Understanding Pregnancy Testing
Maybe you’ve had a feeling something’s different. Maybe your period is late, or maybe you’ve been noticing changes and wondering what they mean.
Whatever brought you here, not knowing can take up a lot of mental space. A pregnancy test gives you a place to start.
Paris Pregnancy Care Center provides free pregnancy testing and confidential support, so you don’t have to navigate those first questions alone.
What a Pregnancy Test Tells You
Pregnancy tests look for human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG, a hormone your body starts producing after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. As pregnancy progresses, hCG levels rise and can be detected in both urine and blood.
A positive result means hCG is present, which is an important first piece of information. But a pregnancy test can’t tell you everything. Understanding how far along you are and getting additional information about the pregnancy can help you better understand your options.
When You Test Matters
Testing too early can lead to a false negative, meaning the test says you’re not pregnant even though you are. That’s because hCG levels may not be high enough yet to show up on a test.
For the most accurate results, it’s generally best to wait until at least one or two days after a missed period before testing. If your cycle is irregular or difficult to track, waiting about three weeks after sex may provide a clearer answer. Testing first thing in the morning can also help, since hCG levels are often more concentrated then.
False positives are rare but can occur after a recent pregnancy loss or with certain hCG-containing medications.
What Happens After the Test?
If your period is late and you’re continuing to get negative results, it may be helpful to talk with a medical professional about other possible causes.
If your test is positive, a limited ultrasound can provide additional information that a pregnancy test can’t. It can confirm how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus, and whether a heartbeat is present. Having that information can help identify potential concerns and provide essential details about your health before moving forward.
At Paris Pregnancy Care Center, every appointment is free and confidential. We’re here to answer your questions and provide the support you need, starting with clear answers.
Schedule a free, confidential pregnancy test and talk through your results with a trained advocate or a member of our medical team.
