A late period can leave you questioning every symptom. Get a medical-grade pregnancy test at Bloom and talk through your result with our nurses, confidentially and at no cost.
When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?
Pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, a hormone produced during pregnancy. Your body needs time to produce a detectable amount, so testing too early may result in a false negative.
For a more reliable result, test one to two days after your missed period. If your periods are irregular and you do not know when to expect your next one, count 36 days from the start of your last period or four weeks since you had sex.
Consider scheduling a pregnancy test if:
- Your period is late or missed
- You have experienced pregnancy symptoms
- Your birth control failed or was used incorrectly
- You received a positive or unclear home test
- You tested negative but your period has not started
Are Home Pregnancy Tests Accurate?
Home tests can be a useful first step, but accuracy depends on timing, following the instructions, and correctly interpreting the result.
To reduce the chance of an incorrect result:
- Check the test’s expiration date
- Follow the instructions for that specific brand
- Use your first urine of the morning, when hCG may be more concentrated
- Avoid drinking large amounts of water immediately before testing
- Read the result within the time listed in the instructions
- Make sure the control line or symbol appears
Bloom provides professional-grade pregnancy testing administered by our medical staff. During your appointment, you will have an opportunity to discuss your result and ask what it may mean for your next steps.
What Happens After the Test?
If your result is positive, you may qualify for a limited obstetric ultrasound. A pregnancy test detects hCG, but it cannot determine how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, or whether the pregnancy appears to be progressing. An ultrasound can provide more information about the pregnancy itself.
If your result is negative but your period still has not started, our medical staff may recommend testing again. You may also be encouraged to follow up with another healthcare provider if your symptoms continue.
Schedule Pregnancy Testing at Bloom
You do not need to arrive with a plan or know what you would do if the test is positive. Start with the information available today.
Bloom provides confidential, no-cost pregnancy testing in Richmond and Midlothian.
