A Guide to Pregnancy Testing

Life often surprises us with unexpected twists and turns, and finding out you may be pregnant when you least expect it can be an overwhelming experience. The moment the thought pops into your head, "Am I pregnant?" can be a mix of emotions – excitement, uncertainty, and even fear. If it's your first time facing this possibility, it's completely natural to feel unsure about what steps to take next. Questions flood your mind – Are home pregnancy tests accurate? Should I schedule a doctor's appointment?

In this blog, we're here to guide you as we explore the world of pregnancy testing. We'll walk you through three different kinds of pregnancy tests, discussing their accuracy, how to obtain them, and what you can expect from each option. Whether you're feeling lost or just seeking reassurance, we're here to be a support to you on this journey.

Home Pregnancy Test:

A home pregnancy test is easily accessible and can provide quick answers in the comfort of your own home. It's simple to use - just pee on the stick and wait for the result. The test detects a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine secreted by the developing placenta after fertilization.

Accuracy: Home pregnancy tests can be fairly reliable when you follow all the directions, offering over 97% accuracy, usually after the first day of a missed period. 1 However, testing a few days after the missed period can give you an even more dependable result. Reasons for a false positive can include having a recent miscarriage or abortion, being on certain medications, or testing too soon.

Where to Go: You can find home pregnancy tests at local pharmacies, grocery stores, or even order them online. It's all about convenience.

What it Tells You: A positive result indicates that you might be pregnant, while a negative result could mean you're not pregnant or you tested too early.

Lab Pregnancy Test:

The lab pregnancy test is a great option when you need more assurance. It's different from the home test, as it tends to be more accurate since medical personnel administer it.

Accuracy: The lab test can detect pregnancy as early as 7-12 days after conception and are over 97% accurate.

Where to Go: To get this test, you'll need to visit a medical facility or a clinic where caring healthcare professionals will support you. Collage provides lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost to you.

What it Tells You: Like the home test, the lab test is an indication that you might be pregnant.

Ultrasound:

Although it’s not an actual ‘test’ ultrasound is the only way to confirm if a pregnancy is viable and can provide additional insights that others can't.

Accuracy: Although viability may be detected as early as 6 weeks after your last menstrual period, the timing of your first ultrasound varies depending on your provider. Some people have an ultrasound as early as seven to eight weeks of pregnancy. 3

Where to Go: A medical facility, clinic, or specialized imaging center can administer an OB ultrasound. At Collage, we provide limited OB ultrasounds at no cost.

What it Tells You: The ultrasound confirms the presence of a viable pregnancy and the estimation of the baby's gestational age. It's an opportunity to see the baby's growth and to understand more about the journey ahead.

What do I do if I think I may be pregnant?

You can always start with a home pregnancy test. We’d say it’s best to wait until after you’ve missed your period.

pregnancy test calculator

If your home pregnancy test is positive, we recommend making an appointment with your health care professional. If you don't have a doctor, are concerned about medical bills, or are overwhelmed with the thought of being pregnant and need someone to come along side you, please call Collage. We’re here to help you figure out what your next best step is as well as offering free lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited OB ultrasounds to help determine if you are pregnant.

This journey is unique to you, and whatever you decide, know that you have the strength to embrace this new chapter in your life. Take it step by step, and know that you are not alone.

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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.