Seek Accurate Pregnancy Testing From Your Primary Care Doctor

Pregnancy testing can accurately reveal whether or not a baby is on the way. An urgent care or primary care doctor can then help the patient explore their options, from family planning to abortion. A doctor will work to provide the healthcare you need while complying with state law. 

When to see a doctor for pregnancy testing

Patients can consult an urgent care doctor or their primary care provider for pregnancy testing as soon as the first day of their missed period. Those trying for a baby or who have reason to believe they are pregnant before their period is late can visit their doctor for testing earlier. There are tests sensitive enough to detect pregnancy hormones 10 days after conception. However, early tests may produce false positive or negative results.

To be on the safe side, a patient with an average 28-day cycle should get pregnancy testing once their period is late. Per Planned Parenthood, patients with irregular cycles should test three weeks after the date of potential conception (or unprotected sex).

Common signs of pregnancy

A late period is one of the most noticeable signs of pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, other early signs of pregnancy indicating the need for a test include:

• Fatigue
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Mood swings
• Nasal congestion
• Constipation
• Nausea and food aversions
• Periodlike symptoms, such as cramping, bloating, and light spotting

Accurate pregnancy testing to request

A primary care doctor can administer more than one type of pregnancy test. Depending on how late the period and whether prior tests have come up positive, they may recommend the following:

Urine test for pregnancy

Urine tests are the most common type of pregnancy testing that measure levels of pregnancy hormones called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in as little as 10 days after conception. However, they are most effective — about 99% accurate, according to Planned Parenthood — when administered after a missed period.

While urine tests are available over the counter (OTC), they are particularly accurate when administered by a healthcare provider. This is because the provider completes the professional training to administer and read these tests. With a professional test, there is no need to worry about the professional using expired or improperly stored tests (such as home urine tests) that can yield false results. Moreover, patients will not have to worry about leaving the test for too long or not giving an adequate sample.

For this test, the patient will fill a sterilized cup with urine. The primary care doctor will insert a dipstick that changes color if exposed to hCG. Following the results, the medical professional will review them with the patient.

Pregnancy blood test

Pregnancy blood testing is recommended when a patient needs to detect pregnancy early, such as if they are undergoing fertility treatments. These tests can be qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative detects the presence of hCG like a urine test, while quantitative measures hCG levels. Both are done by drawing blood from the arm, which will be sent to a lab for testing.

Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy

Sometimes, it is necessary to confirm pregnancy with an ultrasound. While unlikely, it is possible for other tests to come back negative but for the patient to continue to miss their period. The ultrasound can reveal causes unrelated to pregnancy, such as ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids; alternatively, it can reveal a cryptic pregnancy.

Schedule pregnancy testing with a doctor today

Accurate pregnancy testing can help patients determine their next steps. The earlier one finds out they are pregnant, the more options they have. That includes proper prenatal care. Whatever your plans are, contact our Fairfax office for timely, accurate pregnancy testing. 

Request an appointment here: https://millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care at (703) 372-4429 for an appointment in our Fairfax office.

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