If your period still hasn’t arrived, you may be wondering whether you are pregnant. Knowing when to test is important because testing too early could lead to a false negative result.
Carolina Pregnancy Center provides free medical-grade pregnancy testing to help you get answers, as well as a follow-up limited ultrasound to confirm key details about the pregnancy.
Schedule your confidential pregnancy test at our center today.
When To Test For Pregnancy
For the most reliable result, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test one to two days after your missed period. This is because hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels should have risen enough by then to be detectable.
If you have irregular periods and aren’t sure when your period is due, you can count 36 days from your last period or 4 weeks since you had sexual intercourse.
How To Avoid a False Negative
A false negative is when you receive a negative pregnancy test result even though you are pregnant. The most common cause of false negatives is testing too early, as hCG levels may be present but not high enough yet to be detected.
It’s also best to test early in the morning with first-morning urine since hCG levels are more concentrated and less diluted. If your period still hasn’t come after taking a pregnancy test, repeat testing is recommended as hCG levels double every 48-72 hours during early pregnancy.
What To Do If Your Test Is Positive
If you have an unexpected positive pregnancy test, confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound gives you more information about the location of the pregnancy, how far along you are, and whether the pregnancy appears viable.
At Carolina Pregnancy Center, we will offer a no-cost limited ultrasound after a positive pregnancy test to help you better understand your pregnancy and next steps.
Get Support At Carolina Pregnancy Center
If you’re unsure whether you could be pregnant, or if you’re concerned you may have received a false negative result, Carolina Pregnancy Center is here to help you.
Our team is here to provide confidential, no-cost pregnancy services, as well as a safe space to talk through how you feel, learn about your options, and explore the support resources available to you.
You don’t have to go through this time alone.
Contact us today to schedule your no-cost appointment. We are also open to walk-ins.
