If you think you might be pregnant, knowing how pregnancy tests work can give you insight into your results. At Women’s Clinic of Tallahassee, we offer lab-quality pregnancy testing in a private, compassionate setting so you can get the answers you need.
Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.
How Pregnancy Tests Work
Pregnancy tests look for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Your body produces this hormone after a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. In early pregnancy, hCG levels rise quickly, almost doubling every three days. Once hCG reaches a certain level, it can be detected in urine or blood.
Urine pregnancy tests are the most common and easily accessible. They can be done at home or in a clinic and usually give results in minutes. When to Take a Test
For an accurate result, wait until the day after your missed period before taking a pregnancy test. Testing too early may lead to a false negative if your hCG levels have not risen enough yet.
If you have irregular cycles, try testing about three weeks after you last had sex.
Testing first thing in the morning can also help since your urine is more concentrated (due to dehydration), making it easier to detect hCG.
What a Positive Test Means
A positive result means hCG has been detected, but that’s all it tells you.
Your next best step after a positive test is confirming your pregnancy details with an ultrasound. This essential scan can measure how far along you are, look for a heartbeat, and determine whether your pregnancy is developing in the uterus.
If you receive a negative test result, it may not be the final answer. Wait a few days to a week before testing again if your period hasn’t arrived. If your period arrives, it will confirm your negative result.
Visit Women’s Clinic Today
Visit our clinic for accurate answers. You deserve support and clear information about your options. Our caring team is here to help you understand your results and think through your next steps.
Contact us to schedule your no-cost appointment. We are here for you every step of the way.
