Maybe you’re not feeling quite like yourself lately and think you could be pregnant.

While some women don’t experience any symptoms in early pregnancy, women commonly experience:

  • Missed period
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Tender, swollen breasts
  • Mood swings
  • Bloating

The above symptoms do not necessarily indicate that you’re pregnant, but if you’re sexually active, it’s always best to take a pregnancy test to be sure.

At-Home Pregnancy Tests

When fertilized, an egg travels through the fallopian tube and implants in the uterine lining.

After implantation, the placenta begins to form, which releases hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).

Receiving a positive result from an over-the-counter pregnancy test means that the test has detected hCG in the woman’s urine.

HCG levels may be detectable as early as 6 to 10 days after conception, but for the most accurate results, you should test after you miss your period.

While at-home tests are highly accurate, receiving a lab-quality test and follow-up ultrasound is critical to confirm your pregnancy.

Follow-up Ultrasound

Ultrasounds provide insight into the growth and development of the pregnancy and valuable information about your pregnancy options.

Three key pregnancy details provided by ultrasound include:

1. Viability

The presence of a fetal heartbeat determines viability. If there is no heartbeat and you have miscarried, you may need additional medical advice on passing the pregnancy.

2. Age

The age of the pregnancy is calculated using ultrasound measurements. Because the FDA states that the abortion pill should not be used beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy, age is a crucial detail needed to understand your options.

3. Location

The location of a pregnancy is typically within the uterus. However, in an ectopic pregnancy, implantation occurs in the fallopian tube, abdomen, ovary, or cervix and can be a life-threatening condition if not treated appropriately. Abortion is not a treatment for ectopic pregnancy.

Next Steps

Salem Pregnancy Care Center is here to help if you think you could be pregnant.

We offer free lab-quality pregnancy tests and limited obstetric ultrasound scans. After learning more about your pregnancy, our team can answer your questions and discuss your options.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact us today for your confidential appointment.