Is My Girlfriend Pregnant? How To Find Out And What To Expect

by | Nov 7, 2025 | Birth Parent Blog

Rear view of young woman in black talking with young man on the street, leaning on the wallIf you’re asking yourself, “Is my girlfriend pregnant?”, it’s natural to feel stressed or confused. The good news is that there are reliable ways to find out for sure.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the three main ways to confirm pregnancy: home pregnancy tests, clinical tests at a doctor’s office, and ultrasounds. You’ll learn when to take each test, how accurate they are, and where to get them.

We’ll also cover why symptoms alone aren’t enough to confirm pregnancy, what can cause false test results, and how to support each other during this uncertain time. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the steps you can take to get accurate answers. Here’s what you need to know about pregnancy testing and what to expect.

Table of Contents

The Most Reliable Ways to Confirm Pregnancy

1. Home Pregnancy Test

A home pregnancy test is usually the first step. These tests are easy to use and can give you quick answers.

What it does: The test checks urine for a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone only shows up when someone is pregnant.

When to take it: For the most accurate results, wait at least one week after a missed period. Testing too early can give you the wrong answer.

Where to get it: You can buy these tests at any pharmacy or grocery store. You don’t need a prescription or ID.

How accurate is it? When used correctly, home pregnancy tests are about 99% accurate. That’s very reliable!

How to use it: Most tests are simple—you either pee directly on the test stick or dip it in a cup of urine. Wait a few minutes, and the test will show the results. Always read the instructions on the package carefully.

2. Clinical Pregnancy Test at a Doctor’s Office

If you want to be extra sure, a doctor can do a pregnancy test at their office or clinic.

Two types of tests:

  • Blood test: This can detect pregnancy earlier than home tests and is slightly more accurate
  • Urine test: Similar to a home test, but done by medical professionals

Why see a doctor? A blood test can find pregnancy hormones as early as 6 to 11 days after conception (when the egg is fertilized). This is helpful if you need to know right away.

3. Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a medical scan that lets doctors see inside the uterus. It confirms pregnancy by showing the developing baby.

When it’s done: Usually around six to eight weeks after the last menstrual period (the start of the last period).

What it shows: The ultrasound can detect a gestational sac (where the baby grows) or even a fetal heartbeat. This gives you definite proof of pregnancy.

Symptoms Alone Don’t Prove Pregnancy

If you’re wondering “is my girlfriend pregnant” based on symptoms alone, you need to know that symptoms aren’t proof. Your girlfriend might have symptoms like:

  • Nausea or morning sickness
  • A missed period
  • Sore or tender breasts
  • Feeling very tired
  • Frequent urination

While these signs can suggest pregnancy, they’re not proof. Many of these symptoms can happen for other reasons, like stress, illness, or hormonal changes. The only way to know for sure is through testing.

Tests Can Sometimes Be Wrong

False negatives happen when a test says “not pregnant” but the woman actually is pregnant. A false negative usually occurs when:

  • The test is taken too early (before there’s enough hCG hormone)
  • The test has expired or was stored incorrectly
  • The instructions aren’t followed properly

False positives are rare but can happen if someone is taking certain medications or has specific medical conditions. A false positive is when the test says “pregnant” but the woman isn’t actually pregnant.

If you get unexpected results, take another test in a few days or see a doctor.

Communication and Support Are Important

Finding out about a possible pregnancy can be scary and emotional for both of you. Whether you’re asking “is my girlfriend pregnant” for the first time or waiting for test results, here’s how to handle this situation together:

  • Talk openly: Share your feelings and concerns honestly with each other.
  • Stay calm: Try not to panic before you know the facts.
  • Be supportive: Whatever the result, support each other through this experience.
  • Consider your options: If the test is positive, you’ll need to think about next steps together. Some couples feel pressure to get married because of an unplanned pregnancy, but it’s important to make decisions based on your relationship, not just the pregnancy. Take time to think about what’s truly best for everyone involved.
  • Seek help if needed: Talk to a trusted adult, school counselor, or healthcare provider if you need guidance.

What to Do Next

  1. Start with a home pregnancy test if her period is late.
  2. Follow the instructions carefully and check the results at the right time.
  3. Take another test a few days later if you’re unsure.
  4. See a doctor or visit a clinic for a clinical test to confirm
  5. Talk together about the results and what they mean for both of you.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many people go through pregnancy scares, and there are resources available to help you. Healthcare providers, school counselors, and pregnancy resource centers can provide confidential support and information.

Whether the result is positive or negative, the most important thing is to face it together with honesty and respect for each other.

Written by Heather Featherston

As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.

Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.

As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.

Read more about Heather Featherston

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