Health Services
Self Care

Pregnancy Testing

Description
The most common indication of possible pregnancy is a delayed menstrual period. Some women may experience no other noticeable symptoms. Others may experience breast tenderness or enlargement, nausea, weight gain, or fatigue. However, these symptoms can occur for reasons other than pregnancy.

A delayed menstrual period may occur for reasons such as stress or anxiety, changes in eating habits (especially strict dieting), increased exercise, illness, or hormonal fluctuations. A woman may want a pregnancy test if she is trying to get pregnant, has had unprotected intercourse or a possible contraceptive failure.

Health Services offers free urine pregnancy testing, counseling, and referrals for further care. All care and counseling received at the Engle Center is strictly confidential.

Health Services offers two types of pregnancy tests, a Blood Test and a Urine Test. Both test for the presence of the hormone HCG, which is produced by the body during pregnancy. The blood test and the urine test can be ordered 32 days after the first day of the last menstrual period. Results are available within a few minutes of the urine test. The urine test is free and the blood test is at laboratory cost and the result is usually available the next day.

More Information/Questions
For more information, Messiah students may call Health Services at 691-6035.