Are you wondering if you are pregnant? Our nurse or trained staff member are ready to give you the medical information you need. We offer confidential pregnancy testing, as well as ultrasound scanning free of charge.
What You Can Expect During Your Pregnancy Testing
It is natural to be overwhelmed at a time like this. We completely understand. You need assurance, answers, and medically-accurate information. Most likely, your first visit to The Hope Clinic will be for pregnancy testing. Here is what you can expect:
- You will be greeted warmly and welcomed. Don’t worry. We are a judgement-free clinic.
- Next, you will fill out confidential paperwork. No one outside of our clinic will know that you came in for pregnancy testing. Click on this link to see a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices.
- One of our trained client advocates will invite you back so that you can give a urine sample. Our tests are laboratory-rated urine tests. They are highly accurate and you will have the results within minutes.
- Your client advocate will meet with you to ask a few questions.
- Finally, after the nurse performs the pregnancy testing, she will come in to give you the results. She will also ask questions to gather a brief medical history.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
You may panic and feel pressure to take a test right away. But, your body needs time to build up the human pregnancy hormone known as hCG. This hormone is produced right after a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. The hormone is usually elevated about six days after fertilization and continues to rise. If you take a pregnancy test too early, you may get a false negative result because the level of hCG in your urine has not built up yet.
If your menstrual cycle is like clockwork, you can usually take a pregnancy test a couple of days after your missed period. We suggest waiting 5 to 7 days if your periods are often irregular. By waiting longer, you will be able to get a more accurate urine sample.
I Already Took a Home Pregnancy Test
Although home pregnancy tests are relatively accurate, there is, unfortunately, user error. Often, women will take them too soon or not read the instructions thoroughly. Even if you have taken an at-home pregnancy test, you will still need to take a medical pregnancy test at The Hope Clinic. Our tests are medical-grade quality and more accurate than a home pregnancy test. In addition, a nurse or trained staff will verify the test was done correctly and give you the results.
The Test Was Positive, Now What?
If you have received positive pregnancy testing from The Hope Clinic, your next step is to have a limited obstetrical ultrasound, also offered free of charge. Ultrasounds allow you to be 100 % sure that your result is accurate, and you are pregnant. In addition, an ultrasound gives you the vital information you will need before making a decision about your unplanned pregnancy.
Additional Services Offered Free of Charge
Along with pregnancy testing and an ultrasound, you will also receive confidential consultations with our trained client advocates free of charge. We want you to have as much information as possible so you can make a truly informed decision.
Also, The Hope Clinic recommends scheduling STD/STI testing. If you have an STI when pregnant, it can lead to complications for you and your child during birth. These are offered free of charge as well.