When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
If you think you might be pregnant, it’s hard to wait to test. However, waiting is unfortunately part of the process as it takes time for pregnancy tests to be accurate.
At Crossroads Care Center in Auburn Hills, we offer free and confidential pregnancy testing, so you won’t have to wonder. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.
Understanding How Pregnancy Tests Work
Pregnancy tests look for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). While everyone has small amounts of hCG in their bodies (almost undetectable amounts), it rises rapidly during pregnancy.
An hCG level above 25 mIU/mL usually indicates pregnancy. However, it takes time for hCG to rise to this level to trigger a positive pregnancy test. This means you could be pregnant before your missed period, but the level of hCG may not be high enough to give you an accurate result.
Optimal Pregnancy Test Timing
The optimal time to take a pregnancy test is at least one day after your missed period. By then, hCG is usually at a detectable level, making results more reliable.
You can generally trust a positive pregnancy test, as false positives are rare. However, if you receive a negative test, test again in a couple of days to a week (unless your period arrives, in which case you can be sure you’re not pregnant).
If your periods are irregular, test about three weeks after the last time you had sex. Testing first thing in the morning, when urine is more concentrated, can also help improve accuracy.
What’s Next After a Positive Test?
A positive pregnancy test only tells you that you are pregnant due to detecting the hCG hormone. Your next step would be to get an ultrasound scan to confirm your pregnancy is progressing with a heartbeat in your uterus. This information will help you know with certainty that you are pregnant and rule out ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.
You Don’t Have to Wonder
Are you stressed and wondering about whether or not you’re pregnant?
At Crossroads Care Center, you don’t have to navigate this by yourself. Along with free pregnancy testing, we provide limited ultrasounds if your test is positive and a caring team to answer your questions.
Take the first step toward peace and figuring out what’s next—contact us today to schedule your free appointment.
Pregnancy Testing
A pregnancy test is your first step to verifying your pregnancy. Get a confidential urine pregnancy test at Crossroads Care Center free of charge.
Ultrasounds
If your pregnancy test is positive, you need to protect your health and verify your pregnancy with a limited obstetric ultrasound.
STD/STI Information
Many STDs do not have immediate symptoms. If you are sexually active, getting tested regularly is essential to protecting your sexual health.
Pregnancy Testing
A pregnancy test is your first step to verifying your pregnancy. Get a confidential urine pregnancy test at Crossroads Care Center free of charge.
Ultrasounds
If your pregnancy test is positive, you need to protect your health and verify your pregnancy with a limited obstetric ultrasound.
STD/STI Information
Many STDs do not have immediate symptoms. If you are sexually active, getting tested regularly is essential to protecting your sexual health.
