Pregnancy Testing
Think you may be pregnant? Obria Medical Clinics offer low-cost pregnancy testing.
If you’re unsure about your pregnancy status, getting a clinical pregnancy test is the best way to find clarity. You’ll receive the accurate answer you need, allowing us to take the next steps together. At Obria Medical Clinics, our caring staff offers both urine and blood pregnancy testing. Whatever the result, we’ll support you through every step of the process.
Common Signs of Pregnancy
A missed period is the most common sign that you might be pregnant, but it’s not the only one. Here are other common symptoms to watch for:
- Frequent urination
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Change of appetite
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Thinking you may be pregnant
Why Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
Early Detection: Pregnancy tests are designed to detect the presence of the hormone hCG in urine, which is produced during pregnancy. Testing early can help you know sooner rather than later, allowing you to make informed decisions and take necessary steps promptly.
Health Planning: Knowing whether you’re pregnant or not is crucial for your health. If you are pregnant, it’s essential to start prenatal care early, which can significantly impact both your health and the health of the baby.
Peace of Mind: Uncertainty can be stressful. Taking a pregnancy test can provide peace of mind by giving you a clear answer, allowing you to move forward with certainty and address any necessary changes or preparations.
Decision-Making: Whether you’re hoping for a positive or negative result, knowing your pregnancy status helps you plan for the future. It gives you the opportunity to consider your options, inform your partner and make decisions that align with your goals and values.
Preparation: If the test is positive, it gives you time to prepare emotionally, financially, and practically for the changes ahead. On the other hand, if it’s negative, it might prompt you to explore other potential reasons for any symptoms you’re experiencing.
How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?
Urine and blood pregnancy tests screen for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone present only during pregnancy. The placenta produces hCG to support the growth of a fertilized egg, earning it the title of the “pregnancy hormone.”
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
Home pregnancy tests can differ in how soon they detect a pregnancy. The most accurate test results will be after you have waited to take the test until the first day of a missed period. If pregnancy tests are taken too early, it is possible to get a false negative. That being said, there are home pregnancy tests on the market that can detect pregnancy up to ten days after conception.
What Type of Pregnancy Testing Does Obria Offer?
Obria Medical Clinics primarily offers low-cost urine pregnancy testing and ultrasound.
Learn more about the different types of pregnancy testing that exists by exploring the below.
Urine Pregnancy Testing
Obria offers low-cost urine pregnancy testing.
This type of testing looks for elevated levels of hCG in your urine using special strips. At a 97 – 99% level of accuracy, urine testing offered within medical clinics is similar to the home pregnancy tests on the market.1
The benefit of taking a urine pregnancy test at a medical clinic is that it increases the likelihood that the test will be performed correctly and decreases the margin of error and false results.
If you choose to undergo clinical urine pregnancy testing, a staff member will obtain a sample of your urine and test it with a dipstick. If hCG is present in your urine, antibodies on the strip will become active and deliver a positive result.2
Blood Pregnancy Testing
Some clinics will also offer blood testing via blood draw on a case-by-case basis.
Your practitioner will use their fingers to find an accessible vein, request that you make a fist, and draw an appropriate amount of blood to a lab for testing. Your results returned within hours to days.1
Though costlier, the benefit of blood testing is that it can detect very low levels of hCG in the blood, making the results (only) slightly more accurate. Your practitioner can also detect the amount of hCG present within your blood which may be useful for women having difficulty becoming pregnant or undergoing fertility treatments.
Ultrasound Imaging Confirmation
If determined to be needed, pregnancy testing may also be confirmed via ultrasound on a case-by-case basis.
Obria Medical Clinics offer low-cost ultrasounds.
Click here to learn more about our ultrasound services.
If you are determined to be pregnant, Obria Medical Clinics also offers Pregnancy Verification – an official document for proof of pregnancy.
Pregnancy Verification is an official document that serves as proof of pregnancy for insurance companies, community agencies who provide services, and employers.
Some doctors or other clinics require pregnancy verification before allowing you to make an appointment with them regarding your pregnancy, making this important documentation for you to obtain. The pregnancy verifications we offer are determined by the date of your last menstrual period (LMP).
If you think you might be pregnant or need pregnancy verification, schedule your confidential appointment today.
If you think you could be pregnant, book a low-cost pregnancy test at an Obria clinic today.
A pregnancy test can confirm if you’re expecting, give you peace of mind and to help estimate how far along you may be, which is essential for planning and making important decisions.
References:
1. Professional, C. C. Medical. (2022). Pregnancy test: When to take, Types & Accuracy. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9703-pregnancy-tests
2. Unknown. (2023). Urine pregnancy tests vs. blood pregnancy tests. Doctors Urgent Care. https://www.yourdoctorsurgentcare.com/care-services-offered/urine-pregnancy-tests-vs-blood-pregnancy-tests.html