Before making a pregnancy decision, you must confirm you are indeed pregnant. We’ll walk you through what you should know beforehand.

How Does Pregnancy Testing Work?

Both at-home and clinical pregnancy tests detect hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin. HCG is a special hormone produced during pregnancy. Urine and blood-based tests detect this level as it rises rapidly in early pregnancy.

You’ll want to take a test if you’re experiencing pregnancy symptoms like a missed period or tender breasts. At-home tests are urine-based and can be purchased at a pharmacy or grocery store.

When Should I Take a Test?

It’s best to wait to test until several days after your missed period or a few weeks after sexual intercourse. This gives the hCG levels time to increase and improves your chances of receiving an accurate result.

Sometimes, you may receive a false negative if you test too early or don’t follow the instructions. If you feel you received an incorrect result, wait a few days and test again.

I’m Pregnant. What Do I Do Now?

If you’ve learned you are pregnant, try not to panic. You’ll want to confirm your pregnancy at a local pregnancy center or doctor’s office. New Hope Center provides free, confidential pregnancy confirmation services, including medical-grade pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. You’ll receive the results you need to determine key pregnancy details.

We’ll also offer options information sessions for you to understand your three pregnancy options: abortion, making an adoption plan, and parenting. This can be a scary and overwhelming time, so know that our services are offered in a pressure-free environment. All options are presented in an accurate and non-biased manner so you can be sure you receive trustworthy information.

At New Hope Center, we’re committed to your care. You’re important to us. Reach out today to learn more.