If your period is late and you are wondering if you might be pregnant, let us help you. There’s no reason to worry and wonder. At Women’s Clinics Maryland, we offer free pregnancy testing. Plus, our trained counselors are ready to help you navigate your next steps. Call us for an appointment today.
When Is The Best Time To Take a Pregnancy Test?
When your menstrual cycle is like clockwork (approximately every 28 days), you can usually take a pregnancy test a day or two after your missed period. If your cycle is irregular or you haven’t tracked it accurately, we suggest waiting at least 5 to 7 days after your period should have started. By waiting longer, you will get more reliable results from your pregnancy test.
How Does A Pregnancy Test Work?
When a woman becomes pregnant, her body begins producing hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). The hCG hormone is known as the “pregnancy hormone.” It’s produced after the embryo has attached to the uterine wall. This process usually happens about six days after fertilization. The levels of hCG rise quickly, doubling every 2 to 3 days.
Pregnancy tests work by detecting levels of the hCG hormone in your urine. If it is present, the test will be positive because you are pregnant.
I’ve Already Taken a Home Pregnancy Test
It’s important to take a pregnancy test at the Clinic. We use only the highest quality, lab-certified pregnancy tests so they are more sensitive than many over-the-counter home tests. They can usually detect the hCG hormone earlier.
When administering the tests themselves, some women don’t read the instructions thoroughly or they take the test too soon. If you’ve taken a home test and the results were negative, but your period hasn’t started, you probably haven’t taken the test correctly. At the Clinic, our trained counselors will make sure you receive precise results.
You have nothing to lose because our pregnancy tests are free! Upon request, you can receive verification of a positive pregnancy test. This document may apply for health insurance, WIC, etc.
Will My Pregnancy Test Be Confidential?
As a medical clinic, we have a strict confidentiality policy, and are compliant with all state and federal privacy laws. You can trust your information will remain confidential. All our services are free and provided respectfully and professionally. No matter what assistance you need, we will never share results with parents or partners without your permission.
What If The Test Is Positive?
If your pregnancy test is positive, and you’re considering abortion, your next step is to have a free viability ultrasound. A pregnancy test only gives you a small amount of information. Ultrasounds give you the vital information you need before making a decision about your unplanned pregnancy. Like our pregnancy tests, our no-cost ultrasounds are always confidential. We want you to have free access to the complete health information you need. If you are planning to carry to term, you will need a diagnostic ultrasound from your OB.
Once you have found out as much information as possible about your pregnancy, we would love to talk with you about your options and answer any questions. We truly care about you and want to take this journey with you. No matter what you choose, we are here to support you and help you along the way. Please contact us today.
Women’s Clinics Maryland neither performs nor refers for abortion.