Thinking that you might be pregnant could raise your hopes (or fears) of a new life coming into the world. Making sure one way or another is something you will want to know quickly. Pregnancy tests are available at the store, but the ones at the doctor’s office are going to be more accurate.

• Home Tests – these tests are based on your urine. Each company will make them according to their own specifications, so some will be more accurate than other ones. Directions will need to be followed carefully.
• Blood Tests – this test will need to be given at the doctor’s office.

Both of these tests measure a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The body starts producing it about six days after the egg has been fertilized. After that, the amount of the hormone will double about every two or three days.

When to Take the Test

It is recommended that you take pregnancy tests about a week after you miss a period. This is believed to be the best time in order to get more accurate results. It is also recommended that you take the test in the morning when you wake up because there will be a greater buildup of the hCG in your urine.

When you become pregnant, you will likely experience a number of symptoms that will confirm it. The symptoms include:

• Missing a period
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Cramps
• Frequent urination

False Results

Many of these tests are accurate about 99 percent of the time. False readings are possible, however, both ways. This means that it may indicate that you are pregnant when you really are not, and it could indicate that you are not pregnant when in reality you are.

There are several reasons why you may get false results. These may include:

• The test is out of date – the test kit may be too old.
• You took the test too soon – you should wait at least 14 days from a possible conception.
• You did not follow the directions – they need to be followed carefully.

If you have taken a test for pregnancy and you want to confirm the results, it is time to consult a doctor. You can get a blood test from a doctor’s office that will measure the hCG in your blood. This is a more accurate test. If you are pregnant, it can also help you start to get the care you need for your new baby.

Even if the test indicated that you are not pregnant, but you think that you are, it is a good idea to have another test. Most tests kits for pregnancy have two kits in them. Use the second one. It is also possible that there may be problems with the pregnancy, which could throw off the amounts of hCG.

The Silver Star Urgent Care clinic offers pregnancy tests. Our doctors are all Board-certified and they care about all our patients. We are open seven days a week from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm.