If I think I may be pregnant, when should I be tested?
Most women seek out a pregnancy test when they are late for, or have completely skipped a menstrual period. They may also be experiencing nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or breast tenderness, or feeling like they are getting their period but it just does not come. The pregnancy test offered by Student Health tests for the presence of the hormone HCG in urine or blood, which can accurately detect pregnancy as early as 7 to 10 days after conception. Whether testing urine or blood, the same test is used. In urine, the concentration of HCG can be affected by fluid intake, so the first morning urine (least diluted) is the best one for the most reliable test.
Student Health offers urine pregnancy tests upon student request by appointment. The test is confidential and is covered by your Student Health fee. All students are offered non-judgmental post-test counseling and support regardless of results. If you have any questions about pregnancy testing, or want to schedule an appointment, call Student Health at 681-WELL.
What are the symptoms of pregnancy?
- A late, or missed menstrual period
- Vomiting, especially early morning
- Breast tenderness or fullness
- A feeling that your period is coming but it just doesn’t materialize
- Nausea
- Fatigue
When should I seek out a pregnancy test?
Consider having a pregnancy test done if you’ve experienced any of the symptoms above, and:
- You’ve had intercourse without using contraception, with insufficient contraception, or had a contraceptive failure (e.g. a torn condom)
- You missed two or more birth control pills in your pack; your 3-month contraceptive injection was after 13 weeks; if your birth control patch has been off for more than one day or you started late,
- You’ve had intercourse against your will or without your consent
If you are within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, the Emergency Contraceptive pill could be an option (see Emergency Contraception).