Wondering if there’s a chance you’re pregnant? Taking a pregnancy test is the first step to finding out.

How Does Pregnancy Testing Work?

During pregnancy, a special hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) becomes present in your body. HCG levels start low but build quickly.

Pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG in your blood or urine. Urine pregnancy tests are most common and widely available in most drug stores, but they aren’t as sensitive as blood pregnancy tests, which can detect hCG earlier and also measure the actual levels of hCG.

Blood pregnancy tests are more expensive and typically used only if your hCG levels need to be measured (like if you’re at risk for miscarriage).

When Should I Test?

Testing at the right time is essential for receiving the most accurate results. Most at-home pregnancy tests recommend waiting until the first day of your expected period. This waiting period helps hCG levels have enough time to build up and be detected by the pregnancy test.

However, for many women, knowing when to expect a period can be difficult; this is especially true if your periods are unpredictable. If that’s the case, try estimating the date and testing then. If you receive a negative result but still don’t get your period two weeks later, you can test again at that time.

When testing, the time of day is another important factor. For the most accurate results, take the pregnancy test first thing in the morning, when hCG levels are most concentrated.

What If I Receive a Positive Result?

If you receive a positive pregnancy test result, following up with an ultrasound is important. This is because it’s possible you’ve miscarried but still have detectable hCG levels in your body.

At Ramona Women’s Clinic, we offer free lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. If your results are positive, we also provide Options Counseling, where you’ll be provided medically accurate information about your options and a safe, supportive space to ask questions.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can make you feel scared, anxious, and every feeling in between. We understand what you’re going through, and you’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.

Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment to start getting the answers and support you need.