How Do Home Pregnancy Test Kits Work
To start by talking about how a home pregnancy test kit works, you need to understand the very basics of early pregnancy. Once a sperm and egg meet, they begin to rapidly transform into a blastocyst, a small cluster of cells. These cells continue to divide and make more cells, though it takes close to two weeks for the body to even know that any of this is happening. When your body senses the pregnancy, your period is canceled and doesnt start.
The pregnancy will begin to produce a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin . This is the pregnancy hormone, and it is what a pregnancy test is looking for to say whether or not you are pregnant. Home pregnancy tests look for hCG in your urine, as the hormone is excreted or passed when you use the bathroom. At first, this happens in very small quantities, but the further along in pregnancy you are, the more hCG can be detected.1
Most home pregnancy test kits work by having a slip of paper that reacts by changing color when hCG is present. Or in the case of digital pregnancy tests, when hCG is present, the pregnant sign lights up, but its still doing so because the pregnancy test detected hCG.
What To Do If You Feel Pregnant But The Test Was Negative
Talk to your provider if youve had a negative pregnancy test result, but are having symptoms of early pregnancy such as:
- Breast tenderness
- Sensitivity to smells
- Nausea and vomiting
Since the amount of hCG increases rapidly when you are pregnant, you may need to retest in a few days.
False Positive And Negative Results
When a test result is inaccurate, its either a false negative or a false positive . Several factors can cause false negative results:
- Having too dilute urine after drinking a lot of water or testing later in the day.
- Testing too soon when there has not been enough time for a fertilized egg to implant and start hCG production.
- Using a pregnancy test that doesnt detect lower levels of hCG. You can check the package insert for more information about the level at which the test will be positive.
Sometimes an egg will implant briefly but will not be sustained. This is also called a chemical pregnancy hCG is produced, but the pregnancy doesnt continue. A test performed several days before an expected period can show a positive result, but the woman still gets her period soon or on time. Rarely, certain tumors can produce hCG, causing a pregnancy test to be positive even when a woman is not pregnant.
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The Best Time In Your Cycle To Take A Pregnancy Test
The best time to take a pregnancy test is after your period is late. This will help you avoid false negatives. If you’re not already keeping a fertility calendar, proper pregnancy test timing is a good reason to start one.
If your cycles are irregular or you dont chart your cycles, do not take a test until you have passed the longest menstrual cycle you usually have. For example, if your cycles range from 30 to 36 days, the best time to take a test would be day 37 or later.
Something else to consider is whether you know if your period is even late. According to the FDA, out of every 100 people, between 10 and 20 will not get a positive pregnancy test result on the day they think is just after their missed period, even if they are pregnant.
Tests labeled for early pregnancy detection may be able to detect a pregnancy several days before your expected period. However, the most accurate results come after your period is late.
Can You Take A Pregnancy Test Before Missed Period
Think you might be pregnant?
Even with the most effective birth control methods, theres always a chance for error. After all, it takes just one sperm to fertilize the egg. Finding out whether or not thats happened is as easy as taking an over-the-counter pregnancy test.
OTC pregnancy tests typically test your urine for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin . HCG is only present if youre pregnant. The hormone is only released if a fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus or to your uterine lining.
There are different ways to collect your urine for the test. Depending on the test you choose, you may have to:
- collect your urine in a cup and dip a testing stick into the liquid
- collect your urine in a cup and use an eyedropper to move a small amount of fluid into a special container
- place the testing stick into the area of your expected urine stream so that it will catch your urine midstream
According to Cleveland Clinic, most tests are 99 percent effective if taken after a missed period. The best part is that you can do it in the privacy of your own home. Simply open the test, follow the instructions, and wait for the recommended amount of time to view the results.
After the recommended waiting time has passed, the tests will display your results in one of the following ways:
- a change in color
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Pregnancy Tests At Your Doctor Or Local Chemist
Some pharmacists offer pregnancy tests for free, or you may be charged a small fee.
Your GP may offer you a pregnancy test as part of a consultation. For example, if you are not getting your periods but any pregnancy tests youve taken at home are negative.
