Two hands holding a pregnancy test; male healthcare provider takes a woman's blood pressure measurement with BP cuff; online doctor smiles at telehealth patient from mobile phone

Positive pregnancy test guidance

Need to connect with a healthcare provider for guidance after your positive pregnancy test?

Same/next-day office appointments, complemented by 24/7 virtual care

$99

/year
Up to
50% savings
with Prime
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There is no One Medical office near your address.
You can still get 24/7 on-demand care with the One Medical app, but won't be able to book in-person appointments in your current location.

How One Medical works

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Schedule in-office or remote visits for chronic care (billed to you or your insurance)
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Easily access your health records and care plan

Get more as a member

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Start new chats with your care team, anytime, anywhere in the U.S.
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Easily request new prescriptions and renewals
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Get 24/7 on-demand video chat or messaging for urgent needs*
*Your provider may recommend scheduling in-office or remote visits for further diagnosis or ongoing care. These aren't included in membership and are billed to you or your insurance (copays/deductibles may apply). Available where One Medical operates.
A person holds a mobile phone while attending a virtual visit with a One Medical provider.

What does a positive pregnancy test result mean?

Home pregnancy tests work by checking your urine for the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Some home pregnancy tests can detect hCG before a missed period, but these tests are generally more accurate after a missed period. Home pregnancy tests are reliable when used correctly, and false positive results are rare.

An overview of early pregnancy

A late or missed period is often the first sign of pregnancy. A pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant, though you could still be pregnant and get a negative test result if you test too early. Early pregnancy symptoms can include:
• Breast changes like swelling and tenderness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Urinating (peeing) more often
• Feeling unusually tired
• Bloating or mild cramping

Frequently asked questions

Where are scheduled visits available?
In-Office Visits are scheduled appointments with the provider of your choice. One Medical members can easily book In-Office Visits at any of our One Medical offices, in:
Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Cape Cod, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Connecticut, D.C Metro Area (DMV), Dallas-Ft. Worth, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Milwaukee (coming soon), New Jersey (coming soon), New York City, Orange County, Phoenix, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, San Diego, Seattle-Tacoma, SF Bay Area, Triad, Tucson. More location details.
Remote Visits are scheduled, virtual appointments with the provider of your choice and are available in U.S. states where One Medical offices are located.
In-Office and Remote Visits are not included in the membership and are billed to you/your insurance; copays and deductibles may apply.
Do I need to confirm my home pregnancy test result with a provider?
Home pregnancy tests are very accurate, and you can trust a positive result - even if it’s very faint. Additional testing isn’t necessary, but people sometimes choose to take one or more additional home tests for peace of mind. A healthcare provider can also order a blood test to check for the same pregnancy hormone (hCG) that home tests look for, but a blood test is really only needed if there’s concern about symptoms like vaginal bleeding or bad cramping.
How can I learn about my options for this pregnancy?
A provider can walk you through all of your options. At One Medical, we’re committed to helping you navigate your reproductive health care options and supporting you in making the safest, most informed choice for your needs, priorities, and well-being. One Medical providers offer counseling on all of your reproductive health care options, regardless of where you live.
How do I choose a prenatal provider?
One of the first decisions to consider after a positive pregnancy test is which healthcare provider will guide you through the pregnancy. Deciding on a prenatal provider is a very personal choice that may involve factors like how and where you’d like to deliver your baby, which outlook on pregnancy best matches your preferences, whether your pregnancy is considered high-risk, and the resources available in your area. If you need help choosing a prenatal provider in your area, a primary care provider can offer guidance and a referral.
A few types of healthcare providers offer prenatal (pregnancy) care, including obstetricians (OBs), certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), and some family practice providers. OBs are physicians who specialize in pregnancy and delivering babies, and some OBs specialize further in caring for high-risk pregnancies. CNMs provide comprehensive and holistic care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Most CNMs work closely with OBs who can help with pregnancy care in the event of any complications. Some family practice providers, who offer primary care to people of all ages, also provide prenatal care. Certain family practice providers will assist with delivery, while others refer to an OB for labor and delivery care.
When should I have my first prenatal visit?
Once you’ve chosen a prenatal provider like an obstetrician (OB) or midwife, the provider’s office will help you to schedule your first prenatal visit. You can contact the prenatal provider’s office to schedule this appointment as soon as you’re ready. The first visit is usually planned for around 8-10 weeks from the start of your last normal menstrual period. During your first visit, your prenatal provider will usually review your health history, do a physical exam, order routine lab work, estimate your due date, and talk with you about what to expect during early pregnancy.
How can I deal with morning sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy)?
Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) are common symptoms of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. These symptoms may start at around 4-6 weeks into a pregnancy. To reduce nausea, try splitting your prenatal vitamins and taking half a tablet twice daily; eating smaller, more frequent meals; and choosing bland foods that are high in carbohydrates. If you’d like more detailed advice on how to manage morning sickness before your first visit with your prenatal provider, One Medical’s providers can offer guidance on strategies to reduce nausea and can help determine whether you might benefit from taking medication for more severe symptoms.
What does it mean if my period is late but my pregnancy test is negative?
There are a few possibilities. If you ovulated and became pregnant later in your cycle than you expected, it might be too soon for the test to detect the pregnancy hormone (hCG) in your urine. If you tested right around the time you expected your period to start, wait a few days and test again.
If the test is still negative, reach out to your provider for guidance. They may recommend another pregnancy test but will also consider other factors that could cause a delayed period. Many factors could lead to a delayed period, including: stress, not getting enough energy to meet your body’s needs, certain medications, or an underlying health condition.
I had a positive pregnancy test, but when I tested again I got a negative result, or my period has started. What does this mean?
Today’s home pregnancy tests can detect the pregnancy hormone (hCG) earlier than ever, and a pregnancy test may turn positive very soon after the fertilized egg implants in the wall of the uterus. If you had a definite positive result followed by one or more negative tests, this may indicate a very early pregnancy loss. A pregnancy that ends within the first 5 weeks from your last period is sometimes called a “chemical pregnancy” because the loss happens so early that the pregnancy could only be detected by a positive hCG test and would not show up on an ultrasound. With this type of pregnancy loss, a period usually starts within a few days of when it was expected. Chemical pregnancies are very common, though it’s hard to know exactly how common because many are thought to go undetected before a slightly delayed period starts.
Early pregnancy loss is different for everyone, and there’s no right way to feel. It’s important to know that support and resources are available if you need them. A healthcare provider can offer support if you need help understanding your test results or processing an early pregnancy loss.
Should I take a prenatal vitamin?
The body’s nutritional needs change during pregnancy, and prenatal vitamins are the best way to be sure those needs are met. Prenatal vitamins include a variety of nutrients that help to support a healthy pregnancy. These typically include folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, along with other key vitamins and minerals. There are lots of options for over-the-counter prenatal vitamins, but your provider may prescribe a prenatal vitamin if you need a specific formulation based on your health history or if you prefer to use insurance coverage (if applicable).