There’s always a chance you could get pregnant if you’re sexually active.
If your period hasn’t arrived yet, you’re probably wondering about the best time to take a test.
There’s no “wrong” time to take a pregnancy test; just know that taking one too early or incorrectly could give you a false result, and you’ll likely need to retest.
In this blog, we’ll provide you with the information you need about pregnancy tests and the best times to get the most accurate results.
Relying on Symptoms
You may be familiar with all the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, such as a missed period, nausea with or without vomiting, tender or swollen breasts, etc.
Unfortunately, relying on pregnancy symptoms alone isn’t enough because women experience pregnancy differently. Some women may show pregnancy signs, while others do not.
For some women who do experience pregnancy-like symptoms, they could be caused by other conditions like PMS or a cold or flu.
How Does A Pregnancy Test Work?
Pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone exclusively produced during pregnancy.
HCG levels must rise in the early stages of pregnancy to become detectable, making it crucial to time the test appropriately for the most accurate result.
When Is the Best Time to Test?
Ideally, it’s recommended to take the test after the first day following a missed period or several weeks after engaging in sexual activity. For best results, conduct the test first thing in the morning when urine is the most concentrated.
If you do decide to take an early pregnancy test, keep in mind that it might not be accurate if it is negative. If you receive a negative test, test again after your missed period to confirm.
Following the instructions provided with the at-home pregnancy test is vital, as these guidelines can significantly enhance the accuracy of the results. In the event of a positive outcome, confirming the result with a medical-grade test and ultrasound is advisable to ensure its reliability.
Get a Free Medical Grade Pregnancy Test
A Hope Center offers no-cost medical-grade pregnancy testing so you can get the accuracy and answers you need.
If you receive a positive test, your next step is to get a limited obstetrical ultrasound with us to verify your pregnancy. Contact us to schedule a confidential appointment in a safe environment today.
*A Hope Center does not provide or refer for abortions.