“Should I take a pregnancy test?”

Whether you’re planning to get pregnant or are worried about an unplanned pregnancy, the topic of pregnancy tests leaves many women scratching their heads. You may be wondering what kind to take when to buy one, and how to know if it’s accurate — with something so life-altering, it’s essential to have a thorough understanding of the topic!

Signs You Should Take a Test

If you’re sexually active and have missed a period or are experiencing common pregnancy symptoms, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test. Even if you’re on birth control or have used condoms, there’s still a chance you could be pregnant.

In addition to a missed period, common pregnancy symptoms include: 

• Changes in your body such as breast tenderness, headaches, unexplained exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to smells, and new food cravings
• Unexplained emotions such as irritability or mood swings

Because every woman is unique and experiences pregnancy differently, you may not experience any of these additional symptoms. If you’ve missed a period, it’s still essential to get a pregnancy test.

How soon can I take a pregnancy test? 

Whether you’re hoping for a positive test or not, you’re likely anxious to get your hands on a pregnancy test. However, it’s important to wait for the right time so you can ensure you’re getting the most accurate results.

Your safest bet is to take the pregnancy test first thing when you wake up, at least one week after your missed period. Because pregnancy tests take into account the levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in urine, your body needs the time to develop the hormone for it to be detected.

While some pregnancy test brands advertise earlier detection, we still recommend waiting a week to make sure you’re getting the most accurate result. If you get a negative result but still don’t have your period, take another test to confirm!

It’s important to remember that the effectiveness of an at-home test requires that the user follows the instructions closely. For the most accurate results, schedule an appointment for a lab-quality test at a local pregnancy clinic like Hope Women’s Center!

What to do after a positive test? 

Following a positive pregnancy test, many women need some time to consider which option of abortion, adoption, or parenting is best for them. With such an important decision, it’s okay to take your time to gather information and learn about the many resources available to you!

Before you decide, you’ll want to schedule an appointment to confirm your pregnancy with a lab-quality test, followed by an ultrasound to determine your pregnancy’s viability and gestational age.

Schedule a No-Cost Appointment

Avoid costly fees or copays by scheduling an appointment with Hope Women’s Center!  We provide pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and judgment-free pregnancy counseling at absolutely no cost to you!