September 2, 2024 If you’re sexually active, there’s always a possibility of pregnancy. If your period is late, you might wonder when the best time to take a pregnancy test is. Taking it too early or incorrectly might lead to a false result, meaning you may need to test again. In this blog, we’ll provide essential information about pregnancy tests, including when to achieve the most accurate results. How Does A Pregnancy Test Work? Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the body. HCG is the pregnancy hormone that starts producing after an embryo implants in the uterus and can be found in blood and urine. At-home pregnancy test kits found at pharmacies are commonly urine-based. To use a pregnancy test, you can either hold the end of the test stick in your urine stream, dip it into a cup of collected urine, or apply a few drops of urine to the designated area of the test. After a few minutes, you’ll see the result. This might be displayed as a plus or minus sign, the word “yes” or “no,” one or two lines, or as “pregnant” or “not pregnant.” When Is The Best Time To Test? In the early stages of pregnancy, the levels of hCG in your blood and urine increase rapidly, doubling every 2 to 3 days. While most at-home pregnancy tests claim to be able to tell if you’re pregnant before your period, for the most accurate results, waiting a day after a missed period is best. If you get a negative result but you still think you might be pregnant, take another test one week after your missed period or contact your healthcare provider. Getting Free Pregnancy Testing Even if you’ve taken an at-home test, follow up with free, lab-quality pregnancy testing at The Legacy Center. If you test positive, we can provide an options consultation to explore your pregnancy options and connect you with valuable resources to help support you during this critical time. We’re here for you. Make a free and confidential appointment today.
