If you’ve recently had unprotected sex and your period has not arrived yet, you may be wondering if you’re pregnant. Other symptoms that also indicate pregnancy can include frequent urination, fatigue, swollen breasts, etc.
The most important thing is that you don’t panic. It’s possible your period is just late in arriving, but it might be a good idea to go ahead and take a pregnancy test if it’s been at least a week after your missed period.
If you’re trying to decide the best and most accurate type of pregnancy tests, read this article to help you understand your options as well as understand the importance of getting screened for any possible complications during an early pregnancy.
Blood vs. Urine Pregnancy Tests
Urine Tests
Urine pregnancy tests are the most commonly used type of pregnancy test. They are the kind of at-home pregnancy tests that many women like to use before they schedule a visit with a doctor.
Urine tests have a reactive paper strip that can detect the presence of the hormone hCG. You’ll need to wait at least a week after the missed period for there to be detectable levels of hCG in the urine. When used correctly, some tests boast up to 99% accuracy.
Blood Tests
Blood pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests (just 6-8 days after ovulation). Blood pregnancy tests are conducted at a doctor’s office and analyzed in a laboratory.
A urine test will give you immediate results but you have to wait a day for the results for a blood test. They can also detect whether or not it is an ectopic pregnancy. If you use a urine pregnancy test, an ultrasound would be required to eliminate this health complication.
Confirming Your Pregnancy
Up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage, so you can still get a positive test several days after taking an at-home test. It’s important to schedule an ultrasound to determine the viability of the pregnancy as well as confirm how far along you are.
Contact us today to schedule your no-cost ultrasound or pregnancy test! We are here to offer information and support so you can be as informed as possible regarding your pregnancy.