So you think you're pregnant? Take a test and find out! Most hopeful moms-to-be want to know right now. In most cases, you can know for sure as soon as one week after conception. When implantation occurs, the developing placenta begins to produce the hormone HCG - human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone is detectable as early as one week after conception in your blood, and 7 - 10 days in your urine.
The urine test can be performed in the doctors office or at home (home pregnancy test kits can be purchased from most pharmacys). A very early test may register negative if your body has not yet produced enough HCG. A repeat test a few days later may come out positive. A home pregnancy test is nearly 100 percent positive within 7 to 10 days after conception.
Prenatal care office visits
Once you have confirmed that you are pregnant, call us and make an appointment to begin caring for yourself and your developing baby. The following schedule outlines the typical routine for a normal pregnancy.
First visit is scheduled for 10 - 12 weeks
You will be given a comprehensive exam in order to determine your general health and the progress of your pregnancy. This exam will include a pelvic exam and to obtain all of your vitals, such as your weight, measurment, blood pressure, full blood work-up, and an initial ultra sound.
Your next visits will be scheduled for once a month through 32 weeks
At each of these visits your vitals will be checked again, plus at certain milestones, other tests will be done.
At 16 weeks, an AFP blood test will be performed.
At 20 weeks, a comprehensive ultra sound will be performed.
Between 26 and 28 weeks, a test for gestational diabetes will be done.
Your next visits will be scheduled at 34 and 36 weeks
At each of these, your vitals will be checked.
Starting at about week 36, you will be scheduled for weekly visits until delivery
At each of these visits your vitals will be checked and a pelvic exam will also be done.
Between weeks 36 to 37, a test for Group B strep will be done.
Whether your test registers positive or negative, if you think your are pregnant, take care of yourself and your baby as if you were pregnant.
A few drops of blood can let you know if you are pregnant as early as one week after conception. This blood test is performed in the doctor's office or a laboratory. Within a day or two, you will have the final results. The test is nearly 100 percent accurate, depending on no laboratory error.
