If you think you might be pregnant, taking a test right away is tempting.
Some tests are more sensitive and can detect pregnancy even sooner than a missed period. However, a good rule of thumb is to wait until the day after your first missed period to take a pregnancy test so you can receive an accurate result.
Due to women having irregular periods or miscalculating the first day of their missed period, the FDA estimates that 10-20% of pregnant women may not receive a positive pregnancy test result on this day.
If you suspect you could still be pregnant after a negative pregnancy test, you can take another one a week after your period for the most accurate results.
Are you located near Slippery Rock or New Castle, Pennsylvania? You can always visit Alpha Omega Center for free and confidential pregnancy testing.
What If My Period Is Irregular?
If your period is irregular, it’s more difficult to determine when to take a pregnancy test.
According to the FDA, most pregnancy tests can detect the pregnancy hormone, hCG, in urine 12-15 days after ovulation for women with 28-day cycles. Waiting three weeks after sex or four weeks after your last period should be adequate time for an accurate pregnancy test reading.
What If I’ve Been Pregnant…Probably for a While?
Maybe life has been moving quickly, and it’s been well over three weeks since sex, and you are now noticing pregnancy symptoms. You should be able to take a urine test and receive an accurate result outside of one specific situation.
If you are far along in pregnancy, there is a rare phenomenon called the “hook effect.” This is when you have high levels of hCG further into pregnancy, which makes it difficult for urine pregnancy tests to deliver accurate readings.
Clearblue, a well-known pregnancy test brand, does not recommend diluting urine to try to offset the hook effect. Instead, if you’re receiving negative pregnancy test results, consider visiting a health professional for a quantitative hCG test, which uses a blood sample to determine accurate hCG levels.
What Do I Do if I Receive a Positive Test Result?
Whether you just received a positive pregnancy test result at home or you would like to take one for no cost, visit Alpha Omega Center.
We can provide you with confirmation pregnancy testing, an ultrasound, STD testing, and information on every pregnancy option. We are here to be a resource for the Slippery Rock and New Castle communities.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment online today!
