Think you may be pregnant? Learn when to visit the doctor to confirm pregnancy and which tests are the most accurate.
A positive over-the-counter pregnancy test or a missed period can send you reeling, whether you were trying to conceive or taken by surprise. If you want to find out if you are pregnant, a blood test can confirm pregnancy sooner than other methods. Read here to learn when to visit the doctor to confirm pregnancy and more!
If you are looking for the best pregnancy care near Coral Springs, Florida, book an appointment with our practice. You’ll find two of South Florida’s top-rated OB-GYNs practicing under one roof at Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology.
You can easily schedule online or call us at (954) 340-1050.
What are the signs of pregnancy?
A missed menstrual cycle is the most significant sign of pregnancy. However, you may want to consider whether you have other early signs or symptoms of pregnancy, especially if you have an irregular cycle.
The common signs can vary from person to person or even from pregnancy to pregnancy. Getting a pregnancy test from your doctor is the best way to confirm your early pregnancy.
Here are some of the most common early signs of pregnancy:
- Missed period. A week or more has passed without the start of your expected menstrual cycle.
- Fatigue. During early pregnancy, the hormone progesterone increases, often leading to fatigue.
- Tender, swollen breasts. Hormonal changes might make your breasts sensitive and sore.
- Nausea or vomiting. “Morning sickness” can come at any time of day and usually begins about one month after conception.
When to visit the doctor to confirm pregnancy
After receiving a positive pregnancy test, you may be itching to act quickly to get your life and plans in order. Feeling excited, overwhelmed, or even worried about how a baby will change your life are normal feelings. Visiting your doctor will help you gain confidence and insight into the process.
If you’ve run to the nearest internet-capable device and searched “when to visit the doctor to confirm pregnancy,” take a deep breath. You’ve found answers from a reliable source you can trust. Let’s look at visiting a doctor to confirm your pregnancy.
You should schedule a visit with your doctor for your first prenatal exam between 6 and 8 weeks after your last period. However, if you are eager to confirm your pregnancy before that, you don’t have to wait two weeks for an accurate urine test. Instead, a blood test at your doctor’s office can confirm pregnancy just 7-12 days after conception.
How pregnancy confirmation works
Now you know when to visit the doctor to confirm pregnancy. You know you can get a blood test as soon as 7-12 days after conception. But how do pregnancy tests work?
Both urine and blood tests work by detecting a specific hormone: human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. Your body begins to produce this hormone as soon as a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, and the levels of hCG increase throughout the pregnancy.
In addition to detecting and confirming pregnancy, these tests can also be used to see how far along your pregnancy is based on the level of hCG produced by your body.
Can I get a false negative?
According to American Pregnancy, a pregnancy test done too early can show a false negative result. They advise, “If you receive a negative result and still do not start your period, another test should be done.”
Once your pregnancy is confirmed, discuss your medical history with your doctor, as that will affect your prenatal care plan.
Book a visit to your doctor
Your health is our top priority at Dr. Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology. We are here to support you from conception to birth, from adolescence to menopause, and beyond.
Bring us your questions about early pregnancy, and schedule a visit to confirm your pregnancy today.
You can easily schedule online or call us at (954) 340-1050.
Photo by RDNE Stock project