Do I Need Blood Work to Confirm My Pregnancy?
When trying to confirm a pregnancy, blood work might seem like the first and most accurate way to get answers. While it can be helpful in some cases, it’s not the first step to take.
Are Blood Tests Necessary to Confirm Pregnancy?
Blood tests detect hCG, a hormone present during pregnancy. They can identify pregnancy earlier than a urine test in some cases, but they aren’t always required.
Urine tests are commonly used to detect pregnancy and are often accurate but they aren’t foolproof. Some tests are taken too early, and others may give unclear results. An ultrasound becomes especially helpful after about 6 weeks from the start of your last menstrual period. An ultrasound can confirm if the pregnancy is located in the uterus, measure how far along it is, and check for a heartbeat.
For women navigating an unplanned pregnancy and seeking clarity before making any decisions, this combination of a positive pregnancy test and ultrasound provides the essential information needed.
When Blood Work Might Be Used
There are certain situations where a medical provider may recommend blood work, especially if a woman has had irregular periods, previous miscarriages, or if the pregnancy needs to be tracked more closely. But for most women in the early stages of confirming a pregnancy, this isn’t the first step.
What If You’re Hoping to Confirm a Planned Pregnancy?
For women who are actively trying to become pregnant and are seeking early confirmation so they can begin prenatal care, we recommend connecting with an OBGYN. A medical provider can perform blood work and begin any prenatal screenings needed to support a healthy pregnancy.
Where to Begin If You’re Unsure
Unplanned pregnancy often brings questions and not all answers are easy to find online. We help women with unplanned pregnancies confirm their pregnancy at no cost and walk through their options with clarity.
If you’re feeling unsure and want real answers before doing anything else, we’re here to provide just that in a safe, caring, and confidential environment.
What to Do Next
If you’re unsure whether you’re pregnant or unsure what to do next, the first step is to schedule a free appointment with us. We’ll help confirm the pregnancy and give you a space to ask questions, get answers, and move forward informed.
