Pregnancy Testing & Confirmation

Which test is right for you?

• The urine test looks for the pregnancy hormone (hCG) and gives a result in minutes, during the visit
• The blood test picks up lower hormone levels and helps when the urine test is unclear or the amount needs to be measured
• Which sample to use depends on how many days late you are and what you're feeling; that call is made with you at check-in

When should you test for a reliable answer?

The safest time is from the first day of a missed period. Testing too early can give a false negative because the hormone may still be low. First-morning urine is more concentrated, so if you can, save that sample or come in without drinking a lot of water.

Which signs might make you suspect it?

• A late period, or one lighter than usual
• Nausea, especially in the morning
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Unusual tiredness and sleepiness
• Needing to pee more often

What happens if it's positive?

1. We confirm the result and estimate how many weeks along you might be from your last period.
2. We talk about starting folic acid and avoiding alcohol, smoking and medicines without checking first.
3. You get information about prenatal care and a referral to begin it.
4. If it's negative and your period still doesn't come, you can repeat the test a few days later or look into other causes.

When is it urgent?

Heavy bleeding, sharp pain on one side of the belly, shoulder pain or fainting with a positive test can signal a pregnancy outside the uterus: go to the ER or call 911. To clear up the doubt, stop by the Airline Drive clinic; the urine test is done as soon as you arrive and you leave with your answer.