Library of Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosing pregnancy

For many women, missed periods are the first signs of pregnancy, but they are not a reliable indicator. Doctors can’t accurately diagnose a pregnancy until the baby’s heartbeat can be heard. This can be done with an ultrasound at about ten or twelve weeks. Blood and urine tests can be performed sooner and have a high accuracy rate. These tests can detect pregnancy as soon as eight to ten days after a missed period. If you use a home pregnancy test, it is important to note that a positive result is more likely to be correct than a negative one.

Apart from lab and home tests, additional signs of pregnancy may include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, food cravings, frequent urination, and tender, swollen breasts. If you are experiencing any of the early signs of pregnancy, you may want to have a pregnancy test. The earlier you begin prenatal care, the better. 

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