Pregnancy Test
A pregnancy test analyzes the urine or blood for the pregnancy hormone, officially called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. Within a week of an egg joining with a sperm, a fertilized egg implants in the uterus; this is where hCG is made and builds rapidly over the term of a pregnancy.
Symptoms
- Woman’s menstrual cycle is over a week late
- Possibly nausea, vomiting, followed by extreme hunger
Who is at risk?
Any woman of child bearing age who is sexually active can become pregnant, regardless of measures taken for prevention.
Treatment
If an over-the-counter urine test (home pregnancy test or HPT) turns up positive, a physician can order a blood test for hCG to verify the pregnancy is positive. Home pregnancy tests are usually fairly accurate.
Emergency Warning Signs: When should I see a doctor?
There is typically no need to consult emergency services for a pregnancy test, unless severe vaginal bleeding and/or pelvic pain is present. If a home pregnancy test is positive, arrange a follow up appointment with a physician for prenatal care.
Testing is now available at well-key urgent care.
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