Pregnancy testing gives patients certainty about whether they are expecting. If unsure, an urgent care or primary care provider can administer these tests with a smaller margin of error than over-the-counter pregnancy tests. Although the process is straightforward, it is normal to have questions heading into the appointment. Exploring the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pregnancy testing can help you feel more prepared.
Urine tests are the most common type of pregnancy testing due to convenience. As the name suggests, it involves urinating on a stick or dipping a stick into a sample of urine. The stick will test for levels of a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG).
Patients can perform a urine pregnancy test at home or visit an urgent care or primary care clinic to have one administered. There is little room for error with either, but many prefer the peace of mind that comes with having a trained healthcare provider perform the test.
Blood pregnancy testing is another option, but one that can only be performed by a healthcare provider. The provider will draw a blood sample from the arm and then test it for levels of hCG. This method is recommended for patients receiving fertility treatments who need test results as early as possible.
The least common option for pregnancy testing is an ultrasound. A urine or blood test will usually deliver a clear enough result. However, some cases — such as a very late period that continues to deliver a negative test result — require the healthcare provider to determine whether there is an embryo, fetus, or a condition like a fibroid or a cyst delaying one’s period.
The general recommendation is to take a pregnancy test on the first day of one’s missed period. However, urine tests may yield a positive result ten days after conception, while blood tests can provide one as early as seven days after conception. Medical News Today states that the average period occurs about 14 to 16 days after ovulation, the only phase of one’s cycle when a baby can be conceived.
It is possible to have pregnancy symptoms and have a urine pregnancy test return negative. This can mean one of three things:
A late period shares some of the symptoms of pregnancy, such as sore breasts, mood changes, and fatigue. For clarity, try testing again in a few days or visit an urgent care or primary care clinic for a blood test or ultrasound.
When testing at home delivers mixed results, visit Millennium Medical Care Herndon for accurate pregnancy testing in Herndon. We can help you choose a test and administer it, helping you feel comfortable and confident regardless of whether you are planning for a baby. Contact our team today at {{PHONE}} to learn more.
Request an appointment here: https://herndon.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Herndon at (703) 743-7849 for an appointment in our Herndon office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Pregnancy Testing in Herndon, VA.
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