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When should I take a pregnancy test?

If you’re wondering how to take pregnancy test, you’ve found the right place. Wondering if you might be pregnant can be an emotional rollercoaster. You might be having mixed feelings. Don’t panic. You have choices, and you’re in control here. I’m here to help you figure out whether you should take a pregnancy test.

It’s totally normal to feel a lot of emotions in this situation. There’s actually a lot of women who have mixed feelings about the idea of being pregnant, so you’re not alone. You might be feeling worried, excited, scared, or a mix of all three. It’s a big deal. It’s okay to feel however you’re feeling right now. 

I will say this though:  you deserve to be treated with respect, especially right now. You’ve got what it takes to get through this time, no matter what decision you make. We believe in you.

Do I need to take a pregnancy test?

To help you figure out how to take pregnancy test, let’s talk about timing. The best time to take a pregnancy test is after you’ve missed your period.1  If your period is late, that can be a strong sign that it’s time to take a test. Pregnancy tests measure a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine.1 Your body starts making this hormone when you’re pregnant. 

After you become pregnant, hCG starts rising quickly. So if you wait to test until a day or two after your missed period, you’re more likely to get an accurate result. If you test too early, there might not be enough hCG in your body yet for the test to detect.1

Missing your period is the biggest indicator that you could be pregnant. But if you want to investigate a little more before you read instructions on how to take pregnancy test, take this little quiz. It can help you decide if it’s a good time to test.

Should I take a pregnancy test?

Instructions: Answer the following questions the best you can. At the end, tally up your “Yes” answers to see if you should consider taking a pregnancy test.

1. Have you missed your period?

– Yes

– No

2. Is your period more than a week late?

– Yes

– No

3. Have you had sex recently (within the last month)?

– Yes

– No

4. Are you experiencing any early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or increased fatigue?

– Yes

– No

5. Do you feel different than usual, even if you’re not sure why?

– Yes

– No

6. Have you noticed any unusual spotting or light bleeding?

– Yes

– No

7. Do you have cramping or bloating without your period starting?

– Yes

– No

8. Have you taken a home pregnancy test already that came back negative, but your period still hasn’t started?

– Yes

– No

Results

– 0-2 Yes Answers: You might not need to know how to take pregnancy test right now, but keep an eye on your symptoms. If your period still doesn’t start or if you continue to feel different, consider retaking the quiz or taking a test.

– 3-5 Yes Answers: It’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test to be sure. You have a few signs that might indicate pregnancy, so getting a test can help clarify your situation.

– 6-8 Yes Answers: You should definitely take a pregnancy test. You have several indicators that suggest you might be pregnant, so it’s important to find out for sure.

So where can I get a pregnancy test?

There are a few different types of pregnancy tests you can use. Most women use home pregnancy tests. You can buy these at a pharmacy or grocery store. These tests are pretty accurate if you use them correctly and follow the instructions.1 Another option is to get a pregnancy test done at a women’s center (like ThriVe+) or healthcare provider’s office. A healthcare provider can help you learn how to take pregnancy test, too. At ThriVe+, we offer lab-quality tests — so you can be confident that the results are accurate..

If you’re looking for a place to get a no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy test, ThriVe+ offers exactly that. Our pro-woman center provides tests at no cost to you. We make sure the environment is judgment-free. You can come in, take the test, and get your results without worrying about shame. You deserve respect and kindness right now. We care at ThriVe+. 

If you’re worried about a positive pregnancy test result and you’re not sure what to do next, we can help there, too. We offer no-cost pre-abortion screenings and decision consultations. We’re here to support you with compassion and the information you need to make your own choice.

How can I cope with this?

While you’re waiting to take a test, you should be taking care of yourself. Stressing out can make the wait even harder. Here are a few tips to help you stay calm:

1. Talk to Someone: Share your feelings with a friend, family member, or someone you trust. ThriVe+ has women’s advocates here to listen. Just talking about it can make a big difference.

2. Distract Yourself: While you’re waiting on how to take pregnancy test, keep yourself busy with activities you enjoy. Watch a movie, read a book, go for a walk, or hang out with friends. It can make things harder if you’re just sitting around waiting.

3. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or stretching. These can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.

4. Stay Positive: Remind yourself that no matter what the outcome is, you have support and resources to help. Whatever you decide, you’ll make it through this.

What if my test is positive?

So you’ve found out how to take pregnancy test, you’ve taken one, and you’re not sure about the result. If you find out that you’re pregnant (or think you might be), our medical staff and advocates at ThriVe+ are here to help. We understand. This can be a confusing and uncertain time. 

If you need advice on next steps, someone to talk to, or more information about your options, you can rely on us. You’re in control and this is your choice – abortion, adoption, or parenting.

Find support and people to talk with during this time You shouldn’t go through this alone. ThriVe+ is a supportive place for accurate medical info and a ton of resources (that you might not know about!). We’ll provide medically-accurate information so you can make your own decision about what comes next.

Remember, the best time to take a pregnancy test is after you’ve missed your period. If you think you might be pregnant, please make an appointment when you’re ready. Take a breath. You’re smart, beautiful, and worthy. You’ve got what it takes. 

Sources:

1https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940

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