Whether you’re hoping for a positive or negative result, waiting to take a home pregnancy test can be hard.
In this article, we’ll discuss how a home pregnancy test works, when to take one, and how many tests you need to take in order to verify your results.
How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?
An over-the-counter pregnancy test uses a urine sample to look for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). HCG is a hormone that is only produced in a woman’s body during pregnancy.
Once a pregnancy implants in the uterus, the body starts producing hCG rapidly. Levels of hCG will begin to double and even triple every other day to sustain the growing pregnancy.
The level of hCG detected by a pregnancy test is the key to how accurate the results will be.
Timing Is Important
Most home pregnancy tests are designed to be taken a day or two after an expected period. If you take a test too early, you may get a false negative result due to the fact that your hCG levels were too low when you tested.
If you’re too anxious to wait until the recommended time to take a home pregnancy test, you can schedule an appointment with your doctor and request a blood test. Blood tests are much more sensitive to hCG and can detect much lower levels than a urine test can.
How Many Tests Should I Take?
If you wait until the recommended day or two after a missed period, you’ll likely only need to take one home pregnancy test to receive an accurate result.
However, if you just can’t wait and take a test early and receive a negative result, you should wait a week and test again. If you receive a positive result the second time, chances are high that you’re pregnant.
Local Support
Verifying your test results is easy and free at Fayette PRC. Text 770-762-0804 for immediate assistance and get connected with one of our friendly nurse. You can also request an appointment online.
If your pregnancy test result is positive, we can help you explore your options so you can make an informed and confident decision about your future.
Your health and future matter to us.