If you suspect you are pregnant, you might wonder when the best time to test is and how accurate the results can be.
While you can test before your period, pregnancy tests are most often used after you’ve missed your period.
Continue reading to learn more about how pregnancy tests work, their accuracy, and some tips if you’re considering testing.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Over-the-counter pregnancy tests can easily be picked up at your local drugstore. These tests examine your urine for a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) released by your body during pregnancy.
After an egg is fertilized, it travels down the fallopian tube and implants in the lining of the uterus, which usually occurs 6 to 10 days after conception. Once implantation occurs, hCG is produced, and the levels continue to rise with each passing day.
The timing of ovulation and implantation is different for every woman, so while some women may be able to get a positive test as early as 10 days after conception, tests are most accurate a day after you’ve missed your period.
Tips for At-Home Pregnancy Tests
Most over-the-counter pregnancy tests are simple and 99% accurate when used correctly. Use the following tips to help ensure you get the most accurate results:
- Read the instructions included, as some tests may differ
- Check the expiration date on the package.
- Avoid diluting your urine by drinking excessive fluids
- Test first thing in the morning
- Set a timer so you know how long to wait
Next Steps
Maybe you received a positive testing and don’t know what to do next.
While at-home tests are highly accurate, the best way to confirm your pregnancy is with a lab-quality test.
False positives and negatives are possible, so if you suspect you’re pregnant, a confirmation test can help you be sure.
Get Help Today
Finding out you’re unexpectedly pregnant can bring about feelings of fear and isolation. Maybe the uncertainty of your future is just too much to bear.
Here at New Beginnings Pregnancy Center, we want to help. Our clinic is a safe and judgment-free space where you can receive free pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy tests and limited ultrasound scans.
After learning more about your pregnancy, our trained staff can answer your questions and discuss your options.
You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Contact us today for your confidential appointment.