Every once in a while, we might notice something that seems a bit different. Whether it’s the way we think about something or the way that we physically feel…you just know. Perhaps lately you’ve had a sense or suspicion about what’s going on in your life and body. If you find yourself thinking, “I just feel off…could I be pregnant?” then it’s possible you’re dealing with some difficult and distressing emotions right now! Where can you go to find certainty about whether or not you’re pregnant?
Feeling ‘off’ could point to so many different conditions, and can even result from stress or life changes. It’s important to gather certainty about whether the way you feel is caused by pregnancy or something else. That’s where Avenue Women’s Center is here for you. As a first-step pregnancy center, we love to provide free and confidential resources to help you in this stage of your journey!
Call or text us today to find out how we can partner with you.
Familiarize Yourself with Signs of Pregnancy
Maybe you just feel “off” but so far don’t seem to have any of the typical pregnancy symptoms. The strength or prevalence of pregnancy symptoms varies from woman to woman and it seems some women may not experience very many symptoms at all! Anecdotal evidence sometimes points to women who ‘just know’ that they’re pregnant even without typical symptoms. It’s always a good idea to refresh yourself on what some early signs of pregnancy are, such as:
- Missed period
- Tender, sore breasts
- Morning sickness
- Fatigue
However, relying on ‘feeling off’ or even some of the typical pregnancy symptoms is not the best way to get certainty about whether or not you are pregnant.
Solid Steps to Certainty
Of course, the first and foremost way to determine whether you’re pregnant or not is by taking a pregnancy test! While typically accurate, taking a test at home can sometimes lend false negatives. This is especially the case if the test is taken too soon after possible conception. Each test varies, but often, it is recommended to wait at least ten days after possible conception for medical-grade pregnancy tests. And, for the typical at-home tests, waiting until the first day of a missed period is generally recommended.
Your doctor or OBGYN or doctor’s office can often provide you with a medical-grade pregnancy test. At Avenue Women’s Center, we offer free and confidential medical-grade pregnancy tests which show accurate results just ten days after possible conception. We care about your peace of mind and equipping you for your next steps.
If your medical-grade test is negative or you’d like further confirmation, blood testing may come in handy. Blood testing measures the levels of hCG in your blood rather than in your urine. These tests are typically quite accurate and may be performed at a doctor’s office or medical clinic.
If you test negative again and again and still feel off, it may be time to check in with your regular healthcare provider just to make sure something else isn’t going on that needs to be treated.
We hope to empower you to move forward with your life regardless of your results. Our pregnancy consultants are caring and helpful and they look forward to walking with you through this time. Receive peace of mind and learn more about your next steps at one of our six Chicagoland centers!
Schedule your pregnancy test with us at the location nearest you!
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.