If you’ve missed your period and are wondering whether you could be pregnant, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and keep reading to learn more about when to test, how accurate tests are, and when you should seek further medical assistance. Getting accurate test results is the first step to making an informed decision.
Contact us with questions you have about pregnancy testing and to schedule a free, confidential appointment today. We’re here for you!
Why Timing Matters
Pregnancy tests—whether taken at home or in a clinic—work by detecting a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine. This hormone is produced after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus, but it may take several days for your body to make enough hCG to be detected. If you test too soon, your hCG levels might not be high enough for the test to pick up, which can lead to a false-negative result—even if you are pregnant.
For the most accurate result, it’s best to wait a few days after your missed period before taking a pregnancy test. Many home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy as soon as the first day of a missed period, but testing a few days later increases reliability.
The Best Time of Day to Test
Your first-morning urine is typically the most concentrated, which means it will have the highest level of hCG if you’re pregnant. Testing right when you wake up can help boost the accuracy of your result. Drinking a lot of fluids before testing or taking the test later in the day can dilute your urine and affect the test results.
What If You Get a Negative Result?
If you take a test and it’s negative but your period still hasn’t started, try not to stress. Instead, take another test again in a few days. There are many reasons for a missed or late period—including stress, changes in weight, exercise, or irregular cycles—that don’t always mean pregnancy.
However, if your period remains absent and you still get negative results, consider scheduling a visit with a healthcare provider to explore other causes.
When to Seek Help
If you feel unsure about your results or how to proceed, A Hope Center is here to provide support and guidance. We offer no-cost, medical-grade pregnancy testing, and if your test is positive, an ultrasound to confirm and estimate your pregnancy progress. All services are confidential and designed to provide you with clarity and support in a welcoming environment.
Take the next step—schedule your appointment today and get the answers you need to make confident decisions.