Have you missed a period or noticed any other signs of pregnancy? Then perhaps you’re wondering whether or not to take a pregnancy test! Learn all about when to take a test, how pregnancy tests work, and how accurate they are, plus how soon a pregnancy can be detected, how to read a pregnancy test, and more. Show
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone known as hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Often called the “pregnancy hormone,” hCG is produced by the developing placenta after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus lining following conception. Your body will continue to produce hCG at very high levels in the first three to four months of pregnancy. It signals your body to sustain the pregnancy and can be detected by pregnancy tests in your urine and blood. What Types of Pregnancy Tests Are There?Two types of pregnancy tests can detect the presence of hCG: urine tests and blood tests. The typical home pregnancy test you can get at the drugstore tests your urine, whereas a healthcare provider must conduct a blood test. A Urine Pregnancy TestA home pregnancy test uses your urine to detect hCG. If you’re wondering where to buy pregnancy tests like these, you can get one at any drugstore, grocery store, or community clinic, or from your healthcare provider. Once you have one, your next question might be how to use a pregnancy test. The process for taking a home pregnancy test is relatively straightforward; here’s what to do:
You can take a urine pregnancy test in your healthcare provider’s office or at home. In the office setting, the provider can ensure a correctly performed and give you the results. A Pregnancy Blood TestOnly a healthcare provider or clinician can perform a pregnancy blood test. A blood test won’t offer an immediate result like with a urine test—it can take from a few hours to more than a day—but it’s more sensitive and accurate. A common question is how soon or how early you can take a pregnancy test. One perk about pregnancy blood tests is that they work during early pregnancy. So, how soon can a blood test detect pregnancy after conception? They work as early as 9 to 12 days after conceiving! There are two types of pregnancy blood tests:
What pregnancy test is the most accurate? Both types of pregnancy blood tests can indicate pregnancy early and more accurately than at-home urine tests. How Accurate Are Pregnancy Tests?Most home pregnancy tests claim to have an accuracy rate of 99 percent; however, the result you receive can depend on various factors, such as:
Can You Get a False Negative Result?Yes, it’s possible to get a false negative result on your pregnancy test when you are actually pregnant. What can cause a false negative pregnancy test? False negatives typically occur if
That last point begs the question how soon will a pregnancy test read positive or negative? Depending on the test and its instructions, you may need to wait as long as 10 minutes to get the most accurate result. Follow the instructions on your test closely and give the test time to work. If you’re feeling anxious or excited, you may even want to set a timer and find a distraction, so you don’t look too soon! Can You Get a False-Positive Result?It’s possible to get a false-positive result on a home pregnancy test, meaning that the test shows you’re pregnant when you’re not. This outcome is rare, however. What can cause a false positive pregnancy test? You could get this result if you’re taking a fertility drug containing hCG, for example, or if you simply take the test incorrectly. When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?We’ve already mentioned the best time to take a pregnancy test above, but this is such a common question that it’s worth emphasizing! The best time to take a pregnancy test is a week after your missed period. This time is when the results will be more accurate. You can take a test earlier, but it’s better to wait until after your first missed period, as you might not be producing enough hCG before then. But, can you take a pregnancy test while on your period? How long after sex can you take a pregnancy test? Again, these are very common questions, but remember that your body only produces hCG after the fertilized egg implants itself in the lining of your uterus and the placenta starts to form, which might cause some light implantation bleeding. Your hCG levels will double every two to three days during the first few weeks of pregnancy, which is why it’s a good idea to wait to take a pregnancy test. In the meantime, if you’re wondering whether you’re pregnant or not, you might want to look out for some early signs of pregnancy, which may include If you suspect you may be pregnant, you can test your knowledge with our “Know Your Early Signs of Pregnancy” quiz below: What to Do After a Positive Pregnancy TestOnce you learn the news, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. If you want to know how far along you are in your pregnancy, check out our Due Date Calculator. The Bottom LineIf you’ve been trying to conceive, missed your period, or started to notice some of those typical pregnancy symptoms, you probably want to know whether or not you’re pregnant. Home pregnancy tests, which work by detecting levels of hCG in your urine, are a great way to confirm that you're pregnant. For the most accurate results, it’s best to wait at least a week after your first missed period or opt for a pregnancy blood test by your healthcare provider, which can detect pregnancy earlier. There’s a lot of fascinating science that goes into pregnancy tests, but we hope this basic guide helps you understand how at-home urine tests or blood tests work, when you should take one, and how accurate they are. If you received a positive result and are now starting to prepare for a new baby, don’t forget that the Pampers Club app rewards you for all those diapers and wipes purchases! How quickly can you tell if you are pregnant?It can take around three to four weeks from the first day of your last period for there to be enough hCG in your body to show up on a test.
Can you feel pregnant after 2 days?How early do pregnancy symptoms start? It varies. Some people feel pregnant within a few days of conception, while other people don't feel pregnant for weeks after a positive pregnancy test. Pregnancy symptoms vary between people and even between pregnancies.
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