Pregnancy tests are designed to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the “pregnancy hormone.” This hormone is produced by the placenta to thicken the uterine lining to support the growing embryo. The body will produce increasing levels of hCG until about 10 weeks of pregnancy.
What Type of Pregnancy Test Do I Need?
There are two different types of pregnancy tests: blood and urine. If you just missed your period and are wondering if you are pregnant, a urine test is the most accessible.
A blood test can confirm pregnancy earlier than a pregnancy test, but requires a doctor’s visit and will be sent off to a lab for analysis.
At Aim Women’s Center, we offer lab-quality urine pregnancy tests at no cost. You can also call us if you need help gauging the best time to take an at-home test or if you’d like to schedule an appointment for a test at our center.
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
In early pregnancy, hCG levels double every 72 hours. It’s important to wait a few days (up to a week) after your period was supposed to start before taking a test, otherwise, it may give you a false negative if the levels are not detectable.
Is My Home Pregnancy Test Reliable?
It’s possible that the test might be defective. The best way to determine its accuracy is to make sure it’s unexpired, ensure you’re following the instructions correctly, and make sure the timing of your test is correct and you are taking it a week after your late menstrual period.
Next Steps
If you’re worried about the accuracy of your test, you can schedule an appointment at our center where the tests are quality-controlled, and we can answer any of your questions about the pregnancy process. We are here to support you!