Could you be pregnant? That question alone can bring a rush of emotions and uncertainties. If you find yourself wondering, you’re likely filled with questions, and one of the first on your mind is probably when to take a pregnancy test.
The answer is that most at-home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate if you take them on the first day of your missed menstrual period.
Read on to learn about early signs and how a pregnancy test works. Or, contact Life Choices if you’re looking for free pregnancy testing. We offer free pregnancy testing and follow-up limited obstetric ultrasound because your health matters.
Symptoms of Pregnancy
If you’re wondering about the early signs of pregnancy, a missed period is often the first clue, especially if you’re in your childbearing years. However, for those with irregular cycles, this can be misleading.
Tender, swollen breasts are another common symptom due to hormonal changes and usually ease after a few weeks. Nausea, often called morning sickness, can start one to two months after conception and may occur at any time of day. Increased urination and fatigue are also prevalent early pregnancy signs.
Symptoms alone are not enough to gauge whether you are pregnant. Some women experience all or none of the signs. Also, these symptoms may point to another health issue, not necessarily pregnancy.
Pregnancy Testing
When you become pregnant, your body produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Pregnancy tests detect hCG levels in your urine or blood, depending on your test type. The most common you find at pharmacies is an at-home urine test.
Timing is crucial for accurate results, as hCG levels are initially low but rise rapidly. Testing too early can result in a false negative because hCG levels may not be high enough to detect. Most at-home pregnancy tests advise waiting until the first day of your missed period for the most accurate results and to avoid this.
What Should I Do If I Get A Positive Result?
If you receive a positive result on an at-home test, you should follow up with a retest at Life Choices. We provide free pregnancy testing to get the answers you’re desperately seeking.
After a test, we can follow up with a limited ultrasound to help you become fully informed about your pregnancy and options.
Contact us today to get confidential support from Life Choices. You can also text us at 970-514-5650.
*We do not perform or refer for abortions.