Center Services

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pregnancy tests

how pregnancy tests work

When you conceive, your body produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). As time passes, the concentration of hCG increases in your system. Urine-based pregnancy tests detect the presence of this hormone. When the hormone level rises to 20 mIU/ml (which is a very small amount), our pregnancy test will indicate a positive result. Each woman's body is unique and responds differently to pregnancy. Because of this, you may see positive results as early as 7-10 days after conception or as late as 1 week after your missed period, depending on your body's production of hCG.

pregnancy test results

If your test comes out negative, it does not necessarily mean you are not pregnant. Your hCG level might not have reached the necessary 20 mIU/ml level. You need to wait until 31 days after the first day of your last period and then test again.

If your test comes out positive, it means there is hCG in your system, which is a good indication that you are pregnant. But, there is something called EPL, or Early Pregnancy Loss, that can happen very early in pregnancy. This is when the fertilized egg fails to implant in the uterus. Or, if it is defective, it may implant and then be rejected. This happens much more than people realize. Some research shows that this happens as often as a successful pregnancy. So, even though the test detects hCG, you may experience EPL and not continue to be pregnant. Again, you need to be retested 31 days after the first day of your last period to be sure you have not experienced EPL.

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Telephone (Local)
Telephone (Toll Free)
Fax Line

712.276.0237
800.276.0237
712.276.0239

office address

THE ALPHA CENTER
4016 Morningside Avenue, Lower Level
Sioux City, IA 51106
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Hours: 8:45AM-4:30PM Monday-Thursday

The Alpha Center does not perform or refer for abortion and provides a written disclaimer to this effect to clients requesting services.