Believing you are unexpectedly pregnant can be overwhelming. You may not want to find out the truth, but the first step to determining if you are pregnant is usually a pregnancy test.
At PCS Health, we offer free and confidential urine pregnancy testing in a safe, nonjudgmental space so you can get the answers you need. Contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re here for you.
Blood vs. Urine Pregnancy Testing
Two types of tests can be used to determine if you are pregnant: a blood test or a urine test. The easiest and quickest is a urine pregnancy test, which you can conveniently purchase at many stores. Your healthcare provider administers a blood test, which is often more accurate at the earliest stages of pregnancy.
Both blood and urine pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone the body produces during pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, hCG could cause nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) in women during their first trimester.
Blood Test
This pregnancy test involves drawing a small amount of blood to measure hCG levels. A blood test detects pregnancy earlier than a urine test, sometimes as early as 6 to 8 days after ovulation. However, it takes a little longer to get the results.
Your healthcare provider typically uses blood tests in cases where early detection is needed or if there are concerns about pregnancy complications. A blood test not only confirms your pregnancy, but it also measures the amount of hCG in your blood. If the levels are low or begin to drop quickly, you may have complications with your pregnancy.
Urine Test
A urine pregnancy test is the most common and accessible option. You can take a urine test at home or at a clinic. It is usually accurate on the first day after a missed period, but results may vary depending on the concentration of hCG in your body.
A urine pregnancy test gives you immediate results, but it’s limited in how early it can detect pregnancy.
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
Pregnancy test results are more accurate if you wait until the first day of your missed period. The longer you wait, the more precise the results will be.
A urine pregnancy test is the best starting point for most women since it is quick, accessible, and reliable when taken at the right time. However, if you need earlier detection or if there are concerns about the health of your pregnancy, a doctor may recommend a blood test.
Get Free and Confidential Pregnancy Testing at PCS Health
You can receive free and confidential urine pregnancy testing at PCS Health. Regardless of your test, following up with an ultrasound to confirm key pregnancy details, such as how far along you are and whether the pregnancy is developing properly, is essential.
We want you to have as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision about your unplanned pregnancy. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact us today to schedule a free appointment—you and your health matter to us.