Though home pregnancy tests are mostly accurate, there’s always the chance of a false positive or false negative. To be absolutely sure that you are pregnant, we recommend seeing an OB/GYN. In the office, we can run a series of pregnancy tests and help guide you through your pregnancy to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
Pregnancy tests check for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), commonly known as the “pregnancy hormone.” This hormone is produced when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, which is typically six to seven days after egg and sperm have joined.
Home tests typically check for hCG in urine. The benefit of visiting an OB/GYN is that they can also run a blood test, which can detect hCG earlier than urine tests. Results from the blood test typically take about 24 hours, since the blood sample needs to be sent to the lab and processed. Finally, you can get a sonogram, an imaging technique that uses reflected sound waves, to peek inside your uterus and make sure the fetus is there and developing normally.
If you suspect that you may be pregnant, don’t just rely on over-the-counter pregnancy tests. Schedule a visit with our office to get a full series of tests, and come back for regular appointments throughout your pregnancy.