Seeing a positive pregnancy test can bring a flood of emotions. Whether you were expecting the result or it came as a complete surprise, you probably have questions about what to do next.
If you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, you may be wondering if that’s enough to confirm your pregnancy. While home pregnancy tests are highly accurate when used correctly, they don’t tell you everything you need to know about your pregnancy.
That’s why it’s important to follow up with a medical professional. Confirming your pregnancy with medical-grade testing and an ultrasound can provide valuable information to help protect your health and support informed decision-making. Read on to learn the top three reasons you need to confirm your pregnancy test results with an ultrasound, or contact New Beginnings for next steps.
1. A Home Pregnancy Test Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Home pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone your body begins producing after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
While these tests are generally very accurate, they have limitations.
A positive result tells you that hCG is present, but it doesn’t confirm that you’re officially pregnant, as other health conditions can mimic pregnancy. Furthermore, if you are pregnant, a pregnancy test doesn’t confirm that your pregnancy is viable. In some cases, pregnancy hormones remain in your body even after a miscarriage, meaning you could still receive a positive test result even though the pregnancy is no longer developing.
A medical professional can help confirm your pregnancy and determine the appropriate next steps based on your unique situation.
2. An Ultrasound Provides Critical Information About Your Pregnancy
After a positive pregnancy test, one of the most important next steps is an ultrasound.
An ultrasound provides information that a pregnancy test simply cannot, including:
- Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
- Whether the pregnancy is viable (meaning you haven’t miscarried)
- Approximately how far along you are
This information is essential for protecting your health.
For example, an ultrasound can identify an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment and cannot continue normally.
An ultrasound can also help give you a more accurate estimate of your pregnancy’s gestational age, which is important when thinking through your pregnancy options. For example, the abortion pill is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under.
3. Medical Confirmation Helps You Make an Informed Decision
An unexpected pregnancy can make you feel like you need to make a decision immediately.
You may be thinking about your future, your relationships, your finances, or how your life might change. While those concerns are understandable, it’s important not to make a decision before you have all the facts.
Meeting with a medical professional gives you the opportunity to ask questions, discuss your pregnancy, and receive accurate medical information about your options. It also provides a safe place to talk through your concerns without relying on internet searches or others’ advice.
Find Compassionate Care at New Beginnings of Winchester
If you’ve received a positive home pregnancy test, New Beginnings is here to help you take the next step.
We offer free, confidential medical-grade pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds for qualifying patients so you can receive important information about your pregnancy in a caring, judgment-free environment. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and provide the support you need to make an informed decision.
Contact New Beginnings today to schedule your free, confidential appointment. You’re not alone in navigating this. We’re here for you.