If you think you might be pregnant, it’s normal to have questions about what a pregnancy test can tell you and how reliable the results are. Understanding how pregnancy tests work and when to take one can help you get clearer answers and decide what to do next.
At Crossroads Women’s Center, we provide free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and guidance on your options. Our trained staff can help you interpret results and offer support as you navigate this important moment in a compassionate setting.
Contact us today to schedule a private one-on-one consultation.
How Pregnancy Tests Detect Pregnancy
Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone your body begins producing shortly after a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus, about 11 days after conception. As pregnancy progresses, hCG levels quickly rise, nearly doubling every three days for the first 8 to 10 weeks.
There are two main types of pregnancy tests:
- Urine tests are the most common and can be taken at home or in a clinic. They detect hCG in urine and usually provide results within minutes with almost 99% accuracy. These tests are generally most reliable around the time your period is expected.
- Blood tests are performed in a medical setting and can detect lower levels of hCG than urine tests, confirming pregnancy earlier.
Understanding how these tests work ensures that you know what the results mean and when to retest if necessary.
Timing and Accuracy
When you take a pregnancy test plays an important role in its accuracy. For best results:
- Test at least one day after your missed period, when hCG levels are more likely to be detectable
- If you have irregular cycles, try testing about four weeks after you last had sex
- If a test is negative but pregnancy is still suspected, retesting after a few days can provide clearer answers
- Testing in the morning can improve accuracy due to higher urine concentration
Testing too early can sometimes result in a false negative because hCG levels may not yet be high enough to be detected.
Understanding Your Results
A positive pregnancy test means hCG has been detected, but it doesn’t provide details about how far along the pregnancy is or whether it is developing normally. An ultrasound can help confirm important information, such as gestational age, pregnancy location, and assess viability, helping identify concerns like ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.
A negative test result doesn’t always exclude pregnancy. If your period hasn’t started and symptoms continue, testing again after a few days may provide clearer answers.
Support at Crossroads Women’s Center
At Crossroads Women’s Center, we offer free, confidential pregnancy testing and guidance on next steps. Our staff is available to answer questions, explain results, and help you understand your situation with reliable information and care.
If you’re wondering whether you might be pregnant, schedule a free and confidential appointment today.