When should I take a pregnancy test? Did you know?
Whether you're crossing your fingers for a negative or positive result, taking an early pregnancy test can quickly confirm your hopes or ease your fears. However, even if you are pregnant, an early test can sometimes give a negative result. So when should you take a pregnancy test
How soon after unprotected can i test for pregnancy?
Although you may want to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible, it's best to wait until a week after you should have had your period to get the most accurate result. If you are too impatient to wait until your period, wait at least one or two weeks after sex before taking a pregnancy test.
When should I take a pregnancy test: in the morning or in the evening?
The ideal time to take a pregnancy test is often discussed. Is it better to do it in the morning or in the evening? To get an accurate result, most experts suggest taking a pregnancy test in the morning. Why? Your first morning urine contains the highest level of hCG.
What if you have a staggered sleep schedule and can't do the test in the morning? You can recreate the same parameters by not going to the bathroom for at least four hours.
On the morning you take a pregnancy test, it's not necessary to drink more water than usual. In fact, drinking a lot of water can dilute your urine and affect the test result.
If your result is negative but you still think you may be pregnant, take the test again after a few days.
When is it too early to take a pregnancy test?
If you take a pregnancy test without waiting until eight days after your ovulation date, you may get a false negative. This is because fertilized eggs do not begin to produce the pregnancy hormone, called hCG, until after they have fully implanted.
In about 85% of cases, implantation occurs 8 to 10 days after ovulation. After implantation, your hCG levels will begin to double every 48 hours. This is when a pregnancy test will allow you to measure your hCG level, with a positive result.
When should I take a blood pregnancy test?
Do-it-yourself pregnancy tests measure the level of hCG in your urine. With a blood pregnancy test, the hCG level in your blood is measured. Your doctor may recommend a blood test. These tests are more sensitive, and can provide more information than home urine tests.
The best time to take a blood pregnancy test is after your period is several days late. If your urine pregnancy tests are negative, but you have symptoms of pregnancy, it's a good idea to do a blood test.
Quantitative pregnancy blood tests are the most accurate because they determine the exact level of the hCG hormone. This is important because the test result tells your doctor if you are pregnant or if you need to be tested again in a few days.
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Doctors also recommend having the blood test if you have had an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage in the past. Your doctor will be able to study your hCG levels more closely in the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Although you may want to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible, it's best to wait until a week after your period is due to get the most accurate result. If you are impatient, you can try to take one at least one or two weeks after you have sex.
To get an accurate result, it's best to do the test in the morning. Your first morning urine contains the highest level of hCG. If you take a pregnancy test without waiting until eight days after your ovulation date, you may get a false negative. Doctors recommend taking a blood test because they are more sensitive and can provide more information than home urine tests.
