Pregnancy Testing

Pregnancy Testing
Pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the woman's blood or urine. Urine pregnancy tests can detect HCG the day of your missed period, if not earlier and are 98-99% accurate, depending on the specific test used.

A single pregnancy test cannot tell you if you and the pregnancy are healthy or determine how long you have been pregnant. Further testing and/or an exam are needed to rule out any abnormal conditions or problems.

Benefits of early pregnancy testing

• The woman has time to consider her options.
  
• The woman has the opportunity to schedule a medical exam to confirm the pregnancy test results;
  
• Early prenatal care improves the health of both the woman and her fetus, for women who choose to carry the pregnancy to term; and
  
• Abortions done before 10 week are relatively safer than procedures done later in pregnancy, for those women who elect to terminate the pregnancy.
  
• Medical abortion (non-surgical) is an option only in very early pregnancy.

Pregnancy test accuracy
The accuracy of the test cannot be guaranteed. Test results can be false, inaccurate or inconclusive. Other tests or exam(s) such as a pelvic exam and/or ultrasound may be needed as well. Pregnancy tests do not tell you if the pregnancy is healthy or normal.

If the test is positive, a physical exam is necessary to determine the length of time you have been pregnant and detect any problems. This exam will be necessary whether you are considering abortion or continuing the pregnancy and starting prenatal care.

If the test is negative, it may be too soon to determine if you are pregnant. You may need to repeat the test to be sure the results are accurate.

Alternative types of pregnancy tests
An ultrasound is another tool to diagnose a pregnancy when not performed too early in the pregnancy. A clinician can use the medical history, testing, ultrasound and examination to determine how long you have been pregnant and to check for any problems.

Once the pregnancy test is completed you can choose to discuss the results and have options counseling and/or schedule a medical exam.

Signs and symptoms there is a problem with a pregnancy

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  
• Fainting spells
  
• Cramping
  
• Dizziness
  
• Abdominal pain

Pregnancy Options Counseling
Planned Parenthood has been helping women make choices about their bodies and their lives since 1916. At Planned Parenthood we strongly believe that your choice to continue or end your pregnancy is a very personal decision. Either way, the earlier you know you're pregnant, the better.

Our specially trained medical staff has the knowledge and experience to answer any questions you may have about the results of your pregnancy test. In the case of a negative pregnancy test result, an experienced medical staff person can discuss what steps you should take next depending upon your particular circumstances.

If your pregnancy test result is positive, our staff can give you the information and referrals you need to make your own decision. The decision to continue or terminate a pregnancy is a very personal choice and our medical staff person will not attempt to influence your decision in any way.

If you are sexually active and do not want to become pregnant, a reliable birth control method is the best way to reduce the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. Our medical staff will be happy to discuss all of your birth control options with you.

This document is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.