The first step to finding out if you’re pregnant is to make an appointment at Sac Valley Women’s Health in Sacramento for a medical grade free pregnancy test.

What should I expect from my visit

Your visit will last about an hour. You will meet with our patient advocate and take a urine-based pregnancy test.

What if my pregnancy test is positive?

If your test is positive and you meet the requirements, we will schedule an ultrasound appointment after a patient advocate talks with you.

What is hCG and what does it have to do with pregnancy tests?

Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is a hormone produced by the developing pregnancy. This hormone is found in the urine of women who are pregnant. A urine-based test looks for this and shows a positive result if it finds this hormone in the woman’s urine.

Do all pregnancy tests have the same sensitivity to hCG?

No. Our tests are 99 percent accurate and test as low as 25mIU/mL.

How early can a pregnancy test give positive results?

Because our test is so sensitive, it may pick up a positive result as early as 1 day after a missed period. The test may detect the presence of hCG, but it does not guarantee a viable pregnancy.

If I tested before my first missed period, should I be retested if my period still has not started after 31 days?

Yes. If you test earlier than 31 days, and it is negative, a test should be given at 31 days or later to verify the results, if your period has not started. This is because your hCG level may have been too low to show up on the first test.

Are there any other conditions that can cause a wrong reading?

There are some medical conditions that will change the test results. They are complicated and uncommon. If you test negative after 31 days and your period does not start, you should see your doctor.

Does the information that I give you matter for pregnancy testing?

It’s important to remember that we rely on what you tell us about your period date, the regularity or irregularity of your periods, and your sexual activity when we do your pregnancy test. This helps us make sure we give you accurate information.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. We do not perform abortion services.

Call us at (916) 451-2273, or Text (916) 538-1097 or request an appointment online.