Saint Helens Free Pregnancy Tests
When you visit one of our centers, we can provide you with free pregnancy testing during your appointment. If you believe you may be pregnant, contact us or come into one of our centers near Saint Helens to get a free pregnancy test in-clinic. Our urine-based tests are laboratory-rated and 99% accurate.
Our lab-certified free pregnancy tests will be administered by nurses, whenever possible. If you request, you will be provided with a written “verification”; or in the absence of medical personnel, a “confirmation” of your positive pregnancy test. However, only a physician can “diagnose” a pregnancy. This is just a technical medical distinction which may matter for insurance purposes.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment for a free pregnancy test, please give one of our centers near Saint Helens a call today.
Common Signs of Pregnancy
According to the Mayo Clinic, here are a few of the more common signs of pregnancy:
- If you have missed a period (it’s been more than a week since you should have started) – though if you have an irregular cycle, this may not be true
- Tender or swollen breasts due to early hormonal changes
- Nausea with or without vomiting (morning sickness)
- Increased frequency of urination
- Fatigue
- Moodiness
- Bloating
- Light spotting about 10-14 days after conception (known as implantation bleeding)
- Uterine cramping
- Constipation
- Food/odor aversions
- Nasal congestion
But know that signs of pregnancy are not universal – some women will experience more or less of these. If you think you might be pregnant for whatever reason, get in touch with a staff member at our local PRCs near Saint Helens, Oregon to set up an appointment for a free in-clinic pregnancy test.
Types of Pregnancy Test
There are four basic types of pregnancy test. All of them rely on detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the body, which is only produced during pregnancy.
Home Pregnancy Test (HPT)
These can be bought at many stores and administered by a woman on her own. A chemical in the “stick” changes colors when exposed to hCG in urine. When administering an HPT, it is important to wait long enough after becoming pregnant, or you increase the risk of obtaining a false negative result.
Clinical Urine Pregnancy Test
This is essentially the same as a home pregnancy test, as it is urine-based. However, it comes with the added confidence of knowing the test is administered appropriately.
Blood Test – Qualitative
Urine-based pregnancy tests work because hCG from the blood is secreted in the urine. However, checking blood levels of hCG directly is an even more reliable way to determine pregnancy. By drawing a small sample from the mother, a lab can determine whether or not she has hCG in the blood, and thus whether or not she is pregnant with an even higher degree of certainty than the 99% that comes from a urine-based test.
If you would like to learn more about the different kinds of pregnancy tests, or to schedule a time to come in and get free pregnancy testing near Saint Helens at your local Pregnancy Resource Center, give us a call or contact us today!
Blood Test – Quantitative
A quantitative blood test only differs from the qualitative in how specific it is. A qualitative test will determine if hCG is present, whereas a quantitative test will determine how much hCG is present in the mother’s blood.
Where to Go to Get a Pregnancy Test Near You
- Supermarkets, drug stores, or online retailers will sell home pregnancy tests (HPTs)
- For an in-clinic urine-based pregnancy test, you can go to your local PRC or schedule an appointment with your doctor. The benefit of coming to PRC is that the test is completely free to you, but is still run by a lab and assisted by nurses whenever possible
- For blood-based pregnancy tests, you will need to schedule an appointment with your doctor
Saint Helens Free Pregnancy Test Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the more common questions we receive about our free pregnancy testing. If you’d like to speak with someone about your situation or you have a question that isn’t addressed here, we encourage you to give us a call or stop by one of our Pregnancy Resource Center clinics near Saint Helens.
What are the advantages of a urine-based test administered by a nurse over one that can be done at home?
The greatest benefit to having your test done in an office with a trained helper (often a nurse) like you’ll work with at PRC is confidence in knowing that the test is done right. The tests themselves are 99% accurate if done correctly.
How accurate is your pregnancy test?
Our tests are laboratory rated and 99% accurate. Urine-based pregnancy tests detect the hCG hormone in a pregnant woman’s system. Since the production of hCG can vary greatly from woman to woman, sometimes as much as 20-fold, time periods when a “positive” test occurs can also vary. Our pregnancy tests can detect some women’s hCG level as early as 7 days after conception (21-24 days after the first day of your last period), although some women’s hCG level is not detectable until at least one week after a missed period.
Can I have a retest if my test is negative and my period still doesn’t start?
Yes, you may be rescheduled for another test. The hCG hormone concentration doubles approximately every 2.2 days during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Is a blood-based pregnancy test more accurate?
A urine-based pregnancy test detects hCG hormone in the urine, whereas a blood test measures the hCG levels in the blood directly. So yes, a blood test is more accurate. PRC only provides urine pregnancy tests; your physician or clinic can perform a blood test to formally diagnose your pregnancy.
Should I see a doctor if I have a second negative test and have not started my period?
If you have any medical concerns, you should see your health care provider for assessment. If you need resources for health care, PRC can provide you with referrals.