Pregnancy Testing

If you suspect you may be pregnant, confirming your pregnancy early is essential for your health and the health of your baby. While home pregnancy tests can be convenient and generally reliable, they are not foolproof. False positives and negatives are possible, which is why professional testing is the most accurate way to confirm your pregnancy. At North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery, we offer expert pregnancy testing at our offices in Raleigh, Holly Springs, and Cary, along with personalized prenatal care services that support you and your baby from the very beginning.

Benefits of Early Pregnancy Detection

Early detection of pregnancy provides several critical benefits:

• Timely Prenatal Care – Starting prenatal care early allows you to make informed decisions and receive guidance on nutrition, lifestyle, and supplements, which are crucial during the first trimester.
• Accurate Pregnancy Dating – Knowing how far along you are can be essential in monitoring your baby’s development and scheduling timely ultrasounds and tests.
• Identification of Risks – Early visits can help identify any potential health concerns, enabling you and your healthcare provider to manage them effectively throughout your pregnancy.

By confirming your pregnancy with our experienced OB/GYNs, you can ensure that you and your baby get off to the healthiest start possible.

How Pregnancy Testing Works

Pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which is produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. The amount of HCG increases rapidly in early pregnancy, making it an ideal marker for confirming pregnancy.

Types of Pregnancy Tests

At North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery, we offer two main types of pregnancy tests: Urine Pregnancy Tests – Performed in our office, a urine pregnancy test (UPT) detects HCG and offers quick results, usually within minutes. While home pregnancy tests work similarly, a professional UPT at our office ensures higher accuracy and proper follow-up care. Blood Tests – Blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests and can detect pregnancy earlier, sometimes before a missed period. They are particularly useful if you need early confirmation or if there is any uncertainty with the results of a urine test. The results typically take 24 to 48 hours and provide additional information such as the precise levels of HCG, which can help in determining how far along the pregnancy is. We may also recommend an ultrasound (sonogram) to visually confirm the pregnancy and assess how far along you are.

Schedule Your Pregnancy Confirmation Appointment

If you think you may be pregnant, please schedule an appointment to get confirmation and start prenatal care as soon as possible. Our team is here to guide you through every step of your pregnancy and delivery. Contact us today to schedule a pregnancy test at the Raleigh, Holly Springs, or Cary offices of North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery.