Pregnancy Testing in the Office

The uncertainty of not knowing if you’re pregnant can be nerve-wracking. A home pregnancy test sounds convenient, but may not be sensitive enough to discern a pregnancy until at least a week after a missed period.

Pregnancy Testing

Dr. Cook utilizes the most sensitive testing available to give you accurate results at the earliest possible moment. In addition, your OB/GYN has the experience to read those results with the highest degree of accuracy.

When to see the gynecologist

You need to schedule a visit with your OB/GYN as soon as you think you may be pregnant. If you’ve already used a home pregnancy test and the results were positive, it’s essential for your health and the health of your baby to begin receiving the proper care.

Even if a home pregnancy test revealed a negative outcome, it’s still important to see your OB/GYN to confirm those results. A visit with your OB/GYN will calm your anxiety and provide you with the information you need to make the best choice for your individual situation.

Types of pregnancy tests

When you become pregnant, your body will begin to produce a hormone called hCG. The exact day that you became pregnant can affect when hCG appears and in what amounts, making it essential that you see your OB/GYN as soon as possible.

Your OB/GYN has multiple ways to confirm pregnancy that includes:

  • Urine test
  • Blood test
  • Sonogram
  • Pelvic exam

The primary method of determining a pregnancy is through a urine test known as a UPT. Similar to a home pregnancy test, the UPT available at the OB/GYN’s office is more accurate and your clinician has experience in reading even slight variations in the smallest amounts of hCG.

A less common method is through the use of a blood test. The test has the ability to detect pregnancy from 6-8 days after ovulation. The downside is that it takes 2-3 days to get the results back and the sample must be sent to a lab.

There are two types of blood tests for pregnancy – qualitative and quantitative. The first provides you with a yes or no answer by determining if hCG is present. The second measures the exact amount of hCG.

A vaginal sonogram provides an image of the uterus and surrounding organs. You don’t have to maintain a full bladder for a sonogram, it only takes a few minutes and it’s painless. A sonogram is especially useful to determine that all is progressing well and if you’re pregnant with more than one child.

A sonogram is also useful for identifying if an ectopic pregnancy has taken place in which the fertilized egg attaches itself in one of the fallopian tubes rather than the uterus.

A pelvic exam is routine and the OB/GYN will press lightly on the abdomen to feel any changes in the organs. Your OB/GYN’s specialized training allows her to identify even small changes that can indicate pregnancy.

A combination of methods may be used to ascertain if you’re pregnant and if so, how far the pregnancy has progressed, and provide you with an estimated due date. You’ll be able to learn about your options, discuss any concerns, and obtain the professional assistance you need.

Visit your experienced gynecologist in Smyrna

An appointment with Dr. Cook is an essential first step if you think you think you may be pregnant. It’s logical to jump to the conclusion that you’re pregnant if you miss a period, but there are a number of conditions and situations that can result in a missed menstrual cycle.

Your OB/GYN has the necessary experience and highly sensitive tests to ascertain if you’re pregnant at the earliest possible time. It’s essential to your health and wellness, and provides you with the information you need to make the best decisions for your individual situation.

Request Appointment

For same day appointments please call us at (770) 431-2322. We make every effort to respond to your request right away during regular business hours.

About US

Our team’s mission is to provide quality healthcare to women in a nurturing environment that allows each patient to feel unique.
Dr. Nanette Cook & Staff
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