Pregnancy test

Pregnancy test A pregnancy test is used to determine if a woman is pregnant. It is usually performed when a health professional or a woman suspects she is pregnant, or before using clinical services that may interfere with a pregnancy. This is done by analysing a sample of urine or blood for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

For more information, see Pregnancy Test.

Obstetric ultrasound

Obstetric ultrasound Some women will realise they are pregnant if they experience symptoms such as frequent urination, nausea (morning sickness), and a late period. However, pregnancy can be confirmed using a urine test available at pharmacies. An obstetric ultrasound may also be used to diagnose pregnancy and to estimate a due date.

For more information, see Obstetric Ultrasound.

Tool: Pregnancy due date

Pregnancy Due Date

Enter the date of your last menstrual cycle to calculate your expected pregnancy due date.

1. Select your last Menstrual Date:
Expected Due Date:

The information presented here is for general purposes only and should not be used to make diagnosis or treatment decisions. For specific information about your health you should see a health professional.


Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis Pregnancy investigations are procedures used to diagnose complications or foetal abnormalities. Amniocentesis involves inserting a needle into the uterus to withdraw a sample of amniotic fluid.

For more information, see Amniocentesis.

Patient experience: Sarah tests her foetus’s DNA and her will

Patient experience: Amniocentesis If the baby is discovered to have a severe disability, through an amniocentesis, parents can choose whether they would like to continue or terminate the pregnancy. Sarah found this investigation not only tested her baby’s DNA but also her strength to stand for what she believes in.

For more information, see Patient experience: Sarah tests her foetus’s DNA and her will.

More information


Pregnancy
For more information about pregnancy, including preconception advice, stages of pregnancy, investigations, complications, living with pregnancy and birth, see
Pregnancy.

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