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.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

How Does Abortion End My Pregnancy?

May 29, 2026

If you’ve recently learned you are pregnant unexpectedly, we understand how overwhelming this might feel right now. If you're considering abortion as an option, taking time to understand how the process works is important so you can make an informed decision. Collage is here to help provide you with confidential support and abortion information at no cost. We offer a safe space, free of judgment, where you can think calmly about your options, receive lab-quality pregnancy testing, and get a complimentary ultrasound so you can get the facts around your pregnancy and learn what options are available to you. Schedule your free appointment today. Medical Abortion Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, ends a pregnancy by using two drugs taken at different times. The first pill, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone and causes the embryo’s death. The second drug, called misoprostol, is usually taken a day or two after and causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy tissue through cramping and bleeding. Common side effects can include bleeding and cramping, bleeding with blood clots, and a low-grade fever. Medical abortion is only approved through ten weeks of gestation by the FDA . Follow-up care is typically recommended after a medical abortion to make sure the process is complete. Surgical Abortion Surgical abortion terminates a pregnancy in a clinic or medical setting and involves removing pregnancy tissue from the uterus through a suction device or a tool called a curette. This can also be called dilation and evacuation or dilation and curettage . Common side effects of surgical abortions are bleeding and cramps. You may also have a late or early period as your uterus has to build a new lining after the procedure. What Are The Risks Of Abortion? Medical and surgical abortion both have possible risks that you should be aware of. Some women may also experience emotional responses afterward. Complications that can arise from abortion are: Infection. Scar tissue on the uterine wall, known as Asherman's syndrome . Heavy bleeding that may not stop. Diarrhea and digestive pain. An incomplete abortion. Confirm Your Pregnancy With An Ultrasound Before making a pregnancy decision, it is important to verify your pregnancy with an ultrasound. An ultrasound provides important medical details such as how far along you are, the location of the pregnancy, and whether a heartbeat is detected. These details are important since the abortion pill is not FDA-approved for over ten weeks, and it also rules out ectopic pregnancy, which requires urgent medical attention. As many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and you can still get a positive pregnancy test result for days or weeks after a miscarriage because it takes time for hCG to leave the body. An ultrasound will confirm whether or not you have miscarried. We provide no-cost pregnancy services at our center, including limited OB ultrasounds, so you can get informed about your pregnancy and options. Get Pregnancy Support at College If you're considering your next step after learning you are unexpectedly pregnant, we are here to give you a safe place to ask questions and learn more about your options. Collage provides confidential appointments and no-cost pregnancy services, including medical-grade pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STD testing . You don’t have to figure this out alone. We are here to listen. Schedule your free confidential appointment to learn more about your options. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

April 21, 2026

Facing an unexpected pregnancy brings up a lot of questions, and it makes complete sense that you want to understand every option before deciding anything. If you're considering the abortion pill, knowing what it actually involves, including its side effects, is an important part of making a decision based on the facts. You don't have to sort through this alone. Schedule a no-cost appointment with Collage today to get your questions answered. How the Abortion Pill Works The abortion pill uses two drugs taken in sequence. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone that supports the growth and development of the pregnancy. Without it, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining. The second drug, misoprostol, is typically taken at home and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. Heavy bleeding and cramping will be part of this process, and some women have described the pain as more severe than they anticipated. Side Effects to Know Beyond bleeding and cramping, the abortion pill can also cause these side effects : Upset stomach Vomiting Diarrhea Headache Fever Chills These side effects vary from woman to woman, which is one reason having a healthcare provider involved matters. Without medical oversight, it can be difficult to know what's within the range of normal and what requires immediate attention. Your personal health history also plays a role in how your body responds. Speaking with a medical professional before proceeding is an important step in protecting your well-being. Why an Ultrasound Matters First Before considering any pregnancy option, an ultrasound provides information that a pregnancy test simply cannot. It can confirm whether the pregnancy is progressing, rule out an ectopic pregnancy , and tell you how far along you are. The FDA approves the abortion pill only through 10 weeks gestation, making that last detail a critical piece of information for your safety. We're Here for You Whatever you're feeling right now, there’s no pressure here. At Collage, we genuinely care about you and want to make sure you have everything you need to make a sound decision. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds, and our team is ready to talk through all your options, parenting, adoption, and abortion, in a warm, supportive environment. Schedule your no-cost appointment today. We're so glad you reached out. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

3 Things to Know if You Are Considering Mail-Order Abortion

March 26, 2026

Facing an unexpected pregnancy can bring a lot of emotions, and often, a sense of urgency to make a decision quickly. You may have seen options online to order abortion pills by mail and wondered if it’s a simple solution. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand how this option could affect your health and what steps you can take to make a fully informed decision. 1. Your Health Should Always Come First Mail-order abortion often skips important medical safeguards. In many cases, there is no in-person evaluation before receiving the drugs. That means key health factors, such as your medical history and potential risks, will not be fully considered. There can also be uncertainty about the source of the drugs, including how they were handled, stored, or dosed. In fact, the FDA does not recommend this option because the drugs’ quality, safety, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. Taking time to understand your health first is a smart and proactive way to protect yourself. 2. You Need Clear Answers About Your Pregnancy A pregnancy test alone doesn’t give you the full picture. Before considering abortion, it’s important to confirm details about your pregnancy through an ultrasound. An ultrasound can tell you: How far along are you? Whether the pregnancy is developing (or if you’ve miscarried ) Where the pregnancy is located These details matter more than you might think. Abortion pills are FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation, and without accurate dating, it’s possible to miscalculate how far along you are. An ultrasound can also detect an ectopic pregnancy , which occurs outside the uterus and requires immediate medical attention. Abortion pills will not treat this condition. What’s more, if you’ve experienced a miscarriage, you may require medical follow-up to prevent complications. Getting these details first helps ensure your safety. We offer limited OB ultrasounds following positive lab-quality pregnancy testing with us. 3. It’s Important to Understand the Process and Risks Mail-order abortion may sound straightforward, but it’s important to know what it may actually involve. The process includes significant cramping and bleeding as the body expels the pregnancy, with some women describing the pain as being unexpectedly severe . Other side effects can include: Nausea or vomiting Fever or chills Diarrhea Headaches There are also potential risks , such as heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion that may require additional medical care. Without in-person support, it can be difficult to know what’s expected and when something may need medical attention. You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone When everything feels overwhelming, it can help to take a moment to evaluate your next steps and get the information you need. At Collage, we provide no-cost, confidential services so you can ask questions, gather accurate information, and explore your options at your own pace in a one-on-one setting. Schedule your appointment today. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.