Inside the Clinic - Pregnancy Tests
Parkridge Pregnancy Testing and What Comes Next
Whether you have taken a test at home, or our clinic will be your first, we are here to provide free and confidential pregnancy testing. This blog will explain what a pregnancy test appointment looks like, as well as what comes next. If you have read our Inside the Clinic blog about STD tests, this post will look similar.
SCHEDULING
When you call to schedule a pregnancy testing appointment, you’ll be asked pre-screening questions over the phone. Pregnancy test appointments are scheduled for the earliest available time, that might be the same day you call or the next day. We are able to see patients the same day they call about 75% of the time! Once your appointment is scheduled, you will be sent patient forms via text in order to expedite the paperwork process when you arrive in the clinic.
CHECK IN
When you arrive for your appointment, you’ll be greeted at the front desk where you will need to provide an ID to check in. Once your name is called, you will be shown to a private bathroom where you will provide a urine sample. Pregnancy tests at Parkridge are done through testing your urine, we do not provide blood testing in our clinic. After providing your sample you will be shown to a counseling room and asked to fill out a health history intake form. This form helps us to know what resources and education we can provide to best serve you. After your form is completed, your nurse will go over it with you and make sure they have all the correct information about your potential pregnancy.
TESTING
While the nurse is processing your pregnancy test and reading your health information form, a Parkridge advocate will come in to talk with you more about the paperwork you filled out. At Parkridge, we desire to care for you through a holistic approach – where we can acknowledge your body as a whole and provide care for your mind, body, and spirit. This is why advocates are a part of your care team! Your advocate will be there to help you process and talk through any feelings you may be experiencing. After you’ve talked with an advocate, she will leave the room until your results are ready.
RESULTS
Your nurse and advocate will return to the room together to give you your results. Regardless of your plans for the pregnancy, we want to provide a safe space for you to receive resources and care while you consider your results and the information given. Nurses may recommend a follow up appointment or mental health check to be scheduled for the following week. Your nurse may also ask if you want an ultrasound the same day or may ask you to schedule a later appointment for one depending on certain factors.
NEXT STEPS
The end of each appointment will include a care plan with next steps.
If you may choose to parent, your care plan could suggest:
Establishing care with an OB
Taking prenatal vitamins and getting an ultrasound
Mental Health check
Taking our Bridges parenting class
If you may choose adoption, your care plan could suggest:
Establishing care with an OB
Taking prenatal vitamins and getting an ultrasound
Mental health check
Connecting with adoption agencies
If you may choose abortion, your care plan could suggest:
Getting an ultrasound
Mental health check or options counseling
Abortion education
After abortion support counseling
Our clinic is designed to be the best first place you go for help when finding out you are pregnant – especially if this pregnancy is unplanned or unexpected. If after your first appointment you are unsure about what to do with your pregnancy, our staff is available to continue providing care through repeat ultrasounds or counseling sessions as you consider your options.
Taking a pregnancy test can be overwhelming. We are here to walk with you through all of your feelings, no matter what that looks like. If you are, or think you may be, pregnant – call our clinic or click here to schedule an appointment today. You are not alone.
Regardless of whether or not you have insurance, we can help connect you with resources for long term medical care. We hope the information included here is helpful, and is received in conjunction with other medical information. This blog post is not intended to replace information directly received from a medical provider.
