An unexpected pregnancy can take you by surprise.
Maybe your period was supposed to arrive yesterday, and it didn’t. Or, you haven’t been tracking your period, and now that you think about it, it should have been here by now.
Keep reading for information on pregnancy test timing and helpful tips.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta after the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus.
It can take about 10-11 days after conception (when the sperm fertilizes the egg) for hCG to be found in either urine or blood, so the timing of testing matters for receiving accurate results.
When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?
For accurate results, take a pregnancy test after the first day of your missed period.
This timing means waiting until after the day of your expected period to see if it arrives. If it doesn’t, it’s time to take a pregnancy test.
Can You Take a Pregnancy Test Early?
Many pregnancy tests on the market advertise results days sooner than a missed period. However, read the fine print to see how accurate these tests claim to be.
For instance, Clearblue’s Early Detection test is only 77% accurate six days before a missed period. The accuracy increases as you approach the date of your missed period.
While there’s no harm in taking pregnancy tests early, you want to be aware that you could receive a false-negative test result. This means you’re pregnant, but it’s too soon for an accurate result, so the test returns negative.
What if the Second Line on the Pregnancy Test Is Very Faint?
Many pregnancy tests show both a control line and a positive line. The control line should appear whether your result is positive or negative. It shows that the test is valid and working.
The second line is the positive line. If you receive even a very faint line, it’s a positive test result. The line should get darker and stronger if you test again later on as the hormone hCG increases.
What Do I Do After a Positive Pregnancy Test?
If your pregnancy test delivers a positive result, the next step is to schedule an ultrasound appointment.
These scans typically happen around seven to eight weeks into pregnancy. They verify that your pregnancy is located within the uterus and is progressing with a heartbeat.
A sonographer or nurse can also tell you your gestational age (how far along you are) to reveal your options.
If you’re within driving distance of Slippery Rock or New Castle, PA, visit Alpha Omega Center. We provide free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and support in a caring and professional environment. Schedule today!
