Health Info > Womens Health and Pregnancy Published on : August 27, 2024

When should you take a pregnancy test? Everything you need to know.

Name: Hola Health
Address: Australia
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Written by Priyanka Agarwal, Writer at Hola Health
Medically reviewed by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist

Are you feeling nauseous, or has your go-to snack suddenly become less appetizing? If you think you might be pregnant, timing is crucial when deciding when to take a pregnancy test. Understanding how these tests work and when to take them can make all the difference in getting accurate results. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you’re tested at the right time.

How early can pregnancy be detected?

Pregnancy can be confirmed using various methods that detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is released shortly after the fertilised egg implants into the uterine lining. Here are the most common ways to detect pregnancy:

1. Urine test:

This is the most common method for at-home pregnancy detection. Home pregnancy tests function by measuring hCG levels in urine. They are generally most accurate when conducted after a missed menstrual period, but some highly sensitive tests can detect hCG up to 5 days before your expected period.

2. Blood test:

The blood test measures hCG levels in the blood and gives a simple affirmative or negative answer regarding your pregnancy. It can confirm pregnancy sooner than a urine test, typically within 6 to 8 days after ovulation, before a missed period. Get a blood test referral from an online doctor in minutes.

3. Ultrasound:

An ultrasound can reveal pregnancy by visualising the embryo or gestational sac in the uterus. This method is generally carried out from 4.5 to 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) after a missed menstrual cycle and can give insights regarding the gestational age and condition of the pregnancy.

4. Physical symptoms:

While not certain, some physical symptoms might suggest pregnancy. Common signs such as a missed period, morning sickness, fatigue, or changes in the breast like swelling, might imply pregnancy.

How soon after unprotected intercourse can I test for pregnancy?

You may typically test for pregnancy approximately 1 to 2 weeks following unprotected intercourse, which corresponds to the time when you're missing period would normally occur. To get the most accurate results, wait until the day your period is due. Some sensitive pregnancy tests claim to detect pregnancy earlier, but waiting until your period is due reduces the risk of false negatives. If you test too soon and obtain a negative result, you should repeat it a few days later or visit a healthcare expert for further information.

What are the early signs of pregnancy?

Early pregnancy symptoms vary, but frequent ones include:

Missed period: One of the most common early warning indicators, however, it can be influenced by other causes like stress or hormone changes
Nausea and vomiting: Commonly known as morning sickness, this can occur at any time of day and typically begins during the sixth week of pregnancy.
Fatigue: Hormonal shifts and higher energy demands might leave you feeling particularly weary.
Breast changes: As the body prepares for nursing, the areolas may become tender, swollen, or darker.
Frequent urination: Increased blood supply to the kidneys might cause more frequent toilet visits.
Food cravings or aversions: Changes in taste and smell can lead to unusual cravings or aversions to certain foods
Spotting and cramping: Light spotting and moderate cramps may occur as the fertilised egg implants into the uterine lining.
Increased basal temperature: A continuous rise in basal body temperature might suggest pregnancy.

What are the different types of pregnancy tests?

There are several types of pregnancy tests, each with different methods for detecting the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which indicates pregnancy:

Urine pregnancy tests

Home pregnancy tests:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Tests: These are widely used at home and come in various formats, including test strips, midstream tests, and digital tests. They detect hCG in urine and can be used from the first day of missing menstruation.
Test strips: Dip the strip into the urine sample or hold it in the urine stream.
Midstream tests: You urinate straight into the test stick, which is more convenient and requires less handling.
Digital tests: Digital tests provide a clear "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant" result on a digital display, which is frequently more user-friendly.

Clinical urine tests:

Used in medical offices: Like home tests but often more sensitive and might be used to confirm home test results.
Blood pregnancy tests

Quantitative blood test (Beta-HCG Test):

Measures the exact amount of hCG: Provides a precise measurement of hCG levels in the blood, which can aid in determining pregnancy progression and detecting extremely early pregnancies.
More sensitive: Detects pregnancy sooner than urine tests and is used to track pregnancy development.

Qualitative blood test:

Confirms pregnancy: Returns a simple "positive" or "negative" result indicating if hCG is present in the bloodstream.

Clinical Pregnancy Tests - Ultrasound

Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound: Used to confirm pregnancy and examine foetal development; often conducted following a positive pregnancy test or when there are concerns about the pregnancy.
Pelvic examination: While occasionally used to check changes in the uterus or other symptoms of pregnancy, it is not normally the primary approach for pregnancy identification.

How accurate are at-home pregnancy tests?

When done appropriately, at-home pregnancy tests can be 97-99% accurate, especially after a missed period. The accuracy is dependent on numerous factors:

Timing: For optimal results, wait until the first day of your missing period. Testing too early might result in false negatives because hCG levels may be too low to detect.
Test sensitivity: Tests vary in sensitivity. Some can detect lower amounts of hCG and be used before a missing period, although they may produce more false negatives.
Proper usage: It is critical to carefully follow the directions. This includes following the prescribed waiting period to review results and administer the test as instructed.
Expiry and storage: Ensure that the test has not expired and has been properly stored. An expired or badly kept test might produce incorrect results.
Medication and conditions: Certain medicines or medical conditions might impact test findings. For example, reproductive medicines containing hCG might produce false positives.

A positive result is usually trustworthy; however, it is best to confirm with a healthcare practitioner by blood test or ultrasound. If you get a negative result but still suspect pregnancy, retest in a few days or contact your doctor.

Ultimately, whether you wish for a positive result or a negative one, knowing the right time to take a pregnancy test can help alleviate the tension and help you make informed decisions about your next steps. So, grab that test, breathe deeply, and get set for any news that might come your way.

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