Should I Take a Pregnancy Test at a Pregnancy Center?
Should I Take a Pregnancy Test at a Pregnancy Center?
A pregnancy test can tell you whether you’re pregnant. But how is taking one at a center any different from an at-home test?
Someone Is with You
No matter what answer you get, it can help to have someone with you when you get your results. By taking a test at a pregnancy center, you can talk with someone right after the test results.
Your Result Can Be Reviewed by a Licensed Professional
At our Ankeny location, your pregnancy test is taken under the direction of our licensed medical staff, who review and document your results. This makes it a first step towards confirming your pregnancy, and a positive test is what allows us to schedule an early pregnancy limited OB ultrasound, the next step in learning more about your pregnancy. This service is currently available at our Ankeny location.
At Des Moines, you’ll take a self-administered test with a client advocate by your side to talk through your results and next steps with you.
You Can Learn About Your Options
A positive test can raise complicated questions. At Alpha Women’s Center you can speak with someone about any questions you might have and learn more about your options.
What a Pregnancy Test Appointment Looks Like
When you visit Alpha Women’s Center for a pregnancy test, you’ll be greeted at the front desk and given a brief Request for Service form to complete. This form will ask for your contact info and how we can best care for you. We’ll also need to make a copy of your ID.
After you fill out the form, someone will show you to our bathroom and give you a pregnancy test to take privately.
While you wait for the pregnancy test results, you’ll meet one of our friendly client advocates. She’ll show you to a private room where she’ll get to know you better through a brief, confidential intake process with a few questions.
At our Ankeny location, if your pregnant test is positive, one of our nurses will also meet privately with you to discuss your medical history and information about the pregnancy.
Our staff understands that this can be a stressful time and there is no judgment when you visit Alpha Women’s Center.
What Happens After a Positive Test?
A positive pregnancy test doesn’t tell you everything. An early pregnancy limited OB ultrasound is an important next step. This will give you information about the pregnancy that affects your options and your timeline, such as how far along you are.
Because your positive test was reviewed by our licensed medical staff, you can request a limited OB ultrasound at our Ankeny location right after your visit or through our website.
To learn about what an ultrasound appointment looks like at our center, you can read “Why Do I Need an Ultrasound After a Positive Pregnancy Test?”
Why Alpha Women’s Center
When a recent client was asked about her experience at our center, she said that the staff had a “friendly manner and respect for everyone.”
You can visit our center, ask questions, and talk to someone without feeling judged or pressured.
Alpha Women’s Center is located in Des Moines and Ankeny. You can call 515-965-7885 (Ankeny), 515-285-5700 (Des Moines), or visit our website to learn more or request an appointment.
References
What Are the Benefits of Taking a Pregnancy Test at a Clinic?, APRCC, Accessed October 6, 2026.