After unprotected sex, it is valid to want to know quickly if this has led to a pregnancy. However, when it comes to pregnancy testing, sooner is not always more effective. Understanding when to test for pregnancy will yield the most accurate results.
Hands of Hope PRC offers free self-administered, medical-grade pregnancy testing, so you can skip the worry and have your results evaluated by a professional. Schedule your appointment today.
So, How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your body. HCG is a hormone your body begins producing after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. As hCG levels rise, pregnancy tests can detect the hormone in your urine or blood and indicate whether you are pregnant.
Most at-home pregnancy tests use a urine sample and are highly accurate when used correctly.
When To Take A Pregnancy Test
The best time to take a pregnancy test is after you’ve missed your period. By this point, your body has usually produced enough hCG for the test to detect accurately.
Some early-result tests claim they can detect pregnancy several days before a missed period, but testing too soon increases the chance of a false-negative result. If you test early and get a negative result but still think you may be pregnant, wait a few days and test again.
For the most accurate results:
- Take the test in the morning when your urine is most concentrated
- Follow the instructions carefully
- Check the expiration date on the test
- Wait at least a week after a missed period if your cycles are irregular
Be sure to wait the time the pregnancy test recommends before checking the results. Checking too soon could lead to a false negative.
A Positive Test Is Just the Beginning
A positive test may come with new worries and concerns. A pregnancy test confirms hCG is present, but it doesn’t tell you how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus, or whether the pregnancy appears to be progressing. This information is imperative for accurately evaluating your options.
At Hands of Hope PRC, we offer limited ultrasounds after a positive pregnancy test to help paint the whole picture. Our medical staff is available to walk you through your results and answer your questions.
Reach out to schedule your free, confidential appointment. You don’t have to walk in uncertainty; we are here for you.