How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Pregnancy tests detect the pregnancy hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. This hormone is produced right after a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of a woman’s uterus and is only found in urine if a woman is pregnant.
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
Your normal monthly cycle determines when to test. If your periods are regular, take a test when your period should have started. With irregular periods, wait 4 to 5 days from when you think your period should have started.
Some pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others and detect pregnancy earlier.
Our pregnancy tests at La Luz Women’s Center are medical-grade, making them more sensitive.
To Put It Scientifically:
When a woman becomes pregnant, the hCG levels in her urine usually exceed 100 mIU/mL by the time she’s missed her first period.
Our center utilizes McKesson hCG Urine Tests, which detect as little as 20 mIU/mL of hCG (the pregnancy hormone) in urine.
Can I Take An At-Home Test?
At-home pregnancy tests are reliable if you’ve taken them correctly and at the right time. Some women take the over-the-counter tests too early or don’t completely follow the directions.
Confirm the results if you’ve already had a positive at-home pregnancy test. You need accurate information from a source you can trust.
Come to La Luz Women’s Center for no-cost confidential pregnancy testing administered by our nurse.
What If My Pregnancy Test Comes Back Positive?
Believe it or not, there’s more to know about your pregnancy than a positive pregnancy test. It’s possible to get a positive result and not be pregnant.
You Might Not Be Pregnant
According to a doctor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University Hospital, possibly 30% – 40% of pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. Many occur before a woman even knows she’s pregnant.
Your Next Step
Your next step is an ultrasound. We provide no-cost limited ultrasounds to give you all the information you need.
Schedule an appointment today for no-cost pregnancy testing and a thorough consultation. We will then determine if a limited ultrasound is necessary.
