Am I pregnant?
Have you recently had unprotected sex? Did contraception fail the last time you had sex? Do you think you might be pregnant?
Specific bodily and hormonal changes can tell you that you're pregnant.
If you’ve had unsafe sex or notice any symptoms of pregnancy, it’s advisable to take a urine pregnancy test. The best time to take a test varies on the brand of pregnancy test you choose. It can be between two and three weeks after the unsafe sex or as soon as you notice your period in late.
The urine pregnancy test is the best choice since it's a precise and reliable test when carried out properly.
If the result is negative, the bodily signs you’re experiencing may be due to a change in contraceptive, stress or fatigue, not pregnancy. If the symptoms persist, we suggest you take another pregnancy test about five days later, using the first urine of the day and following the instructions on the pregnancy test box.
Symptoms of pregnancy
- Vomiting/nausea
- Sensitive/swollen breasts
- Marked fatigue
- Absence of menstruation
- Mood swings
- Frequent need to urinate
- Headaches
- Cramps
- Etc.
Pregnancy tests
There are two ways to find out if you're pregnant: a urine pregnancy test or a blood test.
These tests work by detecting chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG), which begins to be produced at the start of pregnancy.
Blood pregnancy tests require a doctor's prescription. Depending on the situation, it may be appropriate to take one. Don't hesitate to contact a health professional to get a prescription for a blood sampling.
On the other hand, urine tests can be obtained at pharmacies, some CLSCs and big-box stores. Wherever you buy the test, and no matter the brand or model, a urine pregnancy test is 99% reliable, as long as you follow the instructions on the test box.
In most cases, a urine test is all that is needed to confirm a pregnancy.
You can come take a free urine pregnancy test at Grossesse-Secours.
Pregnancy test steps
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1. Test preparation
In the bathroom, take the test out of its packaging and remove the cap from the indicator stick. **It's best to use the first urine of the day, as it contains the highest concentration of hCG, the pregnancy hormone.**
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2. Urinate
a) Urinate directly onto the indicator stick for the number of seconds indicated on the box (usually 5 seconds).
OR
b) Urinate in a clean container and soak the absorbent stick in the container for a few seconds. -
3. Verification
Make sure there is a line in the control window. This means that the test has worked. If you don't see a line in the control window, you need to do the test again.
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4. Wait
Wait the time specified on the test box before interpreting the result.
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Positive result
The way to analyze the test result may vary according to the test model. Follow the instructions on the test box.
In general, one OR more lines appear in the control window AND the result window if the test is positive.
Even if the indicator on the result window is pale, this still means that the result is positive.
Call us if you have any doubts or questions.
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Negative result
The way to analyze the test result may vary according to the test model. Follow the instructions on the test box.
The test is negative when a line appears in the control window, but no line appears in the result window. If this is the case, you aren’t pregnant.
Call us if you have any doubts or questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are some urine pregnancy tests better than others?
No, you can buy your pregnancy test at a pharmacy or any other store. You can also get one free of charge from Grossesse-Secours. All the tests are equal reliable and valid.
The most important thing is to follow the instructions on the test box and make sure that the control window has worked properly.
How much does a pregnancy test cost?
The price of pregnancy tests can vary. Generally speaking, they cost between $20 and $25. You can also get them at low cost or even for free.
Price is not an indicator of reliability. Any test is 99% reliable.
If you have a health insurance card, you can also obtain one free of charge from some CLSCs.
You can also take a free urine pregnancy test at Grossesse-Secours and get support if you need it.
Is a blood pregnancy test more reliable than a urine pregnancy test?
Urine pregnancy tests are 99% reliable, provided you:
- follow the instructions on the box.
- use the first urine of the day.
- interpret the results correctly.
A blood pregnancy test is 100% reliable but isn’t necessary to confirm a pregnancy. You need a doctor's prescription for blood sampling.
My test result is negative, but I'm still experiencing symptoms of pregnancy. What should I do now?
Having pregnancy symptoms does not necessarily mean that you’re pregnant.
Many factors can trigger bodily or hormonal changes: taking or stopping medication, a new contraceptive method, stress, fatigue, and many others.
If you get a negative result, but your pregnancy symptoms persist, take another pregnancy test about five days later, using the first urine of the day and carefully following the instructions on the pregnancy test box.
If the result is still negative and you’re still experiencing symptoms of pregnancy, consult a healthcare professional.
How many weeks pregnant am I?
To estimate how many weeks along the pregnancy is, take the date of the first day of your last period. Then calculate the number of weeks that have passed since then. This gives you the estimated number of weeks of pregnancy.
Ultrasound is the only way to determine the exact number of weeks of pregnancy.
