When you think you could be pregnant, it can be tempting to take a pregnancy test right away. But taking one too soon can leave you with a negative result that may not actually answer your question.
So, when is the right time?
For the most reliable result, wait until the first day[1] after your missed period to take a pregnancy test. If you’re unsure when your period is due, there are other ways to determine when it may be time to test.
Horizon Pregnancy Resources provides free, confidential, lab-quality pregnancy testing so you don’t have to interpret the results on your own. Request an appointment to get started.
Why Does Timing Matter?
Pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)[2], a hormone that begins to be produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
It takes time for hCG to reach a level that can be detected in urine. This means you can be pregnant but receive a negative result if you test too early.
Waiting until after your missed period gives hCG more time to increase and improves the likelihood of an accurate result.
What If My Period Is Irregular?
If your menstrual cycle doesn’t follow a predictable schedule, figuring out when you have actually “missed” a period can be difficult.
Irregular periods[3] can happen for many reasons, including stress, changes in weight or exercise, hormonal changes, certain health conditions, and some forms of birth control. Also, ovulation[4] may not occur at the same point in every cycle.
If you’re uncertain about your timing, you can also schedule pregnancy testing at Horizon Pregnancy Resources and talk through your questions with an advocate. We offer pregnancy testing at no cost and without requiring insurance.
What If the Pregnancy Test Is Negative?
A negative pregnancy test means the test did not detect enough hCG in your urine at that time. If you tested early, however, your hCG level may simply have been too low to register.
If your period still hasn’t started, wait a few days and test again.
You may also want to follow up if you continue experiencing possible pregnancy symptoms[5] despite a negative result. Possible symptoms include a missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, or needing to urinate more often. However, symptoms alone cannot confirm a pregnancy, and some early pregnancy symptoms can be similar to those you experience before your period.
What If the Pregnancy Test Is Positive?
A positive pregnancy test can tell you that hCG has been detected, but there are still things the result cannot tell you.
For example, a pregnancy test cannot determine how far along you are or provide information about whether you’re actively pregnant or have miscarried. An ultrasound can provide more information about the pregnancy.
Following a positive pregnancy test, Horizon Pregnancy Resources offers free ultrasounds performed by licensed sonographers for those who qualify. Our limited ultrasound examination is used to estimate gestational age and detect fetal cardiac activity.
Get Answers at Horizon Pregnancy Resources
If your period is late, you received an uncertain home test result, or you simply want confirmation, you can start with pregnancy testing at Horizon Pregnancy Resources. If your result is positive, you can also learn whether you qualify for a free ultrasound and talk with an advocate about your pregnancy options.
Request an appointment or call or text (210) 651-1611 to get started.
References:
[1] Home Pregnancy Tests: Can You Trust the Results? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
[2] Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22489-human-chorionic-gonadotropin
[3] Irregular Periods. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22489-human-chorionic-gonadotropin
[4] Ovulation. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23439-ovulation
[5] Am I Pregnant? Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant
