Pregnancy Testing: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Pregnancy Testing?
An obstetrician-gynecologist, a doctor who cares for pregnancy and women's health, or a primary care doctor can order a pregnancy test and explain the result. You can also do a urine test yourself at home. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A pregnancy test checks a sample of your urine or blood for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. The placenta starts making hCG after a fertilized egg attaches to the inside wall of your uterus.
Urine tests can be done at a provider's office or with an at-home kit. Blood tests are always done in a provider's office or a lab. Blood tests can show whether you are pregnant before you have missed your period.
Why a doctor might recommend it
You may need this test if you think you are pregnant. The most common sign of early pregnancy is a missed period.
An hCG level that does not rise as it should may mean a problem with the pregnancy. These problems include miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy can be a medical emergency.
How to prepare
You can buy a home pregnancy test kit without a prescription.
For a home test, these steps can help you get an accurate result.
- Follow the instructions that come with your test, because the steps depend on the brand.
- Do not drink large amounts of fluid before you collect your sample.
Fertility drugs, which are medicines to help you get pregnant, could affect your results.
What happens during it
Home kits include test sticks or strips that react to hCG in your urine. For most kits, you hold the stick in your urine stream or dip it into a cup of urine. If your test uses a control symbol and you do not see it, the test did not work, so you need to take another one.
For a blood test, a health care professional takes a blood sample from a vein in your arm with a small needle. The process usually takes less than five minutes.
Recovery
Blood test results may take hours to more than a day. A positive result means that hCG was found in your sample, which usually means you are pregnant. See your provider as soon as possible to make sure you get the right care.
A negative result means that hCG was not found in your sample, so you may not be pregnant, but this is not always the case. Because hCG levels rise every day in early pregnancy, it is a good idea to repeat the test a week after the first one. If you get negative results on two home tests but still think you are pregnant, call your provider.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for bleeding that will not stop, severe belly pain or pressure, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, or fainting.
Risks and side effects
You may have slight pain or bruising where the needle went in for a blood test, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Who performs it
Home pregnancy tests are quick and easy to use, so you can take one yourself. Your doctor can use a blood test to tell for sure whether you are pregnant.
Common questions
When is the best time to take a home pregnancy test?
A home pregnancy test may be more accurate if you wait until after the first day of your missed period. Testing your urine first thing in the morning can boost the accuracy.
Can a home pregnancy test be wrong?
Yes, a home test can say you are not pregnant when you really are. It can also say you are pregnant when you are not.
What does a faint line on a home test mean?
If you see a line or plus sign, no matter how faint, you are most likely pregnant.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. After a positive home test, you should call your doctor to schedule an appointment. Seeing your doctor early in your pregnancy also means you can begin prenatal care to help you and your baby stay healthy.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Pregnancy Test
- Office on Women's Health - Pregnancy tests
- MedlinePlus - Pregnancy test (Medical Encyclopedia)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
