If you are wondering if you are pregnant, the first sign is often a missed period.
Taking a pregnancy test is your next step, but experts recommend waiting until after your period is late. The longer you wait, the more accurate your results will be.
Why Should I Wait?
When you become pregnant, your body produces a pregnancy hormone called hCG. This hormone is what a urine or blood pregnancy test detects.
HCG rapidly builds in your body but may not be detectable for a few days. Many over-the-counter pregnancy tests have different sensitivity levels, so some tests can detect hCG earlier than others. But it is best to wait a day or two after your missed period to get the most accurate results.
What Are Other Pregnancy Symptoms?
In addition to a missed period, your body goes through many changes when pregnant. See if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Nausea
- Frequently needing to urinate
- Fatigue
- Moodiness
These symptoms could be due to other conditions, so taking a pregnancy test is best.
Could the Pregnancy Test Be Wrong?
Although rare, it is possible to get a false test result. There are several reasons your results could be incorrect. To ensure you are taking the test correctly, follow the instructions carefully.
Check the expiration date to ensure the test hasn’t expired. If possible, take the test in the morning when your urine is most concentrated. And be sure to wait the proper amount of time before checking the results.
You could get a false positive result even if you have miscarried. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.
After a miscarriage, your body takes days or even weeks to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels. Taking multiple tests is essential to indicate if you’re pregnant.
How Can PCS Health Assist Me?
PCS Health is a licensed medical clinic offering free and confidential pregnancy tests. We provide a free limited ultrasound for pregnancy confirmation if your test is positive.
Because it’s possible to get a positive test result even after a miscarriage, an ultrasound scan is the best way to verify if your pregnancy is viable (growing with a detectable heartbeat).
Ultrasound also reveals how far along you are in your pregnancy (the gestational age) and if the location is correct. Trust PCS Health to provide you with the information you need.
An unplanned pregnancy is stressful, so make a free and confidential appointment to talk with one of our caring team members. We’re here for you.