So you think you could be pregnant. I know you’re probably feeling all kinds of things right now, and that’s totally normal. Finding out you might be pregnant can send you into a tailspin of panic and uncertainty. Looking into getting a pregnancy test kit? Googling all sorts of questions in the middle of the night? Girl, we’ve been there. Here at ThriVe, we get it. We’re women who are passionate about supporting women, and we can understand what you’re going through.
It’s so hard when you’re up during the night, thinking and worrying about the results of a pregnancy test. Believe it or not, our women’s advocates are available to you, right now. Our patient hotline is available 24/7. We never judge. We’re here to help.
Where to start?
First things first, let’s talk about that pregnancy test. It’s probably on your mind if you’re still waiting to find out. I know you can grab one at a 24-hour store. There are lots of kinds available — and it might feel overwhelming to know which to choose. Should you go with a popular brand (like a ClearBlue pregnancy test)? Or a digital pregnancy test that says “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant?” What about one with a test strip you put in your urine stream? Or would a dropper be better?
Picking a test can be stressful enough, but you might also be worried about getting a false positive or false negative. You deserve to get accurate results. A home pregnancy test is most accurate when you follow the instructions on the box to a T.
So how do you get the most accurate results on a pregnancy test kit?
To get the most accurate pregnancy test results, wait until after a missed period.1 This ensures that there’s enough hCG (or human chorionic gonadotropin — the pregnancy hormone) in your system to be picked up by a test. If you can, try to take the test first thing in the morning — that’s when your hormone levels (hCG) are at their highest in your urine, which gives you the most reliable result. And if this all feels overwhelming, we’ll be happy to help. You don’t have to do this alone. You can come to ThriVe for a no-cost pregnancy test. Our pregnancy tests are lab-quality — so they’re the most accurate kind of test out there. Come see us if you’ve missed your period and you’re ready to take a pregnancy test.
Now, while you’re waiting to take the test — or waiting for the results — it’s easy to spiral. Your mind might be racing, thinking about a million different scenarios. You should know that lots of women feel this way. Whether this situation was planned or not, it’s normal to have anxiety while you’re waiting. You’re not crazy. This is a big deal, but you’re going to come through it.
Getting through the wait
Are you waiting a couple days to see if your period shows up? Or in the middle of waiting to see if a positive result shows up on your home test? Try some deep breathing exercises. Or distract yourself with a favorite show or some music. If it’s the middle of the night and you’re feeling super anxious, you can call us. We’ll be that listening ear to help. If you can’t sleep because of your thoughts, grab a notebook and write down everything that’s swirling in your head — your questions, your worries, and what you’re thinking about doing next. It can help to get it all out on paper.
If you’re feeling stuck in the middle of the night, stressing about what to do, here’s a quick list of things that might help:
1. Write down your questions: What are you worried about? What do you need to know more about? In the morning, you can start reading up on options and other info you’re looking for. Our blog is a great place to start.
2. Jot down your feelings: It’s okay to feel scared, confused, or unsure. Getting it out on paper can make it feel less overwhelming.
3. Think about your next steps: What do you need to do tomorrow? Who can you talk to? We’re here to talk to anytime.
4. Identify a safe person: Who can you reach out to for support? Maybe it’s a friend, family member, or someone at ThriVe? Knowing you have someone to talk to can make a huge difference. Our women’s advocates are here to listen to your worries.
Want more ideas? Write down each of these questions and take them one at a time. No one has to read it. Or you can share with a trusted friend if you want to. Remember, you have time to get info and consider all of your options. Nothing has to happen today. Whatever happens with your pregnancy test kit, you’ll have support. Try some of these prompts if you can’t sleep or just need to get it out.
1. What am I feeling right now? Describe your emotions without judging them. Just get it all out. It’s all valid.
2. What are my biggest fears about this situation? Name them, and see if writing them down makes them feel a little less scary. You’re beautiful. Capable. Smart. You can handle whatever is coming next.
3. What do I need the most right now? Is it support, information, or just a moment to breathe? Identifying your needs can help you figure out your next steps. We can help with that, too. Check out our blog for more info about next steps and finding your village. Support sisters are just a click away at ThriVe.
4. Who can I reach out to for support? Think about the people in your life who make you feel safe. Jot down their names and how they’ve supported you in the past. Is there someone you can call in the middle of the night if you need it? If you think there is, talk to them about it. You have people who care about you.
5. What are my choices, and how do I feel about each one? Writing out your thoughts on each option might help you clarify what feels right for you. Get all the info you can about your choices.
So what happens after I take my test?
– If it’s positive, take a moment to breathe. You don’t have to make any big decisions right this second. What you do next is up to you, but it’s really important to gather all the info you can. This is where ThriVe comes in. We offer no-cost pregnancy tests, STI screenings, and ultrasounds. Plus, we have medically accurate information to help you understand all your choices.
You can make the best decision for you — if you take time to learn, process, and reflect. You’re the best qualified person to make your decision. And no one can make it but you. Schedule a pre-abortion screening at our women’s center to get more guidance on your pregnancy, specifically. At this screening, you can learn what choices are medically safe for you. We’ll support you no matter what you choose.
– If it’s negative, you might still have questions or feel a bit shaken up. That’s okay. It might be worth checking in with ThriVe too, especially if you want to talk to someone. We can help you figure out what’s going on with your body. If you’ve had weird symptoms that might’ve felt like pregnancy, check out our blog. There’s lots of good info on women’s health. Our staff is here to support you with information. We care about you.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. If you need to talk to someone right now, don’t hesitate to reach out to our hotline. Our women’s advocates are here to listen and offer emotional support — no judgment, just understanding and care. They’re here for you to help you navigate your situation with confidence. And you deserve to feel confident in your decision. Whether you just need someone to talk to or guidance on what to do next, we’ll be there. You don’t have to rush into anything.
Taking your time to gather information and support will help you make the best decision for you. ThriVe’s there for you, with no-cost services and people who genuinely care about what you’re going through. You’re not alone in this.
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