Testing for Pregnancy at Parkhealth Medical Centres in Cape Town

Pregnancy Testing

At Parkhealth Medical Centres, our doctors in Cape Town offer both hCG urine pregnancy tests as well as pregnancy blood tests which we send through to the pathologists.

How do Pregnancy Tests work?

Pregnancy tests work by reacting to the level of hCG in either your urine or blood.

In a urine test, a small piece of reactive paper is able to detect the hCG levels in your urine. This is where it will display double vertical lines, a plus sign, or the word “pregnant”, depending on which test/brand is used.

Pregnancy blood tests are more sensitive than a urine test and are therefore usually only done in special circumstances. However, we always recommend a blood test as a follow-up to confirm the result of a urine pregnancy test.

Pregnancy Scans / Pregnancy Ultrasounds (US)

A pregnancy ultrasound is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the developing baby as well as the mother’s reproductive organs.

An ultrasound, also known as a sonogram or pregnancy scan, can assist with monitoring normal fetal/foetal development and screen for any possible complications or birth defects such as Spina Bifida or Anencephaly.

Depending on the growth of the fetus/foetus, you may be able to hear its heartbeat during an ultrasound, this is one of the most heart-warming experiences a mother can have before giving birth to their child.

Contact us for more information or to book an appointment with one of our doctors in Cape Town.

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