Home Pregnancy Tests: What You Need to Know

What the heck! My period is late. How did this happen? I mean, of course I know how IT happens, but I didn’t expect it to happen to me.   

Should I take a home pregnancy test? Are home tests even accurate?  

So, you think you might be pregnant, but you need to know for sure. Like, NOW! We understand. Regardless of how you feel about the possibility of being pregnant, here are answers to a few questions you may have about home pregnancy tests.  

HOW DOES A HOME PREGNANCY TEST WORK? 

About 10 days after conception (when a sperm fertilizes an egg), the embryo implants into a woman’s uterus. A woman’s body then releases the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to sustain the pregnancy.[1] Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of HCG in the urine. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE A PREGNANCY TEST? 

Although the body immediately starts producing HCG at implantation (about 10 days after conception), HCG is often not detectable in the urine until about 14 days after conception. Most home pregnancy tests recommend testing after the first day of your missed period. If taken before a missed period, the test could be negative even though a woman is early in her pregnancy.[2]  

Helpful hint: HCG levels are usually highest in the first urine of the morning, so that is a good time to test. 

CAN I TRUST THE ACCURACY OF A HOME PREGNANCY TESTS? 

We get it. You need to know for sure.

Every home pregnancy test works a little differently, so women should read and follow the instructions that come with the test. Also, don’t forget to check the expiration date! And don’t use it if it is expired. When used correctly, home pregnancy tests can be up to 99% accurate.[3] 

But if taken too early, used improperly, or left too long, the test results may not be accurate. If you get a negative test but still think you’re pregnant, wait a few days and then retest. 

WHERE CAN I GET A PREGNANCY TEST?

Home pregnancy tests are available over the counter (without a prescription). Some women find that digital tests are easier to read.[4] Regardless of the type used, carefully read and follow the instructions. Some women prefer going to a center to confirm pregnancy. No problem. We got you!

You can schedule a free pregnancy test at Little Way or give us a call to get started.

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MY PERIODS ARE IRREGULAR. WHEN SHOULD I TAKE A PREGNANCY TEST?

If your period is irregular, you can take a pregnancy test two weeks after sex or if you develop pregnancy symptoms. 

WHY IS ONE PREGNANCY TEST POSITIVE AND THE OTHER NEGATIVE? 

NOT helpful, RIGHT?!

If you’ve missed your period and taken pregnancy tests that gave you both positive and negative results, wait a few days (for your HCG levels to increase) before taking additional tests. Don’t forget: first morning urine will have the highest concentration of HCG.  

Call Little Way to speak to our qualified healthcare team! 

DO I NEED A BLOOD PREGNANCY TEST? 

No: At least not for most pregnancies. In a clinical setting, blood tests detect the presence and the amount of HCG in blood. Healthcare providers may use blood tests to verify pregnancy, to estimate the gestational age, and to monitor the progression of pregnancy. However, urine pregnancy tests suffice for most women.[7]

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A POSITIVE PREGNANCY TEST? 

Take a deep breath. Slowly. ((Repeat as needed))

The first few moments after a positive pregnancy test can feel overwhelming. Women can feel angry, sad, nervous, happy, or simply numb. And maybe all those things at the same time!  We want you to know that we are here for you. We can provide the information and the medical services that you need to make the best decision for your health and future.  

Give us a call at (502) 532-2833 or schedule an appointment online.

WHAT IF I’M CONSIDERING AN ABORTION? 

Although a positive pregnancy test detects HCG in a woman’s urine, the results do NOT tell how far along the pregnancy is, whether the pregnancy is viable (meaning it is progressing as expected), plus an ectopic pregnancy needs to be ruled out. These are super important pieces of information to have before putting together a plan. The best way to figure that out is to receive an ultrasound. We can help! Because our goal at Little Way is that you are healthy, happy, and whole on the other side of your decision.  

Our compassionate medical team is here for you. Call us at (502) 532-2833 or schedule an appointment today.  

All services are confidential and free of charge.

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Sources

  1. American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Pregnancy Tests. American Pregnancy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/are-you-pregnant/pregnancy-tests/
  2. Mayo Clinic. (2022, December 23). Home pregnancy tests: Can you trust the results? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
  3. Tomlinson, C., Marshall, J., & Ellis, J. E. (2008). Comparison of accuracy and certainty of results of six home pregnancy tests available over-the-counter. Current medical research and opinion, 24(6), 1645–1649. https://doi.org/10.1185/03007990802120572
  4. Johnson, S., Cushion, M., Bond, S., Godbert, S. & Pike, J. (2015). Comparison of analytical sensitivity and women’s interpretation of home pregnancy tests. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), 53(3), 391-402. https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2014-0643
  5. John D. Jacobson. (2022, November 10). Pregnancy Test. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003432.htm
  6. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
  7. FDA. (2019, April 29). Pregnancy. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/pregnancy

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