When to take a home pregnancy test
I think I’m pregnant. When can I take a home pregnancy test?
You’ll want to wait at least until the first day of your missed cycle — and perhaps a bit longer. Here’s why. Home pregnancy tests measure a hormone produced after the fertilized egg attaches in the wall of the uterus. This hormone, called HCG, isn’t present until six to 12 days after fertilization. The timing varies, so testing when your menstrual cycle is only a day late might miss a developing pregnancy.
How accurate are the tests?
The tests are quite good. A recent study showed that the tests are capable of diagnosing 90 percent of pregnancies on the first day of the missed period. By one week after the first day of the missed period, that rises to as much as 97 percent.
For the most accurate test results:
- Follow the specific directions of your home pregnancy test exactly.
- Test using your first urine of the morning, which has the highest concentration of HCG.
How does the pregnancy test work?
After your developing baby prompts the production of HCG, this hormone can be detected in your blood and shortly later in your urine. Home pregnancy tests can detect HCG in your urine. The tests usually require that you place a pregnancy test stick in a sample of your urine. Within a few minutes, the presence of a dot or line on the test stick indicates whether HCG is present in your urine. If it is, the test is positive, meaning you are pregnant.
What if the test says I’m pregnant?
If the test result is positive, make plans to see your health care provider to begin prenatal care. Ask him or her to prescribe prenatal vitamins.
What if the test says I’m not pregnant?
If your result is negative, but you still have the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, wait a few days and then take a second test. Or ask to have a pregnancy test done at your health care provider’s office.