You will need to take a sample of your urine in a clean, soap-free container. If you are going to your GP, you can get pots to put your sample in from the surgery.
You may have to wait up to a few days for the result. But if your urine sample is tested on the spot, you will probably be given the result after just a few minutes.
How Soon Can I Take A Home Pregnancy Test
It is recommended that you wait until you have missed a period to take a home test. A missed period is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. If you cannot wait that long to find out and you know the day you may have conceived, then the earliest you can take a test would be 14 days from possible conception.
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So Whats The Best Time To Take A Pregnancy Test
The best time to test for pregnancy is a week after your missed period.
However, there are many other reason why you could miss your period that is not pregnancy.
Stress, long term illness and severe weight loss with more than 10 percent of body weight may cause your period to come 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days late.
Other conditions that could delay your period are
- Birth control pills
What About A False Positive
A false positivewhen a pregnancy test says youre pregnant but you arentis much rarer, but it can occur. The medication Ovidrel , which is a form of the hormone hCG that is used in fertility treatments, can be detected by a pregnancy test up to 12 days after its injected. If you have a tumour that secretes hCG, your pregnancy test could also show a false positive, but this is very rare. In addition, pregnancy tests can pick up on pregnancies that cant be carried to term, such as ectopic pregnancies and very early miscarriages.
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Whats Next If The Results Are Positive
Your next steps depend on two things: whether youre pregnant and whether or not you planned to get pregnant.
If your test results are positive and youve been planning to have a baby, take another test to make sure youre pregnant. Then, see your doctor before you reach the 8-week mark. You can ask them about prenatal care options or specialists who can help guide you through your pregnancy. Ask your doctor about any changes you need to make to your lifestyle, medications, or diet to keep yourself and your baby healthy for the next nine months.
If your test results are positive but you didnt plan to get pregnant, ask your doctor about available options, including:
- carrying the pregnancy to term for adoption
- what to do if you want to continue your pregnancy
You can also receive help from a clinic or health center that specializes in reproductive health and child care, like Planned Parenthood.
The Best Time In Your Cycle
The best time to take a pregnancy test is after your period is late. This will help you avoid false negatives. If youre not already keeping a fertility calendar, proper pregnancy test timing is a good reason to start one.
If your cycles are irregular or you dont chart your cycles, dont take a test until youve passed the longest menstrual cycle you usually have. For example, if your cycles range from 30 to 36 days, the best time to take a test would be day 37 or later.
Something else to consider is whether you know if your period is even late. According to the FDA, out of every 100 people, between 10 and 20 will not get a positive pregnancy test result on the day they think is just after their missed period, even if they are pregnant.
Tests labeled for early pregnancy detection may be able to detect a pregnancy several days before your expected period. However, the most accurate results come after your period is late.
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When Should I Call My Doctor About A New Pregnancy
If youve missed your period and gotten a positive pregnancy test, your next step will be to call your healthcare provider for your first appointment. While scheduling, your provider may ask if you have already started taking a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid. Prenatal vitamins are important in early pregnancy because they help in the development of your babys neural tube. The neural tube will become your babys brain and spine. Many healthcare providers recommend that anyone who could become pregnant take folic acid at all times.
If youre planning a pregnancy, a preconception appointment with your healthcare provider is a good place to start. A preconception appointment is especially important if you take medication for a chronic illness or have other medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or lupus.
During this appointment, your provider will discuss any current medical conditions, as well as your general health before pregnancy. This appointment is meant to get you into the best place for a new pregnancy.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/26/2022.
References
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Do Tests That Promise Early Detection Actually Work
Some specialty tests are able to detect a pregnancy as early as six days before a missed period . But the earlier you test, the less accurate the test will be because ovulation isnt perfectly consistent from month to month and implantation can vary by two or three days post-ovulation, she says. I have seen patients get quite upset when an early test is negative, only to find totally appropriate hCG levels present the day their period is due.
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Food Aversions Or Cravings
Unusual cravings and food aversions are common in the first trimester, though they sometimes persist through the entire pregnancy.
