If you have begun to notice early signs of pregnancy (you can find them here), it’s probably time to take a pregnancy test. But even this step can be difficult. There’s a lot of information out there, and some of it is contradictory.
If you’re wondering whether you should visit a doctor or take an at-home pregnancy test, and how it all works, this guide was made for you.
How Can We Test For Pregnancy?
In reality, it’s pretty simple. When you get pregnant, your body begins to produce a hormone that it only makes when you’re expecting. This hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is only produced by part of a fertilized egg after conception. So it’s safe to say that, if hCG is present in your blood or urine, a fertilized egg is present in your body – you’re pregnant.
You can learn more about hCG, and its important role in pregnancy, over at WebMD.
Main Types Of Pregnancy Test
Well, sort of safe to say. There are two different methods used to test for hCG: qualitative and quantitative.
- A qualitative test only tells you whether or not hCG is present in your urine; it’s a yes or no answer.
- Quantitative tests detect the amount of hCG, in addition to whether or not it’s there.
A quantitative (“how much”) result can only be delivered by a blood test, and blood tests are only performed by doctors. But they’re also more accurate. Why?
At home, urine-based pregnancy tests, which only give qualitative results, are designed to recognize a certain amount of hCG. They won’t recognize hCG if the concentration is any lower than that, even if the hormone is actually present in your body. Essentially, hCG has to build up in your urine for a qualitative test to recognize it. Quantitative tests can give you an accurate result earlier than qualitative.
At-Home Urine Pregnancy Tests
Most of us are familiar with home pregnancy tests, or HPTs. They’re cheap, easy-to-use, and surprisingly accurate. Most brands can be purchased over-the-counter at your local pharmacy, and they all check your urine for the presence of hCG.
But Are They Accurate?
Most HPTs will tell you that they are 99% accurate on the first day of a missed period. But according to the Mayo Clinic, that’s not quite true. For the most accurate results, wait at least one week after your missed period to use them.
If used correctly according to package instructions, all of the common at home tests, including First Response and Clearblue, should deliver accurate results. In addition, most list how much hCG they are designed to recognize. Generally, the lower the amount listed, the earlier after a missed period they can deliver an accurate result.
After receiving a positive response with an HPT, most women choose to visit their doctor for a blood test.
Blood Tests In A Doctor’s Office
As we mentioned above, pregnancy tests that measure hCG levels in blood are more accurate because they find very small amounts of hCG that at home tests might miss.
In addition to whether or not you’re pregnant, qualitative blood sample pregnancy tests are able to tell us a few more things about your baby, including its age (how long you’ve been pregnant). They can also indicate whether or not you will have an abnormal pregnancy or at risk of a miscarriage. Some can even screen for Down syndrome in your baby.
A Word On “Online Pregnancy Tests”
If you search “pregnancy test” online, you’re bound to find several results that list themselves as “online pregnancy tests.” No online quiz can tell you whether or not you’re pregnant; it’s just impossible. Instead, these “tests” will ask you whether or not you are experiencing common early signs of pregnancy. But these symptoms can be caused by numerous other conditions; for definitive results, you need to visit a doctor.
What To Do After A Positive Result…
If you think that you’re pregnant, it’s normal to feel anxiety or fear. You have every right to be scared. Honor that feeling, live with it, and seek out support if you need it. Our counselors are always available to offer free guidance, 24 / 7. You can call 1-800-355-5500 or use our online contact form here.
But knowing, rather than suspecting, can go a long way to calm your nerves. If you think you’re pregnant, take a test. It’s the only way to know. With a clearer head, you can begin to review your options. Learn more here.
