Whether you are excited or terrified at the idea, facing a pregnancy can feel overwhelming, and getting accurate information quickly matters.
At Radiance Women’s Center, we offer free, confidential pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and counseling to help you understand your situation and explore your options with compassionate, judgment-free support.
How Do Home Pregnancy Tests Work?
When you become pregnant, your body begins producing a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Home pregnancy tests detect this hormone in your urine. Inside the test, one antibody captures the hCG from your urine sample while a second antibody acts as a signal, producing that second pink or blue line that indicates a positive result. The first line simply confirms the device is working properly.
Can Pregnancy Tests Be Wrong?
Yes. Both false positives and false negatives are possible, though false positives are less common.
- False negatives are more likely when a test is taken too early. hCG levels start very low after conception and rise over time, so testing in the first one to two weeks after conception may not detect the hormone yet. Interestingly, tests can also give inaccurate results five or more weeks into a pregnancy, when hormone levels are very high.
- False positives can occur if you have recently used fertility medications containing hCG, or if you were recently pregnant. After childbirth, miscarriage, or treatment for ectopic pregnancy, hCG can remain in your body for up to four to six weeks, which may trigger a positive result even without an active pregnancy.
It is important to follow the test instructions carefully. Reading the results too late or using the wrong amount of urine can affect accuracy. If there is any doubt about your result, a blood test ordered by your physician is the most accurate way to confirm a pregnancy.
Should I Get an Ultrasound to Confirm my Pregnancy?
A positive pregnancy test is just the first step. An ultrasound is important for confirming the pregnancy, determining how far along you are, and verifying that the pregnancy is located inside the uterus. Some pregnancies develop outside the uterus, which is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. An ultrasound gives you a complete picture of what is happening in your body before you make any decisions.
If you’ve gotten a positive result or aren’t sure, Radiance Women’s Center is here to help. Contact us today for free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and confidential counseling. You deserve accurate information and caring support every step of the way.