Some people crave nonfood items, such as dirt or ice. This is known as pica. Anyone who craves things that are not food should consult a healthcare professional.
A person may also find they no longer enjoy foods they previously enjoyed or that their taste and smell become more sensitive.
How Long To Wait Before Pregnancy Test
Home pregnancy tests are qualitative and can only detect the presence of hCG hormone in your urine. They cannot determine the source or the amount of hCG present in your blood.
After fertilization, the egg divides through a process called cleavage. When it reaches the stage of blastocyst then it implants in the lining of the uterus. The placenta formation begins after implantation which is the source of hCG.
The pregnancy hormone increases in blood and also in urine. When the concentration of hCG in urine reaches up to the sensitivity of pregnancy test the test line appears.
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Your First Prenatal Visit
During your first prenatal visit, you will be screened for potential medical issues or other concerns that could affect your pregnancy. Ideally, you will make an appointment for your first prenatal visit as soon as your pregnancy has been confirmed.
Your doctor will likely schedule the appointment around 6 to 8 weeks into your pregnancy. However, they may see you sooner if you:
- have an existing medical condition
- have had prior problems with pregnancy
- have certain symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and severe nausea or vomiting
At your first visit, your doctor will check your vital signs and take your medical history. They may perform certain examinations and tests, including blood and urine tests.
Its important to ask your doctor questions and to address any concerns you may have about your pregnancy.
They will also describe the importance of eating a balanced diet, exercising, and taking certain prenatal vitamins during pregnancy. Make sure to ask your doctor about any over-the-counter medicines or supplements you might want to take while youre pregnant. They can advise you whether they are safe to use during pregnancy.
My Mouth Feels Like It’s Full Of Spit All Of The Time Lately Could That Me A Positive Sign
Excessive saliva can definitely fall into the “morning sickness” category of pregnancy. The medical term for it is Ptaylism and it’s one of those obnoxious symptoms that can trigger vomiting early on. However, I’ve experienced it during PMS too. A great way to combat it is with tiny sips of water.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the authorâs knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
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How Likely Is It To Get A False Negative
If your pregnancy is in its early stages and your body has not yet produced enough hCG for the test to detect, you could get a false negative, which means youre actually pregnant, even though the test says youre not. The earlier you test, the higher the chances that this scenario will occur. If you get a false negative but still suspect that youre pregnant, repeat the test in a few days. If you miss your period, test again and book an appointment with your healthcare provider if you still get a negative result. Its reasonable to visit your doctor for more-definitive blood work and see if there is another reason why you havent had a period, says Schram.
Whats Next If The Results Are Negative
If your test results are negative, but you want to have a baby, keep trying to get pregnant. Also make sure that you begin taking folic acid supplements, if you havent already. You wont always get pregnant from sexual intercourse depending on your menstrual cycle, so use an ovulation calculator or track your cycle on a calendar to decide when the best times are for you to get pregnant.
Learn more: Ovulation: When am I most fertile? »
If youve tried to become pregnant multiple times, consider getting a fertility test or asking your partner to get a fertility test. It can reveal whether either of you might have fertility issues that are affecting your ability to get pregnant. If youre infertile, consider other options for becoming pregnant, such as artificial insemination.
If your test results are negative and you didnt plan to get pregnant, take a second test to make sure the results are accurate. If you took the test because you were concerned that you might have gotten pregnant after unprotected sex, make sure to use any birth control necessary to prevent any future pregnancy scares.
If your results are negative but youre still experiencing pregnancy symptoms, such as a missed period, see your doctor to find out if another condition is causing your symptoms. Symptoms such as exhaustion, nausea, and vomiting are common to other conditions. Heavy exercise or excessive stress can cause missed periods as well.
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Is Price A Factor When It Comes To Pregnancy Test Accuracy
Pregnancy test accuracy is not affected by price. If your dollar store pregnancy test says youre pregnant, you almost certainly are. That said, more expensive tests may have increased sensitivity, so theyll be able to detect lower levels of hCG and provide positive test results at an earlier date than cheaper tests. Thats why you shouldnt rely on dollar store tests to test really early, says Schram.
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