If you think you could be pregnant, you may be wondering exactly how pregnancy tests work.
There are two types of pregnancy tests – one requires a urine sample, and the other a blood sample.
Most women who think they may be pregnant begin with an over-the-counter pregnancy test that lets them test their urine at home.
Read on to learn more about the different types of pregnancy tests, what to know before testing, and signs that may indicate you should test.
Urine Pregnancy Tests Versus Blood Pregnancy Tests
After an egg is fertilized, it travels through the fallopian tube and implants in the uterus’s lining.
Once the placenta begins to form, a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) begins to be produced and can be detected in a pregnant woman’s blood and urine.
Pregnancy tests analyze a woman’s urine or blood for the presence of hCG, and if levels are high enough, the results will be positive.
The benefits of urine pregnancy tests include a relatively low cost, results within minutes, and the ability to perform the test at home.
Some home urine tests are up to 99% accurate.
Blood tests may detect a pregnancy earlier than a urine test. However, they are less accessible as they must be performed in a doctor’s office, the results typically take hours to days, and the cost is higher.
Signs You Should Take a Pregnancy Test
If you’re sexually active, it’s important to be aware of the signs of pregnancy, especially if you’ve had unprotected sex or your method of birth control has failed.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that lead you to believe that you’re pregnant, an over-the-counter urine pregnancy test can be a good place to begin.
Symptoms of early pregnancy include:
- Missed period
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Moodiness
- Bloating
- Increased urination
- Constipation
- Nasal congestion
- Food aversions
Just because you’re experiencing these symptoms does not indicate that you’re pregnant. Taking a test is the only way to be sure.
Next Steps
If you take an at-home urine pregnancy test and get a positive result, it’s critical to get your results confirmed with a lab-quality test.
After confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test, a follow-up ultrasound is recommended.
An ultrasound can provide details about your pregnancy’s viability (whether the pregnancy is progressing and there is a heartbeat), how far along you are, and the pregnancy’s location, helping you better understand your options.
Get Help Today
Wellspring Pregnancy and Health Center is here to help if you think you could be pregnant.
We offer free, lab-quality pregnancy tests and follow-up ultrasounds. After learning more about your pregnancy, our team can answer your questions and discuss your options.
We want to empower you to make an informed pregnancy decision.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
