If you think that you are showing signs of early pregnancy, you’ll want to take a pregnancy test to put your mind at ease one way or another.
However, it is possible to take a pregnancy test too early, so it may not give you accurate results. Read the rest of this article to understand how pregnancy tests work, when to take them, and how reliable they are.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Pregnancy tests have a reactive strip on them that can detect levels of hCG, a hormone that is present in pregnant women. In order to give your body enough time to produce detectable levels, it’s best to wait up to one week after your missed period so that you don’t take the test too early.
It’s also advised that you take a test first thing in the morning when your urine is undiluted.
How do I Know If My At-Home Test is Reliable?
At-home pregnancy tests are easy to get, but there is a slim possibility that the result won’t be correct if the test was not stored in a quality-controlled environment, is expired, or is not used correctly.
Even if you wait the correct amount of time and take the test, false-negative results are possible with at-home tests if:
- If you’ve experienced an early miscarriage (hCG is still detectable)
- The test is expired or defective
- The test has been taken too early in your menstrual cycle
It’s also possible to receive a false result if you are taking certain medications. At Boston Center for Pregnancy Choices, we offer quality-controlled, lab-quality pregnancy tests at no cost. With fast and accurate results, our trained staff is also on hand to answer any questions you may have about the pregnancy process.
How Do I Get a Pregnancy Test?
You can purchase a pregnancy test at your local drugstore but we also offer lab-quality grade pregnancy tests for free at our center as well as referrals for limited ultrasounds. We are here to help you get as much information about your pregnancy as possible so that you can feel empowered moving forward.
We are here to provide a safe environment for you to ask questions and learn about different options, so contact us today to make your appointment!
