Have you recently had unprotected sex and think you might be pregnant? Although the waiting game can be stressful, holding off on taking a home pregnancy test until the time is right will give you much more accurate results.
Take a minute to learn about the early signs of pregnancy, the best time to take a home pregnancy test, and what to do if you get a positive result.
Early Signs of Pregnancy
At the moment of conception, a woman’s body begins to produce new hormones to support the pregnancy growing inside. Weeks before a home pregnancy test will produce a positive result, your body could be letting you know you’re pregnant.
Three classic early pregnancy symptoms include missing your period, tender breasts, and general fatigue.
Missing Your Period
During pregnancy, your uterus will stop the monthly cycle of shedding its interior lining and instead begin a process to thicken the uterine wall and create a placenta.
Missing your monthly menstrual cycle is a major sign you might be pregnant. However, sickness and other underlying health conditions can cause menstrual cycles to be irregular as well.
Tender breasts
Painful or swollen breasts can be a clue you’re in the early stages of pregnancy. All the new hormones produced by the body are often the culprits of this unwanted symptom.
Fatigue
Is it pregnancy or just overwork? Your body undergoes tremendous changes during pregnancy, and all the new interior work can cause serious fatigue. If you’re feeling like hitting the hay earlier than usual or reaching for an extra cup of coffee, you might be pregnant.
When Should I Take a Home Pregnancy Test?
For the most accurate results, women should wait until the day after their missed period to take a home pregnancy test.
Home pregnancy tests look for the presence of HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin in urine. According to the Mayo Clinic, levels of HCG rise rapidly in the first few weeks of pregnancy, doubling every 2 to 3 days.
If a pregnancy test is taken too early, the levels of HCG may not be high enough to produce a positive result – even when a woman is in fact pregnant.
I Got a Positive Result, Now What?
First, take a deep breath. If this pregnancy was not planned, staring down at a positive pregnancy test can be overwhelming.
Fayette PRCÂ is here to guide you through the options available for an unplanned pregnancy and provide additional testing to verify your home test results with medical-grade pregnancy testing.
To make an appointment, simply fill out this form or text 770-762-0804. Get the help and support you deserve today.