Apparently, surprise births are not all that uncommon. A 2002 paper published in the British Medical Journal estimated that it occurs in about one in every 2,500 pregnancies, suggesting about 320 cases in the UK every year.

If there is any question in your mind as to whether or not you are pregnant, it never hurts to take a test. You don’t want to be one of those women on the news 9 months from now for giving birth in an airplane bathroom because you didn’t know you were expecting!

How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?

Pregnancy tests work by searching for the hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine or bloodstream. This hormone will only be present if you are pregnant because it is created by the developing placenta as it thickens the uterine wall.

You can purchase an at-home pregnancy test at any drugstore. You will urinate on a stick and then wait a few minutes to see if the test is positive. Or you can go to a healthcare provider for a blood test, which in some cases is more accurate.

What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy?

Common signs of early pregnancy include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Increased urination
  • A missed period
  • Moodiness
  • Tender or swollen breasts
  • Appetite changes

When Should You Take a Test?

If the pregnancy is too early, there may not be enough hCG to be detected in your urine, and you could get a false negative on a test. Most doctors recommend waiting until after your first missed period to take a test. 

However, Cleveland Clinic reported that hCG could be detected as early as 10 days after conception. 

How Can I Confirm My Pregnancy?

At our clinic, we offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to help you confirm your pregnancy. We can also answer any questions you have and help you find helpful resources for your next steps. Please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.