If you had a positive home pregnancy test or are experiencing common symptoms of pregnancy, you may be asking yourself, “Am I pregnant?”
Are you experiencing any of the following:
- I’ve missed a period
- I feel like throwing up sometimes
- My breasts are tender
- I have to pee more often
- I’m more tired than usual
- I’m having mood swings
- I’m having food cravings
Although not everyone experiences these signs, the symptoms above are more commonly associated with early pregnancy. Most over the counter pregnancy tests are reliable, however, only a physician or other appropriate healthcare professional can medically verify if you’re pregnant—the most reliable method of pregnancy testing.
At the Community Women’s Centers, our dedicated team can give you a free medical verification of pregnancy in a safe, confidential, and compassionate environment. Please schedule an appointment with us today.
Learn more about pregnancy symptoms on our website, in addition to questions and topics like more common pregnancy symptoms, implantation bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy testing, and much more.
Also, see more pregnancy related questions below:
How do I know if I’m pregnant for sure?
The at-home pregnancy tests and period (menstrual cycle) and fertility apps may contain good indicators. However, different than an at-home pregnancy test or fertility app, a medical-grade pregnancy test that measures the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) pregnancy hormone is very accurate. The levels of hCG are also detected in your blood, and accurately measures them versus home tests. An ultrasound is another very accurate method of detecting pregnancies.
If you are concerned about:
- being pregnant
- facing an unexpected pregnancy and not sure about your choices
- or, think you may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg is implanted in the fallopian tubes)
It’s important to get a medical verification of pregnancy to base your upcoming decisions on the most accurate results possible. Knowing how many weeks of pregnancy you may be is also vital.
All of our services are completely free and confidential, please schedule an appointment today.
What are the most common pregnancy symptoms to look for?
- Headaches
- Unusual food Cravings
- Tender Breasts
- Missed Period
- Fatigue
- Mood Swings
- Lightheadedness
- Frequent Urination
- Abdomen Bloated
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cramping and spotting or bleeding
If you are experiencing any combination of symptoms above, talk to your doctor. If calling your doctor is not an option, schedule a free and confidential appointment with us today.
Learn more about unusual food cravings on our website.
What is implantation bleeding?
Some women mistakenly think implantation bleeding is a period. Therefore, they may be further along in a pregnancy than they think. This is why it is important to have a reliable pregnancy test to confirm the amount of hCG in your blood and to have an ultrasound.
Please schedule your free and confidential medical verification of pregnancy today.
What are the types of pregnancy tests I can take?
1. Home Pregnancy Tests (HPTs):
These tests are designed for self-use and are available over-the-counter at most drugstores. There are two main types of home pregnancy tests:
- Urine Strip Test: This is the most common type of home pregnancy test. It involves using a urine sample, which is typically collected in a cup or by holding the test stick under the urine stream. The test strip is then inserted into the provided kit, and results are usually displayed within a few minutes. Some tests provide a digital readout, while others use lines or symbols to indicate a positive or negative result.
- Digital Pregnancy Test: These tests also use a urine sample but provide a digital readout of the results. They are often considered easier to interpret because they display “pregnant” or “not pregnant” rather than lines or symbols.
2. Blood Tests:
Blood tests are conducted by healthcare professionals and are considered more accurate than home pregnancy tests. There are two types of blood tests for pregnancy:
- Qualitative hCG Blood Test: This test determines whether hCG is present in the blood. It can confirm or rule out pregnancy.
- Quantitative hCG Blood Test: This test measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood. It can not only confirm pregnancy but also help estimate how far along the pregnancy is and monitor hCG levels for potential issues.
3. Ultrasound:
A transvaginal ultrasound is an imaging procedure in which a small ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to visualize the uterus and confirm the presence of a gestational sac, embryo, or fetal heartbeat. It is often used in the early stages of pregnancy when hCG levels may not be sufficiently high for detection through other methods.
Learn more about Ultrasounds here.
4. Urine Sample at a Healthcare Provider:
Healthcare providers may conduct urine pregnancy tests similar to home pregnancy tests but with potentially more sensitive equipment. They can also provide professional guidance and interpretation of results.
What if I am pregnant?
If you get a positive medical verification of pregnancy, you have a lot to consider. There are resources and people to help you maneuver through your list of questions. You’ve got to take care of yourself. This means understanding your body to help make the best decision for you in this situation.
Please read through the resources available on important pages in our website. These include topics featured in Services, Social Services, and Learn.
Contact the Community Women’s Center today to get the essential information you need to make empowered decisions.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2010, September 27). Stages of pregnancy | womenshealth.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2015, from http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-are-pregnant/stages-of-pregnancy.html.