When it comes to pregnancy preparation, your OB-GYN will want to review your testing options and a few signs you should take one. The primary indicators that you’re pregnant include missed or late periods, cramping, tender breasts, and changes in your disposition, such as nausea, exhaustion, and aversion to certain foods. If you’re experiencing a combination of the above, here’s a list of different tests you can take to confirm a potential pregnancy. 

3 Ways to Test for Pregnancy

1. Home Pregnancy Test

The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG only appears in the body during pregnancy. Thus, a home pregnancy test will determine whether this hormone is present in urine. While there are a variety of brands on the market, most home pregnancy tests are sticks that you’ll urinate on. After waiting several minutes, the testing strip will change color if hCG is present in your system. 

2. Urine Test at Your Gynecology Clinic

In addition to home pregnancy tests, you have the option of visiting your OB-GYN for a clinical urine test. Many individuals who receive a positive reading at home schedule an appointment with their OB-GYN as an added precaution. While the urine testing process is relatively similar, the odds of contamination or a false positive due to user error are minimized thanks to the sterile environment and expertise of gynecology staff. It’s important to note that clinical urine tests do not provide immediate results. After providing a sample, you may need to wait several days before pregnancy results are provided. 

3. Blood Test 

A gynecologist can also perform a blood test to determine if you’re pregnant. By taking a blood sample and evaluating it in a lab, your health care team can measure the exact amount of the hormone hCG present in your system. As such, it’s a highly accurate test that can detect smaller amounts of the hormone, which allows the team to identify pregnancy early on.

If you’re based in Missouri and need assistance from a trusted gynecologist for pregnancy preparation, Advanced OB-GYN Services is the premier destination for cutting-edge and compassionate care. With two convenient locations and a top-notch gynecologist, Dr. Joseph Hazan, who has over 30 years of experience in the field, you can trust this gynecology clinic with your reproductive health through every life stage. Call (636) 928-1800 to schedule an appointment at their St. Peters location, and dial (314) 291-2140 for their practice in Bridgeton. For more information about their friendly care and state-of-the-art technology, visit their website.