Whether you are trying to conceive or not, missing a period can be an anxious time. One of the first things you may do is consider taking a pregnancy test. However, it can be tough to know when the optimal time is to take it.

Here we will outline the answers to commonly asked questions about taking a pregnancy test.

What is a Pregnancy Test?

A pregnancy test determines whether or not you are pregnant. It can detect the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which is only present in your body during pregnancy.

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

Most home pregnancy tests work the same way. You urinate on the test stick, or into a small cup and then carefully dip the test stick into the urine. Alternatively, some newer tests allow you to hold the stick right under your urine stream.

You then wait for the results.

The test typically works by using antibodies to detect hCG in your urine. Some tests also use a second line to detect a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH), which is typically present in higher quantities during ovulation.

However, LH can also be found in small amounts during pregnancy when the embryo needs it to produce hCG. Consequently, some pregnancy tests that detect LH may also show a faint positive result when you are pregnant because of the presence of hCG.

When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?

It can be challenging to know when you should take a pregnancy test. If you test too early, you might get a false negative result which can be disheartening.

Typically, you should wait until the first day of your missed period to take a pregnancy test to ensure that the results are as accurate as possible.

If you have irregular periods or are unsure of when your period is due, you can take a pregnancy test 21 days after you last had unprotected sex. However, results might not be as accurate in this instance.

What Time of Day Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?

Most pregnancy tests instruct you to pee on the test stick first thing in the morning. The reason being is that your urine is usually more concentrated at this time of day. Consequently, there is a higher chance of detecting hCG if you are pregnant.

However, many modern pregnancy tests are now so sensitive that it does not matter when you take the test.

What If You Tested Too Early?

If you have missed a period and have tested negative but still think you may be pregnant, it is advisable to wait a few more days and test again. If you test too early, you might get a false negative result.

There may not be enough hCG in your urine for the test to detect, leading to an incorrect result. Waiting a few days and then testing again, ensures that there is enough hCG in your urine to get an accurate result.

What If You Tested Positive?

Congratulations! If you test positive and are trying to conceive, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your doctor or midwife immediately. The healthcare provider will take a blood test to confirm the pregnancy.

If the results come out positive, they will schedule you for regular prenatal care.

What if You Tested Negative?

If you did not want to get pregnant, and the results come back negative, then you can relax a bit. However, if you were trying to conceive and the test comes back negative, it might be too early to detect hCG in your urine.

You can wait for a few more days and test again.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when taking a pregnancy test. Always make sure to read the instructions and wait for an accurate testing time to make sure you get the correct results.