If you’ve recently had sex and your period hasn’t started yet, or you are experiencing pregnancy-like symptoms such as nausea or fatigue, you may be worried that you are facing an unplanned pregnancy.
The first step (after taking a deep breath) is to confirm your suspicions with a pregnancy test. Different types of pregnancy tests are available at the doctor’s office, and you can pick one up at the local drugstore.
Read this article to understand the difference between blood and urine tests and where they are available
Blood vs. Urine Pregnancy Tests
Urine Tests
Urine pregnancy tests are the most commonly used type of pregnancy test. They are the kind of at-home pregnancy tests that many women like to use before they schedule a visit with a doctor.
Urine tests have a reactive paper strip that can detect the presence of the hormone hCG. You’ll need to wait at least a week after the missed period for there to be detectable levels of hCG in the urine. When used correctly, some tests boast up to 99% accuracy.
Blood Tests
Blood pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests. Blood pregnancy tests are conducted at a doctor’s office and analyzed in a laboratory.
A urine test will give you immediate results, but you have to wait for the results for a blood test. They can also detect whether or not it is an ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound would be required to eliminate this health complication if you use a urine pregnancy test.
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
It’s possible to get a false negative on your pregnancy test if you take it too early. At Metro Women’s Center, we can offer you a no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy test with immediate results. We can also help you calculate the best time to take a pregnancy test based on your last missed period.
Confirming Your Pregnancy
Up to 26% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage, so you can still get a positive test several days after taking an at-home test because your body still has detectable levels of hCG. It’s important to schedule an ultrasound to determine the pregnancy’s viability and confirm how far along you are.
Contact us today to schedule a free pregnancy test. We offer information and empower you to make a confident decision.