Searching “when to visit doctor to confirm pregnancy”? Here’s what you need to know.

When you think you might be pregnant, you are eager to know as soon as possible. But if you have questions surrounding pregnancy confirmation like “when to visit doctor to confirm pregnancy,” or how soon blood or urine tests are accurate, you’ll find what you need to know here. 

Looking for the best pregnancy care available near Coral Springs, Florida? Book an appointment at Lona Sasser Obstetrics and Gynecology. Our highly skilled gynecologists offer an array of services for patients of all ages. 

To make an appointment, you can easily book online or give us a call at (954) 340-1050

Taking a pregnancy test

Taking a pregnancy test can be very emotional. For some people, there’s excitement, nerves, and even hope, or it may be filled with worry and dread.

No matter how you are feeling about possibly being pregnant, there are things you need to know about taking a pregnancy test.

Before you take a pregnancy test, consider whether you are experiencing any pregnancy symptoms. A missed menstrual cycle is the most common symptom that leads people to take a pregnancy test, especially if your periods are regular. So is it time to take a urine test or do you need to visit a doctor for a blood test?

Urine and blood tests 

Urine tests, which you can get at the drug store, and blood tests at your doctor’s office both test for the same pregnancy hormone: human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. Your body begins to produce this hormone as soon as a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, and rapidly produces more each day of pregnancy.

An important difference between the tests is the recommended timing and the test’s sensitivity to hCG.

Home tests

It’s generally recommended that you wait two weeks after possible conception – or about a day after your missed period if it’s regular – to get a reliable and accurate result from a home pregnancy test, also known as a urine test. 

Home tests are very accurate (around 97%) when used correctly. A positive result is pretty reliable proof that you are pregnant. 

Some kits come with two tests in case you make a mistake or want to test again later. If you take a test too early, it is possible to get a false negative. In other words, the test says you are not pregnant but you are.

The hCG hormone has to be at a high enough level to be detected in a test. If the test comes back negative but you still think you could be pregnant, wait a few days and test again.

Blood tests, or “when to visit doctor to confirm pregnancy”

On the other hand, let’s look at when to visit doctor to confirm pregnancy. You can take a blood test at your doctor’s office just 7 to 12 days after you conceive. However, it’s important to understand that even these tests get more accurate as time passes because your body will have produced higher levels of hCG. 

It is possible that a blood test done too early can show a false negative result. If you receive a negative result and still do not start your period, it’s recommended that you do another test. Talk to your provider about what they think is best.

Reliable, compassionate care

If you are eager to find out whether you are pregnant or not, a blood test can confirm pregnancy sooner than other methods. You want a doctor you can trust with all your new questions. If you live in the Coral Springs, Florida area and think you may be pregnant, schedule an appointment at Dr. Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology. We are here to support you, from conception to birth and beyond. 

Call us today at (954) 340-1050 or book online for pregnancy confirmation and important prenatal care.

Photo by SHVETS production

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