If you think you might be pregnant, one of the first questions you may have is which type of pregnancy test you should take.
Perhaps you’ve already taken a home pregnancy test and aren’t sure whether you can trust the results. Or maybe you’ve heard that blood tests are more accurate and are wondering whether you should schedule one instead.
The good news is that both blood and urine pregnancy tests are designed to detect the same pregnancy hormone. However, they do so in different ways, and each serves a different purpose. Understanding the differences can help you know what to expect and what your next steps should be if you receive a positive result.
Read on to learn more, or contact New Beginnings of Wincheste to find a safe space to talk, free pregnancy testing, and follow-up ultrasounds.
How Do Blood and Urine Pregnancy Tests Work?
Both blood and urine pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone your body begins producing after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
The main difference is where that hormone is measured.
A urine pregnancy test, such as an at-home test or one performed at a pregnancy center, detects hCG in your urine. Most urine pregnancy tests are highly accurate when taken after a missed period and used according to the instructions.
A blood pregnancy test measures hCG in your bloodstream. Because hCG enters the blood before it reaches the urine, blood tests may be able to detect pregnancy slightly earlier than urine tests. Blood tests are performed by a healthcare provider and require a blood sample that is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Which Pregnancy Test Is More Accurate?
Many people assume that blood tests are always better, but the answer depends on your situation.
Blood tests are generally more sensitive and can detect very small amounts of hCG. This makes them useful when a healthcare provider needs additional information or suspects a very early pregnancy.
However, urine pregnancy tests are also highly accurate when they’re taken at the appropriate time. If you wait until after you’ve missed your period and carefully follow the instructions, a urine pregnancy test is often more than sufficient to confirm pregnancy.
If you receive a negative result but still think you may be pregnant, it may simply be too early for your hCG levels to be detected. In that case, waiting a few days and testing again or following up with a healthcare provider is recommended.
What Should I Do After a Positive Pregnancy Test?
Whether your pregnancy was confirmed with a blood test or a urine test, the next important step is getting an ultrasound.
Many women are surprised to learn that neither type of pregnancy test can tell you:
- How far along are you
- Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus
- Whether the pregnancy is viable
An ultrasound provides this important medical information.
For example, an ultrasound can identify an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus and requires immediate medical treatment. It can also determine your pregnancy’s gestational age and assess whether the pregnancy appears to be viable.
If you’re considering your pregnancy options, an ultrasound gives you important information you need before making any decisions.
Get the Answers You Need at New Beginnings of Winchester
If you think you might be pregnant, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
At New Beginnings of Winchester, we provide free, confidential pregnancy testing in a caring, supportive environment. If your pregnancy test is positive, we can also provide an ultrasound so you can learn important details about your pregnancy and better understand your options.
Our team is here to answer your questions, provide accurate information, and support you every step of the way.
Contact New Beginnings of Winchester today to schedule your free, confidential appointment. We’re here to help you find the answers you need and the support you deserve.