When is the best time to take a pregnancy test?
In many cases, a woman will notice changes to her body during the earliest stages of pregnancy. However, not all women are knowledgeable about the early signs of pregnancy, so they do not know what they mean when they detect them. It is in your best interest to be informed about pregnancy symptoms, so you can recognize them early and take the proper next steps. Some of the early signs of pregnancy are:
- sensitivity to certain foods and smells
- nausea or vomiting (morning sickness)
- frequent urination
- fatigue
- headaches
- backaches
- swollen or tender breasts
- cramping or spotting
The most commonly recognized symptom of pregnancy is a missed period. If you have missed a period or have experienced any of these other symptoms, it may be time for you to take a pregnancy test. We offer free pregnancy testing in our on site lab.
How does a pregnancy test work?
Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This is the hormone your body creates after an egg has attached to the wall of your uterus. Typically, this takes place six days after fertilization, and your body’s levels of hCG increase dramatically afterward. Since hCG levels rise with time, you will receive more accurate results on your pregnancy test if you wait at least a week after your missed period.
When you visit Options Pregnancy Clinic, we will answer your questions and ensure that you understand the process. We will also make sure that you take the test correctly and are able to talk about your results during your appointment.
If I am pregnant, what should I do next?
After having a pregnancy test in our on site lab, you should have an ultrasound. We will provide one for free in our clinic to verify your pregnancy. The ultrasound will also let you know how long you have been pregnant and if your pregnancy is developing in the right place. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fetus is developing outside of the uterus, which can be extremely harmful to your health. Learn more about our first trimester ultrasounds and schedule your appointment for a pregnancy test today.