Pregnancy Tests Explained — A Guide for Early Pregnancy
As a midwife, I often meet women very early in pregnancy — sometimes before they’ve shared the news with anyone else. It’s a privilege to walk alongside you from the very beginning, offering simple, reassuring information and gentle care.
How Pregnancy Tests Work
Pregnancy tests detect a hormone called hCG, which your body produces once a pregnancy begins. Levels rise quickly in early pregnancy, making tests more accurate as the days go on.
Home Pregnancy Tests
Home tests from pharmacies are very reliable when used correctly. You can:
Wee directly on the test stick, or
Dip the test into a small cup of urine
Testing first thing in the morning is best. Results may show a line, a plus/minus sign, or the word pregnant. Even a faint line can indicate pregnancy.
Blood Tests
A blood test through your doctor or midwife is around 99% accurate. It can:
Confirm pregnancy
Help estimate how far along you are
Be helpful if you’ve had bleeding, pain, or previous pregnancy loss
If a home test is negative but your period hasn’t arrived, a blood test can give clarity.
Early Care After a Positive Test
Early midwifery care supports both your physical and emotional wellbeing especially when concern arise – help and care is available.
Recommended Supplements
Most women are advised to take:
Folate – reduces the risk of neural tube defects
Iodine – supports healthy brain and nervous system development
These can be taken as individual supplements or as part of a pregnancy multivitamin. Ideally start 6 weeks before pregnancy, or as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.
Routine Blood Tests
Early blood tests check:
Blood group
Iron levels and blood count
Immunity and infections
Conditions that may affect pregnancy
A pap smear or breast check may be offered if due.
Blood Group and AntiD
Your early blood test will show whether you are Rh positive or Rh negative.
If Rh negative, further tests can be arranged and/or you may need Anti D injections during pregnancy or after birth. We guide you gently through further testing options if it applies to you.
Understanding Ultrasounds
Ultrasounds help us check your baby’s growth and development.
Early dating scan (from 6 weeks): Confirms pregnancy, checks viability, estimates dates.
11–13 week scan: Assesses chance of chromosomal conditions and checks early anatomy and screens for pre-eclampsia risk
20 week morphology scan: A detailed look at organs, growth, and placenta.
Growth scans: Done later if needed.
Some women need extra scans depending on their history or how the pregnancy is progressing. We always explain why and support you through each step.
Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
NIPT is a blood test from 10 weeks that screens for chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome. It:
Is a screening test (not diagnostic)
Poses no risk to your baby
Can predict fetal sex if you wish
Returns results in 5–14 days
We take time to explain what the test looks for, what results mean, and next steps if a higher chance result is found. Early referral to specialist services can be arranged when needed.
Gestational Diabetes Testing
Most women are tested between 24–28 weeks, though some may be tested earlier depending on risk factors. Your midwife or doctor will explain what’s recommended for you.
Immunisations
Certain immunisations are recommended during pregnancy to protect both you and your baby. These can be discussed at any time.
Extra Care When Needed
Some pregnancies benefit from additional monitoring, especially if you have:
Early pregnancy bleeding
A history of miscarriage or pregnancy loss
Medical conditions
A previous preterm birth
A higherrisk pregnancy
Extra care is about support, not worry. Midwifery care remains central, with early referrals made when needed.
Ongoing Pregnancy Visits
Typical visit schedule:
Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks
Every 2-3 weeks until 34 weeks
Every 1-2 weeks until birth
This may vary depending on your unique needs.
We’re Here for You — Early and Anytime
Pregnancy care is not just about tests and scans — it’s about feeling supported, informed, and listened to.
With Belle Fleur Midwifery we can:
Discuss early pregnancy concerns
Explain test and scan results
Talk through screening options
Arrange referrals when needed
Our telehealth appointments are bulkbilled (conditions apply) making early midwifery care accessible from the very beginning.
You don’t have to wait, and you don’t have to navigate early pregnancy alone. Midwifery support is here for you — every step of the way.
HI, I’M TIONIE
A midwife with almost 20 years experience and a registered nurse for over 23 years.
