If you’re an expectant mother, you might be feeling a range of emotions right about now – including anxiety, excitement, and curiosity. Many women wonder if they are pregnant as soon as they miss their period, and you might be wondering – how accurate are they? Home pregnancy tests are available. When is the best time to take a pregnancy test?
An early pregnancy test may help you confirm whether you are pregnant or not. But is an early pregnancy test accurate? When should you take your first pregnancy test?
Women often prefer to take home pregnancy tests for convenience, privacy, and quick results. Home test kits can detect the hormone hCG in your urine about 2 weeks after conception or 2 weeks after egg fertilization. Simply use your kit to drop urine on the strip, wait a few minutes, and read the results. For best results, follow these tips:
Pregnancy tests usually recommend that you take the test on the first day of your missed period, which is around two weeks after conception. However, there are some pregnancy tests that are more sensitive than others and can detect the pregnancy hormone earlier. It’s important to read the instructions carefully and interpret the results correctly. Home pregnancy tests are said to be 97% accurate, but if you want a more accurate result, you can always ask your doctor to give you a blood test. Blood tests are said to be more sensitive than home pregnancy tests (HPTs) and can detect pregnancy as early as the second week of conception.
Many women opt to take a pregnancy test at home for convenience, privacy, and affordability. The urine test should be done first thing in the morning, using your first urine of the day. If you receive a positive result on a home pregnancy test, you should then schedule an appointment with your doctor to have a pelvic exam and blood test to confirm the result.
When to take a pregnancy test can be tricky – if you test too early, the pregnancy hormone might not yet be present in your urine, resulting in a false negative. Most home pregnancy tests are 90% accurate if you wait to test yourself one day after your missed period. If you feel you are pregnant, but the home pregnancy test is negative, repeat the test again in a week if you still have not had your period. And if you are still getting negative test results and think you are pregnant, it’s important to see your health care provider right away.
Cramping and bleeding are common first symptoms of pregnancy. Implantation bleeding occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of your uterus, typically 10–14 days after fertilization. Some women mistake implantation bleeding for their regular period, but it usually happens earlier and is lighter in color. It also doesn’t last as long. Some women also experience abdominal cramping, which can feel similar to menstrual cramps.
You might find yourself craving foods that you normally wouldn’t eat when you’re pregnant. This is due to the hormonal changes that your body is going through. Women generally start to experience cravings during the first trimester of their pregnancy. So, if you’re pregnant and suddenly have an urge for a certain food, don’t be alarmed! It’s probably just your hormones acting up.
