If you think you might be pregnant, a missed period is usually the first clue. But if your cycles are irregular, it can be hard to know if you truly missed your period.
You might also notice other possible pregnancy symptoms, such as sore or tender breasts, nausea (morning sickness), feeling extra tired, food cravings or aversions, or sudden sensitivity to certain smells.
If any of that sounds familiar, it could be a good time to take a pregnancy test to find out for sure.
How Accurate are Pregnancy Tests?
Home pregnancy tests are very accurate when taken at the right time, typically one to two days after a missed period. Testing too early can lead to a false-negative result because your body may not have produced enough of the hormone hCG yet.
If you test positive for pregnancy, getting an ultrasound is the best next step, as it provides critical information to help you understand your options.
How an Ultrasound Confirms Your Pregnancy
A limited OB ultrasound will show whether or not your pregnancy is progressing.
The hormone hCG can remain in your body for a short time even after a miscarriage. Because 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, it’s vital to check this. An ultrasound verifies if your pregnancy has a heartbeat and is progressing as expected.
This essential scan will also take measurements and tell you how far along you are in your pregnancy, as well as your estimated due date.
Finally, an ultrasound can also verify the location of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy is located outside of the uterus, it is an ectopic pregnancy and requires medical intervention.
Schedule a Pregnancy Test & Ultrasound
At the Lakeside Women’s Clinic, we offer no-cost pregnancy testing and limited OB ultrasounds to provide clear answers about your pregnancy in a private, supportive setting.
If this feels overwhelming, you are not alone. Our team will take time to walk you through your results and provide medically accurate information about your pregnancy and the available options.
Whether you need help calculating the best time to take a pregnancy test or would like to schedule an appointment, we are here to support you. Contact us today!
