Pregnancy Testing

What are signs of pregnancy?

The primary sign is a missed period. Other signs include nausea, fatigue, unexplained weight gain and breast tenderness.

Do not rely only on the presence of these signs to determine if you are pregnant, because other things may cause these signs, or you may not have signs.

A pregnancy test is a more reliable way to determine pregnancy in early stages so that medical advice may be sought as soon as possible.

How do pregnancy tests work?

Pregnancy tests detect the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in blood or urine that is produced during pregnancy.

Self testing is recommended

Self testing with a "home test kit" uses the same technology that's used at UHS, and self testing is convenience and private.

Disadvantages of self testing is the chance of error due to:

Using a dilute urine sample (for this reason, first-morning urine is recommended)
Reading the result earlier or later than specified
Testing too early

Testing at UHS:

Call 734-764-8320 and ask to speak with a nurse from the Gynecology and Sexual Health Clinic. There are costs for pregnancy testing at UHS.

Where can I get help?

At UHS, you can call 734-764-8320 and ask to speak with a nurse from the Gynecology and Sexual Health Clinic.

Counseling and Psychological Services (734-764-8312) offers free, confidential options counseling.

If you're concerned about pregnancy, you may want to sort out your feelings and clarify your options. Please remember, if you are pregnant, you have choices. You may choose parenthood, adoption or termination. We will help in any way we can, no matter what your choice, so be certain you take the time you need to make your decision, and do let us know how we can help.

Planned Parenthood has two local clinics and provides options for counseling.

UHS resources: