. If a pregnancy test detects hCG, she is most likely pregnant.
Healthcare experts recommend waiting a day or two after your missed period before testing. However, a pregnancy test may not be enough to determine whether you’re truly pregnant. You may need an ultrasound. Find out why.
Why Would I Need an Ultrasound, Too?
Many pregnancies end early in miscarriage. Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. It is possible to get a positive pregnancy test result even after a miscarriage because it can take days or weeks to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.
The best way to determine if your pregnancy is developing or if you have miscarried is through an ultrasound. If the ultrasound detects a fetal heartbeat, your pregnancy is developing. If it doesn’t detect a heartbeat, it’s either too early or you have miscarried.
An ultrasound also protects your health and safety. Although rare, some pregnancies form outside the uterus. These pregnancies are known as ectopic. Only the uterus can hold a growing pregnancy. If it develops elsewhere, it could pose a life-threatening risk.
If you’re unsure when you got pregnant, an ultrasound can reveal the number of weeks and days you have been pregnant. The gestational age determines your options moving forward.
My Choices Pregnancy Resource Center offers free, limited ultrasounds after a positive pregnancy test at our center. Don’t skip this vital step.
Can I Take a Home Pregnancy Test?
Some home pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others, meaning some can detect pregnancy earlier. It’s still recommended that you wait until at least the day after your missed period to test.
Over-the-counter tests are reliable, but you need to follow the directions carefully. Here’s what doctors recommend:
- Check the expiration date.
- Read the directions thoroughly before testing.
- Wait until at least the day after your missed period to test.
- Take the test in the morning when your urine is most concentrated.
- Check the test results after waiting the recommended amount of time.
- Retest in 3 to 5 days to confirm the results.
Get Free and Confidential Pregnancy Services
Whether you need to take your first pregnancy test or retest, come to My Choices Pregnancy Resource Center for free and confidential pregnancy testing. Registered nurses (RNs) administer our tests so you can be confident you’re getting accurate results.
If your test is positive, we’ll schedule you for a free, confidential ultrasound so you’ll have all the information you need. You can count on us to provide comprehensive, compassionate care.
To make an appointment, fill out the Contact Us form or schedule an appointment online. Make My Choices your first stop for pregnancy confirmation. We’re here for you.
My Choices Pregnancy Resource Center does not perform or refer for abortion.
