Do you think you might be pregnant? Taking a pregnancy test is the first step in finding out.
How Pregnancy Tests Work
Pregnancy tests detect the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body. This hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. It can be detected in both urine and blood.
Home Pregnancy Tests
Home pregnancy tests are the most common method of pregnancy testing. These tests are widely available and are easy to use. They involve placing a small sample of urine on a test strip, which then detects the presence of hCG.
Results are typically shown as lines, symbols, or digital readouts indicating “pregnant” or “not pregnant.” Most home pregnancy tests claim to be around 99% accurate when used according to instructions, especially if taken after a missed period.
Blood Tests
Blood tests for pregnancy are performed at a healthcare provider’s office or in a lab. There are two types of blood tests: qualitative and quantitative.
The qualitative test checks for the presence of hCG, confirming whether you are pregnant. The quantitative test measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood, providing information to monitor early pregnancy health.
Blood tests can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests, usually around 6-8 days after ovulation. However, they are less commonly used.
When to take a pregnancy test
Taking a pregnancy test at the right time is crucial for obtaining accurate results. Here are the factors to consider:
- Timing: The best time to take a home pregnancy test is after you’ve missed your period. Most tests are designed to be used on the first day of your missed period because this is when the levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are high enough to be detected in your urine. Testing too early may result in a false negative, as hCG levels may not be detectable yet.
- Early Detection: Some pregnancy tests claim to provide accurate results a few days before a missed period. However, for the most reliable results, wait until at least the first day of your missed period. If you can’t wait, be aware that early tests are less accurate and may require follow-up testing.
- Best Time of Day: For the most accurate results, take the test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated. This timing increases the chances of detecting hCG if you are pregnant.
- Irregular Periods: If your periods are irregular, try counting 36 days from the start of your last period or four weeks from the last time you had sex to ensure you’re not testing too early.
Next Steps
If you think there’s a chance you might be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test is the first step. And if you receive a positive result, following up with an ultrasound is the next best step.
At First Choice Women’s Center, we provide free, medical-grade pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds to give you the answers you need.
Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.