How Does A Pregnancy Test Work?
Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body. If you think you might be pregnant, knowing the proper time to take a pregnancy test is important to get an accurate result.
When To Take A Pregnancy Test
According to the Mayo Clinic, the best time to take a pregnancy test is at least one week after a missed period to get the most accurate results. Your body has had time to produce the right amount of hCG hormone at this point to accurately show up on a test.
Pregnancy tests can detect hCG in urine as early as four days before your missed period, but it’s more sensitive in the days after. You can receive a more accurate result from the test by waiting just a bit longer.
Home Pregnancy Tests
Home pregnancy tests are usually very accurate, but there is still a chance they could be false. Inaccurate results are possible, and some types of home pregnancy tests may be more likely to give false negatives.
You could receive an inaccurate result if a pregnancy test is taken too soon or the directions are not followed correctly. Be sure with a free pregnancy test at Life Choices Community Pregnancy Clinic. Our client advocates are here to walk you through the process and help you learn more about the results.
A Positive Pregnancy Test
If you receive a positive pregnancy test at a clinic like ours, your next step is an ultrasound. A positive pregnancy test can confirm pregnancy, but it can’t tell you all there is to know about your pregnancy.
An ultrasound verifies you have a healthy, viable pregnancy. It also confirms how far along you are and if there are any potential complications.
First, schedule a pregnancy test appointment to take your first step toward clarity. You are not alone!