When to take a pregnancy test | The complete guide

Are you waiting for an answer that could change your life? Welcome to Newborn Tips, in today’s article you will discover everything you need to know about when to take a pregnancy test to get an accurate and reliable result. You will also find practical advice, ideal timing and useful information to face this moment with serenity.

Table of contents

What is a pregnancy test?

To begin, a pregnancy test is a diagnostic tool used to determine whether a woman is pregnant.

Briefly, it can be done comfortably at home with a urine test or in a laboratory with a blood test.

How does it work?

As such, the test to find out if you are pregnant detects the presence, in urine or blood, of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), produced by the body when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

In particular, it is possible thanks to the fact that after conception, the embryo begins to produce hCG.

Therefore, the levels of hCG (which are released into the bloodstream and urine) increase rapidly in the first days of pregnancy, making diagnosis possible.

What does it detect?

By the way, pregnancy tests are designed with specific antibodies that bind to hCG.

If the hormone is present, a chemical reaction occurs that produces a visible change on the test.

How many types of pregnancy tests are there?

There are two main types, each with specific characteristics and methods:

Urine test (home):

This is the most common test, sold in pharmacies and can be used at home. It consists of a device in which a few drops of urine are applied or immersed directly in it.

In addition to this, it can be performed starting from the first day of a missed menstrual cycle.

So how do you understand if you are pregnant from your urine? Thanks to the detection of the presence of the hormone hCG in the urine.

Pros:

Easy to use
Results in a few minutes
Convenient and discreet

Cons:

Possible error if performed too early or incorrectly
Blood test (laboratory):

It is performed in a medical laboratory and involves a blood sample.

To illustrate how the blood pregnancy test works, the levels of hCG in the blood are measured, offering a more precise analysis.

In this regard, there are two types of blood pregnancy test analysis, namely the quantitative test, which provides the exact concentration of hCG and the qualitative test, which simply confirms the presence or absence of hCG.

Pros:

Greater sensitivity than the urine test
It can detect pregnancy a few days after the implantation of the egg, before the delay of the period

Cons:

Requires a visit to the laboratory
Waiting times for the results

Even more, both tests are reliable, but choosing the most suitable one depends on your needs and timing. For a definitive confirmation, it is always advisable to contact a doctor.

How to read a pregnancy test?

If it is a urine pregnancy test, it usually shows a colored line or a symbol (for example, “+” or “pregnant”).

It is important to follow the instructions on the test to correctly interpret the result, i.e. ‘Positive: You are pregnant’ or ‘Negative: You are not pregnant’, or you have taken the test too early.

On the other hand, the blood pregnancy test is interpreted by the doctor, who will tell you if the hCG levels indicate pregnancy.

In any case, if you have any doubts about the result, repeat the test after a few days or consult a doctor for further investigations.

How many days late before taking the test?

In all honesty, the ideal time to take a pregnancy test depends on the type of test chosen and the regularity of your menstrual cycle.

Urine test (home):

It is advisable to wait at least 1-2 days after your period has been missed for more reliable results.

In fact, some more sensitive pregnancy tests can be used as early as 3-4 days before your period is due, but they may not be as accurate.

Blood test (lab):

Can detect pregnancy as early as 7-10 days after ovulation, so before your period is missed.

So if your urine pregnancy test is negative but your period is missed, repeat the test in 3-5 days to confirm or consult a doctor.

How does an early pregnancy test work?

An early pregnancy test is designed to detect the presence of the hormone hCG at very low levels, allowing you to diagnose a pregnancy before your period is missed.

These tests are more sensitive than standard tests and can detect hCG as early as 8-10 days after ovulation.

How it works:

Overall, early pregnancy tests use chemical reagents that can identify hCG even in very low concentrations, often as low as 10-25 mIU/mL (international units per milliliter).

Many women often wonder what urine to use for a pregnancy test? Well, morning urine, which is more concentrated, is generally recommended for more reliable results.

What are the most used early tests?

✅️ Clearblue Early Detection Test:

Sensitivity: Detects hCG from 10 mIU/mL.

Accuracy: Can be used up to 6 days before your missed period.

✅️ First Response Early Result:

Sensitivity: One of the most sensitive tests on the market, detects hCG at very low levels (6.3 mIU/mL).

Accuracy: Offers results up to 5 days before your missed period.

✅️ Early generic tests (pharmacy brands):

Sensitivity: Varies between 10 and 25 mIU/mL.

Accuracy: Generally usable 2-4 days before your expected period.

Tips for use:

Use the test early in the morning for a higher concentration of hCG
If the result is negative but you suspect pregnancy, repeat the test after a few days
For definitive confirmation, a blood test in a laboratory is always advisable

Can a pregnancy test be done at any time?

Yes, it can be done at any time, but with some precautions:

Morning urine: It is preferable to use the first urine of the day, as it is more concentrated and contains higher levels of hCG, especially in the early days of pregnancy.

During the day: You can also do it at other times, but it is important not to drink too much fluid before the test, as this could dilute the urine and reduce the concentration of hCG.

If the result is negative and you still have doubts, repeat the test after 2-3 days or consult a doctor for a blood test.

How do you do a pregnancy test?

Taking a test to find out if you are pregnant is quick and easy. Follow these steps:

Choose the right test: Buy a pregnancy test at a pharmacy or supermarket. There are traditional strip tests or digital tests with a display.
Read the instructions: Each test has specific instructions, so read the package insert carefully to make sure you perform the test correctly.
Prepare your materials: Collect a small amount of urine in a clean container (if prompted) or prepare to urinate directly on the device.
Perform the test:

Direct method: Urinate directly onto the absorbent part of the test for the indicated time (usually 5-10 seconds)
Indirect method: Immerse the absorbent part of the test in the collected urine for the specified time

Wait for the result: Place the test on a flat surface and wait for the indicated time (usually 2-5 minutes). Do not check too early to avoid errors.

Read the result

Classic test: It will show a line or a “+” symbol if you are pregnant and a single line if you are not
Digital test: It will display the words “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant” (some also indicate the weeks of pregnancy)

Confirm the result (if necessary): As mentioned, if the result is negative but you suspect a pregnancy, repeat the test after 2-3 days. For definitive confirmation, perform a blood test in the laboratory.

Finally, remember that the information provided in this article on when to take a pregnancy test is for informational purposes only and is not intended in any way to replace the advice, diagnosis or treatment of a pediatrician or qualified healthcare professional. Therefore, before making any decisions regarding the health of your newborn, it is essential to consult your trusted pediatrician, who will be able to provide you with personalized advice based on the specific needs of your child.

Newborn Tips, The Editorial Staff